Radeon M370X reliability/performance

[therealseebs]

I've seen people here saying that the M370X in the 2015 models was prone to overheating and failure. I've also seen people say it was just prone to throttling. I've also seen people say it was fine.

What's the scoop?

From a hardware perspective, the 2015 macbook pro would be overall pretty solid for me, and I'd really prefer the keyboard in it to the 2016 keyboard. And I could in theory return my 2016 MBP and get a 2015 refurb unit. But... If the GPU's gonna fail badly, or make the machine prone to burning out, or whatever, that might be a pretty significant barrier. (The machine I found in the refurb section has less SSD, but that's fixable because the SSD was swappable in that model.)

So, help me out here. M370X: Good idea, bad idea?

 

[dk808]

Heard it gets really loud and hot. Haven't heard much about it failing though, I think those were from the older ones. Also I don't think the ssd is swappable

 

[dallegre]

Following with interest. I just picked up a 2015 w/ M370X. From what I've read, pretty much any model with a dgpu is prone to some failures, but I'm not sure how widespread the problem is outside of the gpu-gate models.

 

[jerryk]

(The machine I found in the refurb section has less SSD, but that's fixable because the SSD was swappable in that model.)

So, help me out here. M370X: Good idea, bad idea?

The SSD is physically swappable, but that is really not practical. The SSD is an m.2 form factor, but uses an Apple proprietary interface. So you will need to find one on the secondary market (eBay) from a used unit, or get an authorized Apple Repair shop to order you one. $$.

You could go with the OWC unit, but then your performance would drop from 1.5 GB/sec to 0.5 GB/sec (or less).

 

[jjjoseph]

I've seen people here saying that the M370X in the 2015 models was prone to overheating and failure. I've also seen people say it was just prone to throttling. I've also seen people say it was fine.

What's the scoop?

From a hardware perspective, the 2015 macbook pro would be overall pretty solid for me, and I'd really prefer the keyboard in it to the 2016 keyboard. And I could in theory return my 2016 MBP and get a 2015 refurb unit. But... If the GPU's gonna fail badly, or make the machine prone to burning out, or whatever, that might be a pretty significant barrier. (The machine I found in the refurb section has less SSD, but that's fixable because the SSD was swappable in that model.)

So, help me out here. M370X: Good idea, bad idea?

No one can really tell when and if Its gonna fail, Apple will only re-call to replace a dGPU if they know its going to fail 100% of the time, Ive only heard about that a few times..

Can you get Apple Care?? Thats your best protection against a GPU failing.

 

[emailnotebox]

I've seen people here saying that the M370X in the 2015 models was prone to overheating and failure. I've also seen people say it was just prone to throttling. I've also seen people say it was fine.

What's the scoop?

From a hardware perspective, the 2015 macbook pro would be overall pretty solid for me, and I'd really prefer the keyboard in it to the 2016 keyboard. And I could in theory return my 2016 MBP and get a 2015 refurb unit. But... If the GPU's gonna fail badly, or make the machine prone to burning out, or whatever, that might be a pretty significant barrier. (The machine I found in the refurb section has less SSD, but that's fixable because the SSD was swappable in that model.)

So, help me out here. M370X: Good idea, bad idea?

Bump. I am curious for exactly same reason as well. Btw, B&H sells brand new 2015 15' Macbook Pro with M370X, and is currently retailing at better price than Apple refurb store, if you factor in tax from Apple.

 

[therealseebs]

I wasn't aware that they used a non-standard interface, that's a pretty big barrier.

Honestly, the "no user replaceable or upgradeable parts" thing has really started to get to me. This is not the Apple I remember.

 

[flavr]

I've seen people here saying that the M370X in the 2015 models was prone to overheating and failure. I've also seen people say it was just prone to throttling. I've also seen people say it was fine.

What's the scoop?

From a hardware perspective, the 2015 macbook pro would be overall pretty solid for me, and I'd really prefer the keyboard in it to the 2016 keyboard. And I could in theory return my 2016 MBP and get a 2015 refurb unit. But... If the GPU's gonna fail badly, or make the machine prone to burning out, or whatever, that might be a pretty significant barrier. (The machine I found in the refurb section has less SSD, but that's fixable because the SSD was swappable in that model.)

So, help me out here. M370X: Good idea, bad idea?

I have the Macbook Pro with the M370X and its been perfect. I use it for very heavy graphics and design everyday on an external 27inch 4K screen and the fans dont even come on, its silent. It has been flawless in Photoshop and other design programs. If I game the fan comes on. I think this is a fantatsic machine and wouldnt hestitate to recommend it to anybody.

 

[fate0311]

Bump. I am curious for exactly same reason as well. Btw, B&H sells brand new 2015 15' Macbook Pro with M370X, and is currently retailing at better price than Apple refurb store, if you factor in tax from Apple.

You may want to double check that. I show the 370x version discontinued on B&H. Only one available are the iterations with the iGPU.

 

[emailnotebox]

You may want to double check that. I show the 370x version discontinued on B&H. Only one available are the iterations with the iGPU.

Here is the link, it shows as in stock:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1151722-REG/apple_mjlt2ll_a_15_4_macbook_pro_notebook.html

 

[fate0311]

Here is the link, it shows as in stock:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1151722-REG/apple_mjlt2ll_a_15_4_macbook_pro_notebook.html

My apologies I thought you were inquiring about a maxed out one.

 

[tivoboy]

Here is the link, it shows as in stock:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1151722-REG/apple_mjlt2ll_a_15_4_macbook_pro_notebook.html

Sure would be nice if one could find the upgraded 2.8 version with the dGPU 370x for near that price.

these must be older stock, since I don't think one can even GET a BTO model anymore from apple with the dGPU 370x?

 

[therealseebs]

Yeah, I called a store to check stock, they got me in touch with a senior specialist who confirmed, NO non-refurbs will have the dGPU. Refurb stock is erratic at best. So.

 

[fate0311]

Sure would be nice if one could find the upgraded 2.8 version with the dGPU 370x for near that price.

these must be older stock, since I don't think one can even GET a BTO model anymore from apple with the dGPU 370x?

I'm looking to downgrade as I do not use the computing power of mine. It is a maxed out 15" from last year in showroom shape. I would let it go for 2300.00.

 

[tivoboy]

I'm looking to downgrade as I do not use the computing power of mine. It is a maxed out 15" from last year in showroom shape. I would let it go for 2300.00.

What's it got? ebay ones new are selling for that amount, 2000-2200$ "sealed" with 2.8/512/370x

 

[fate0311]

What's it got? ebay ones new are selling for that amount, 2000-2200$ "sealed" with 2.8/512/370x

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/sys/5878563299.html

I originally purchased it because I needed the "best". Since then I have adopted a much different lifestyle of using only what I need (adopted minimalism). I wanted to add that in incase anyone is wondering why I'm looking to sell one of the most desired MBP's right now.

 

[tivoboy]

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/sys/5878563299.html

I originally purchased it because I needed the "best". Since then I have adopted a much different lifestyle of using only what I need (adopted minimalism). I wanted to add that in incase anyone is wondering why I'm looking to sell one of the most desired MBP's right now.

For the one 1TB model that's a pretty decent used price. How many battery cycle does it havE?

 

[fate0311]

For the one 1TB model that's a pretty decent used price. How many battery cycle does it havE?

76. I received a few emails this evening however not sure if their tire kickers or not.

 

[Sidewolf]

I have the mid 2015 2.5 1 TB SSD with the M370X and I have no issues. I don't use bootcamp, but I play games such as counter strike-global offensive, Batman Arkham Asylum, Modern Warfare 3, company of heroes 2 and even do light video editing with final cut pro, and I haven't experienced any throttling issues. Keep in mind, my uses aren't that demanding but I have no issues with light gaming or light video editing. I'm very satisfied with my mid 2015 MacBook Pro.

 

[azpekt]

yeah, my MJLT2 with M370x is flaky

when dGPU becomes active, there are artifacts on a screen, looking like faulty VRAM. it looks like this:

i`d rather opt for iGPU only model of mid-2015

 

[Stotka]

My model throttles like crazy! Gaming is almost impossible for longer than 5min. Gaming wise macos has terrible screen tearing. On windows you need to do some editing of files to get new radeon drivers for better performance. But still throttles pretty fast.
Work related. Im a concept designer and I use a 13" Cintiq companion hybrid connected 100% of the time. (dGPU is always on because of hdmi) The machine gets slowdowns (almost never get beach balls) regularly and even on small files 100-300mb. I dont use advanced filters and stuff. Its basically just the brush/eraser tool. Fans are audible most of the time. If I use youtube, facetime, twitch... they start being annoyingly loud!
I currently borrowed a friends 13" early 2015 and its quiet and does what I need without hiccups. Ill test it more with some sketchup and bigger PS files ~1gb
The poor performance I am getting is making me want to just sell my 15" and buy the new 13" with touchbar.

P.S I cleaned the internals of dust and replaced the thermal paste to get a minimal increase in performance.

 

[sentential]

I just got a full replacement to the touch bar enabled MBP. Allow me to share a tale with you about the carnage that was the M370X.

Yes it throttles, yes it's burning hot, yes it's terrible and should be avoided. In the course of 1 year the following was replaced on mine:

Logic Board x6
HDD
Both Fans 2x
Heat sink 2x
Wireless card x1
Battery x1 (see below)
Keyboard x1 (because it melted)
Internal power adapter (melted)

Ask yourself, do you want this? And no this isn't a joke, I had to fill out an incident report with Apple about a fire risk concerning the laptop.
[doublepost=1479650036][/doublepost]

My model throttles like crazy! Gaming is almost impossible for longer than 5min. Gaming wise macos has terrible screen tearing. On windows you need to do some editing of files to get new radeon drivers for better performance. But still throttles pretty fast.
Work related. Im a concept designer and I use a 13" Cintiq companion hybrid connected 100% of the time. (dGPU is always on because of hdmi) The machine gets slowdowns (almost never get beach balls) regularly and even on small files 100-300mb. I dont use advanced filters and stuff. Its basically just the brush/eraser tool. Fans are audible most of the time. If I use youtube, facetime, twitch... they start being annoyingly loud!
I currently borrowed a friends 13" early 2015 and its quiet and does what I need without hiccups. Ill test it more with some sketchup and bigger PS files ~1gb
The poor performance I am getting is making me want to just sell my 15" and buy the new 13" with touchbar.

P.S I cleaned the internals of dust and replaced the thermal paste to get a minimal increase in performance.

Call Apple right now, start the repair process and every time it fails, freezes or locks up send it back. Once you hit 3+1 you can choose to either replace it with another unit or pay to upgrade which is what I did.

$300 for the 455
$600 for the 460

You get 2500 store credit to purchase a new one

 

[fate0311]

That is unfortunate to hear, my 370x has been good to me.

 

[jerryk]

I have not had display issues with my 2015 15 rMBP with the 370x. The fans will run and are loud if you are doing something graphically intense, but the displayed graphics seem fine.

 

[fate0311]

I have not had display issues with my 2015 15 rMBP with the 370x. The fans will run and are loud if you are doing something graphically intense, but the displayed graphics seem fine.

Energy creates heat. So did you not expect the fans the kick in when demanded?

The 16's will be no different. As a matter of fact the 15's have a lot more credibility right now with the issues surfacing around the 16's.