New MacBook Pro Features Smaller Heatsink Due to Supply Chain Issues

[MacRumors]

The M2 Pro and M2 Max MacBook Pro models feature a considerably smaller heatsink due to supply chain issues, teardowns suggest.

Top: M1 Pro logic board with larger heatsink. Bottom: M2 Pro logic board with smaller heatsink (via iFixit).​

The new MacBook Pro's revised thermal architecture appears to be caused by the reduced overall footprint of the M2 Pro and M2 Max SoCs inside the device, as noted by iFixit and Max Tech. The M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pro models contained two, large memory modules, but the M2 Pro and M2 Max MacBook Pro models contain four slimmer memory modules. Even though the M2 Pro and M2 Max dies are physically larger than those of the M1 Pro and M1 Max, the SoCs as a whole take up less space.

Left: M1 Pro SoC. Right: M2 Pro SoC (via iFixit).​

This means that the M2 Pro and M2 Max MacBook Pro models do not require a heatsink as large as the one used for the previous generation. It is not clear if this significantly impacts thermal efficiency.

The reason for the use of four smaller memory modules appears to be supply chain issues. The entire SoC is mounted on a substrate, so four smaller modules allow Apple to use a smaller substrate, making a saving on materials and reducing complexity as a result. Dylan Patel, Chief Analyst at SemiAnalysis, told iFixit:

ABF substrates were in very short supply when Apple made the design choice. By using four smaller modules rather than two larger ones, they can decrease routing complexity within the substrate from the memory to the SoC, leading to fewer layers on the substrate. This allows them to stretch the limited substrate supply further.

The M2 Pro and M2 Max deliver up to 20 percent better CPU performance and 30 percent better GPU performance than their predecessors, but since the chips continue to be based on TSMC's 5nm process, some users have noted that Apple may have made thermal tradeoffs in order to deliver improved performance.

Article Link: New MacBook Pro Features Smaller Heatsink Due to Supply Chain Issues

 

[UltimateSyn]

The MaxTech video comparison between the M1 Pro 14" and M2 Pro 14" did indicate that the smaller heatsink leads to diminished thermal performance - and showed the M2 Pro system got fairly significantly warmer under the same workload. Kind of sucks, but that's interesting to know the process of what led them to make that engineering decision.

 

[syklee26]

Potentially compromised performance at that price? That is unacceptable.

 

[jayryco]

The M2 Pro and Max chips consistently run hotter than their M1 counterparts - which is disappointing to say the least.

 

[lyngo]

Smugmaverick first reported this in another thread. I think he should get some credit here.

 

[coffeemilktea]

Guess I'll have to stick to my M1-based MacBook Pro for now. I'm not sure these new, smaller heatsinks can handle my spicy memes and fire mixtapes. 🔥

 

[dantracht]

Not exactly comforting to know this.

 

[Realityck]

Interesting how they claim its due to supply chain issues.

 

[eicca]

Once again, an issue that will not affect 99.5% of users is being treated as the freaking apocalypse.

 

[SnakeEater1993]

Absolutely ridiculous . Nothing more.

 

[eicca]

Absolutely ridiculous . Nothing more.

Because it makes suuuuuch a difference.

It’s a non issue. Get over it.

 

[jicon]

" Apple may have made thermal tradeoffs in order to deliver improved performance."

Wondering how many times this sentence has been repeated over the decades. Certainly true of the G4 mac mini and countless other designs.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Best to keep the original M1 MacBook Pro 💻 Why does this remind me of Macbook Pro carrying Intel chips? ⚠️

I guess don't have too many Safari tabs open. Don't bother installing Google Chrome either.

 

[Realityck]

The MaxTech video comparison between the M1 Pro 14" and M2 Pro 14" did indicate that the smaller heatsink leads to diminished thermal performance - and showed the M2 Pro system got fairly significantly warmer under the same workload. Kind of sucks, but that's interesting to know the process of what led them to make that engineering decision.

As a 16" M1 Max MBP owner I don't feel so bad now.

 

[sw1tcher]

The MaxTech video comparison between the M1 Pro 14" and M2 Pro 14" did indicate that the smaller heatsink leads to diminished thermal performance - and showed the M2 Pro system got fairly significantly warmer under the same workload. Kind of sucks, but that's interesting to know the process of what led them to make that engineering decision.

Ah, so M2 MacBook Pro is better at warming my house vs M1 MacBook Pro.

Apple's got a ways to go to catching up to Intel though 🤣

... some users have noted that Apple may have made thermal tradeoffs in order to deliver improved performance.

Improved performance at warming my house/room?

 

[MacWiz_007]

This may not affect most users, but it is the principle behind it that makes this terrible news.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Potentially compromised performance at that price? That is unacceptable.

Agreed! It's not all about the performance or benchmarks. Other things factor in too. Seems like Apple wanted to cut costs.

 

[Aenean144]

That's not a heatsink. That's just the interface block that you are describing. The heat is transferred to the two radiator fins. The fans then blow air across the fins. The radiator fins are the heat sink. At least, that's what I classically think of as the heatsink.

This interface block completely covers the chip. It's fine.

 

[jayryco]

Ah, so M2 MacBook Pro is better at warming my house vs M1 MacBook Pro.

Apple's got a ways to go to catching up to Intel though 🤣

Well actually if you watch the videos you will see that the M2 Pro and Max chips under load can easily hit 100 degree celsius. That seems to very much be in Intels territory.

 

[JonathanParker]

bad apple

 

[dmr727]

A little extra warmth isn't necessarily a dealbreaker for me if performance doesn't otherwise suffer under sustained loads, but obviously there's a limit to what I'd consider 'comfortable' when on my lap.

But regardless of whether or not it'd be an issue for me, it's not a good look for Apple.

 

[Born Again]

Well my MacBook Pro m1max doesn’t seem so dated now.

 

[ThisBougieLife]

Ah, "supply-chain issues", the all-purpose excuse for everything these days.

 

[anshuvorty]

Once again, an issue that will not affect 99.5% of users is being treated as the freaking apocalypse.

Welcome to the MR forums.

 

[Born Again]

Ah, "supply-chain issues", the all-purpose excuse for everything these days.

It’s what I tell my boss when I’m late to work.