Retina MacBook Pro Pushes the Limits of its Graphics Capabilities

[jouster]

What a terrible first world problem you got there

it's a computer hardware discussion forum. Plenty of places to go to discuss the World's many social and economic issues if that's what you're looking for.

By the way, how does everyone get these fps numbers for Safari? Is that capability built-in?

 

[Winter Charm]

This is why I feel like waiting for the 2nd revision really is a good idea.

100% agree. As with any new tech, there will be quirks. And at this point, nothing can be done. :/

 

[freediverx]

And this is exactly the problem with Apple computers for, dare i say it Decades.

They pretty much always have fitted poor graphics cards.
Probably the main reason why the Mac almost died when the PC gaming was zooming ahead. Apple just did, and do fit poor sub par graphics to their consumer machines.

Even the top iMacs have laptop graphics are they are obsessed about saving the extra half an inch of thickness on a desktop machine.

It's been Apple computers weak spot for so many many years and STILL they never seem to get it.

Except for the more demanding games, Macbook Pro and iMac graphics have been more than adequate for 99% of user needs. Macs have never been promoted as gaming computers.

For everything from Photoshop to Final Cut Pro, the graphics have been perfectly fine, so long as you didn't have a model with integrated graphics.

I tried out the rMBP at the store. I also noticed the display sluggishness in certain cases with the display set to max resolution, particularly while scrolling certain web pages or hundreds of high def image thumbnails in Aperture. I'm waiting for Mountain Lion to come out so I can then test again with that OS.

BTW, I should note that the rMBP at the store had not been upgraded with the latest version of Aperture and other apps. (I tried to update it myself but the display models are locked down.) I think it's a safe bet that an Aperture update intended for the retina display will come with a performance boost.

 

[Winter Charm]

Let's start using liquid helium to cool macbook pro GPU's

 

[freediverx]

100% agree. As with any new tech, there will be quirks. And at this point, nothing can be done. :/

Don't you think it's a little premature to claim that, especially with reports that ML improves performance?

 

[cdmoore74]

"Retina MacBook Pro Pushes the Limits of its Graphics Capabilities"

In other words the gpu cannot handle the amount of pixels on the screen.

The Macboys are in a state of denial over their $2200 toy. I come here because it's freaking hilarious seeing grown people trying to justify Apple's shinny new overpriced gadget. At least you guys can replace the memory and hard drive (just had to rub it in). Naw, Apple can do no wrong.

 

[Winter Charm]

I just recovered my password just to post this: yes, there was noticeable lag with Lion, but it's fixed in latest DP of Mountain Lion. I was shocked when I tested rMBP at an Apple Store, so waited for my friend's to get here, and it was just as laggy as in the Apple Store. But after installing Mountain Lion DP4 and updating it with latest patches, everything is super-fast. The scrolling is smooth and as fast as you'd expect it to be. There may still be some minor issues at high res, but with the amount of progress I've seen, I am sure it's all software at this point and will be optimized quickly post-release, if not by the time ML comes out.

So don't sweat it, new purchasers, the hardware is plenty enough to power rMBP. It was just a matter of optimizing the OS. I'm getting mine as soon as a local Apple Store has one in stock.

That's great news

----------

Don't you think it's a little premature to claim that, especially with reports that ML improves performance?

You have a point there. Sorry, I actually didn't read all that far along when I posted this.

But yes, if something can be done, and the bugs are hammered out, great!

 

[2IS]

Don't you think it's a little premature to claim that, especially with reports that ML improves performance?

Your definition of premature is interesting considering the machine is out right now and your proposed potential answer to this issue isn't.

 

[pesos]

"Retina MacBook Pro Pushes the Limits of its Graphics Capabilities"

In other words the gpu cannot handle the amount of pixels on the screen.

The Macboys are in a state of denial over their $2200 toy. I come here because it's freaking hilarious seeing grown people trying to justify Apple's shinny new overpriced gadget. At least you guys can replace the memory and hard drive (just had to rub it in). Naw, Apple can do no wrong.

Sigh. No one is tougher on Apple than me - I think OS X is the shiniest turd around (which is why I don't use it other than to apply firmware updates). But the simple truth is that this is the best piece of road warrior hardware out there - hands down.

Does everyone that is buying one *need* it - or will they even really take advantage of the screen? No. To me the whole retina thing is blown out of proportion (but hey that's Apple marketing for you) - the important thing here is that we have a super-hi-res laptop that is thin, light, and still has high-end connectivity and specs sufficient for me to virtualize an entire server farm on it - which I do.

There is a reason the older form factor machines are still being sold - some people want ODDs (or a second drive bay) and want the upgradeability those machines offer.

Personally, $2800 before tax writeoff is not much to spend for a machine that is going to make my travel/demos/POCs possible with zero additional hardware and without breaking my back while carrying it around - AND allow me 2880x1800 resolution so I can easily be controlling 6 servers at once while taking care of email and other tasks without any scrolling around. It's a no-brainer.

I have been the first to rip Apple on a lot of past moves - but this machine is a winner.

 

[ergman1985]

I think its Too early to say weather it is a lack of hardware or software but I believe that apple did enough research before to put the 650m in the system, I also believe that cuda might help to sort the problem!

 

[SurferMan]

This is why I feel like waiting for the 2nd revision really is a good idea.

Yeh after checking one out I held back as well, as I experienced the lag and hiccups here and there, plus apps etc are still not optimized for the screen and are still going to take a while to do so. I'm pry going to replace one of the computers and figure I'll swap the 13 pro for a new 13 Air.

I'm sure it'll be better next go around, but don't feel like being a guinea pig right now with that expensive of a device with those glitches. Be like Porsche or any sports car company saying here's your new advanced ultra powerful sports car... however don't drive it aggressively or take it on track b/c we haven't figured out to make capable tires take advantage of the car.

 

[-LikesMac-]

Ok, my thoughts.

This response takes into account that Mountain Lion improces the performance of the Retina Macbook Pro.

Anyways, I wonder why Apple decided to put the same GPU in the rMBP? It's the same as the MBP 15's GPU. It's kind of weird since they fully knew that the rMBP would have to push 4 times the amount of pixels. Not to mention, there IS a 2GB version of the GPU that is in the rMBP, yet Apple decided to put in the same, 1GB variant as in the MBP 15. The most likely reason for this is to keep the profit level high enough given the current price.

 

[Snowshiro]

This is why I feel like waiting for the 2nd revision really is a good idea.

Exactly my sentiments. As soon as I heard about the specs, especially with only 1 Gig onboard the card, I thought "this is going to strain it too hard".

Speaking as someone who has had 2 Mac Pro graphics cards burn out (1 Ati/AMD, 1 Nividia) I don't like the chances of these cards lasting a long time when they're constantly under big loads. Graphics cards are often one of the weakest links in the chain anyway when it comes to reliability and longevity. This really isn't going to improve that, and with the terrible repairability of the Retina MBP, I think Apple could be storing up trouble for the future if these things start to fail in numbers.

 

[Mr. Gates]

More potential confusion here MacRumors in the way this is written. You're mixing different terms ('2880x1800 pixels' and '1920x1200' [points]) without explanation, which implies that the 'More Space' setting is actually displaying at a lower 'non-Retina resolution'. Many readers are already confused about all this which was evident by comments on the previous Retina display article.

Perhaps it would make more sense if you worded it something like this:

… and as many as 3840 x 2400 pixels at the "Looks like 1920 x 1200" setting, before downscaling to 2880 x1800 pixels …​

Image

'Looks like 1920 x 1200' is Apple's own wording here, which somehow I completely missed the first time I saw the screenshot of these display settings. I assume the user was rolling over the 'More Space' setting when this screenshot was taken(?)

I imagine in time (when all Apple's displays are 'Retina', and apps and websites have caught up with the higher resolutions) they'll probably drop this reference to legacy display resolutions altogether.

I and many others do not care for this approach from Apple to pretend like they don't know what people are getting at and what they want to see in the settings.

This is a load of stinky, steaming, condescending horse poop ......

Lets get real here ok ?

Worst and most asinine settings ever.

 

[bossxii]

So as an actual owner, not some wanna be owner that has OCD over every article out there... I can say yes, first time I opened Safari I noticed a bit of jitter when trying to scroll fast. I downloaded Chrome "Canary" the beta browser from Google for the retina display and haven't noticed much of any lag, jitter or hang ups. I run at 2560x1600 as that is the closest resolution to the 27" Tbolt display I use at work and it keeps my desktop icons in place. It also gives me plenty of workspace without making text to small to read and websites easy to read.

I've used this machine (base model) now for a solid week at work and last weekend and as others have said it's the best Mac I've ever used. The fact when the fans kick in it doesn't sound like a harrier jet is in the room with me is rather nice. The improved sound, incredible display and the usual great keyboard and glass trackpad makes it a great machine. Add in the fact it's the lightest 15" laptop i've ever used or seen, add in the quad core CPU, upgraded GPU and adds a bada$$ display in a 4.5lb package.

Sorry but its an amazing all around experience. Those who have not used it for more than 10 minutes in the Apple store need to realize how nice this machine is. People complain about the price but if they actually look at the differences between the base model 15"MBP and the 15" rMBP of $400 ($1799 vs $2199). Double the ram (4 vs 8), SSD, lose 2lbs, gain the best LCD on a laptop anywhere. Seems like a pretty sweet deal. I need portability and can deal with plugging in one Thunderbolt cable to a raid array to access my media, or do it wirelessly via an AE. Either way it's a blazing fast machine that will only get better with time.

 

[roland.g]

Originally Posted by Peace
"Whereas I would consider the rMBP experience under Lion to be borderline unacceptable, everything is significantly better under Mountain Lion. Don’t expect buttery smoothness across the board, you’re still asking a lot of the CPU and GPU, but it’s a lot better."

ML is very important when it comes to this.
My thoughts from another thread on this very issue

I tested a rMBP today in the store for the first time. Having read nothing at all about these issues, I noticed the unit having a hard time keeping up with many animations (swiping between spaces seemed to be the worst).

Minor issue due to fixes present in Mountain Lion? Perhaps to us folks that are in the know. To a general consumer, they could see this and think, "gee, for $2200 you'd think it would be smoother than my POS Dell at home."

I don't get why Apple didn't just hold onto the rMBP until ML is ready if it is that big of a difference. It would've been easy to say, "Available July 20th" (or whatever the date is for ML) and move on. Instead they sacrificed user experience to meet an artificial demand that they manufactured. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot...

Most people aren't getting theirs till July 20th anyway. have you seen the shipping times.

 

[urbandecAE]

This is obviously an optimization issue in the software. If you don't know anything about what that means then why do you always update your mac? because it says so? Thats funny.

LMAO, the funny thing about this thread are the people going "ohhh good thing I didn't buy it" or "ohhh its a fail". But the truth of the matter is everyone who is saying those things are just mad that they can't afford the next gen macbook pro. Please don't be mad. If you can't afford it and going by someones misleading review about it then don't bash it. That just makes you look like a broke *** moron.

I for one just got my rMBP 2.7ghz i7 with 16gbs of ram. No lag issues with scrolling. If your lagging on Facebook with the new rMBP or bought it to go on Facebook all the time you sir just bought the wrong mac for your needs. I use CS5 and Aperture 3 at the same time on it and it has cut my workflow down by half and have experienced no lags at all editing 30mb images.

 

[iViking]

In addition to the retina display...

I think some people are missing the point saying they will buy a MBA 13" instead of 15" MBPr because not all apps and hardware are optimal for a retina display yet.

When deciding between the two there are other things to consider like more screen real estate, way better speakers, (which is great if you watch movies or video on MBPr without external speakers or headphones), a better memory card slot, processing power, included RAM, etc.

All the above mentioned things are very welcome and practical things I've gotten with the MBPr and am benefiting from already and I'm sure others are, as well.

----------

So as an actual owner, not some wanna be owner that has OCD over every article out there... I can say yes, first time I opened Safari I noticed a bit of jitter when trying to scroll fast. I downloaded Chrome "Canary" the beta browser from Google for the retina display and haven't noticed much of any lag, jitter or hang ups. I run at 2560x1600 as that is the closest resolution to the 27" Tbolt display I use at work and it keeps my desktop icons in place. It also gives me plenty of workspace without making text to small to read and websites easy to read.

I've used this machine (base model) now for a solid week at work and last weekend and as others have said it's the best Mac I've ever used. The fact when the fans kick in it doesn't sound like a harrier jet is in the room with me is rather nice. The improved sound, incredible display and the usual great keyboard and glass trackpad makes it a great machine. Add in the fact it's the lightest 15" laptop i've ever used or seen, add in the quad core CPU, upgraded GPU and adds a bada$$ display in a 4.5lb package.

Sorry but its an amazing all around experience. Those who have not used it for more than 10 minutes in the Apple store need to realize how nice this machine is. People complain about the price but if they actually look at the differences between the base model 15"MBP and the 15" rMBP of $400 ($1799 vs $2199). Double the ram (4 vs 8), SSD, lose 2lbs, gain the best LCD on a laptop anywhere. Seems like a pretty sweet deal. I need portability and can deal with plugging in one Thunderbolt cable to a raid array to access my media, or do it wirelessly via an AE. Either way it's a blazing fast machine that will only get better with time.

That.

 

[scottsjack]

I love the way that some fans stand behind the rMBP because, after all, it's Apple and they must know what they're doing, and Apple is great, and thin is the new paradigm, and blah blah blah.

The rMBP is probably a nice computer, maybe even a great one. The problem for some is that it's not a full-featured computer. It's more of a specialty computer like the MBA or mini.

For many users one of Apple's specialty computers, ones that offer some characteristic at the expense of being full featured, are exactly what is needed. For others it's the performance and connectivity that matter rather than how cool and thin the machine looks.

You'll get no criticism from me if someone wants an Air or a Retina. Frankly, I prefer the ODD that I use every week or so and the HDD that I can upgrade. I even have a Lion HDD, a W7 HDD, a SL HDD and a W8 HDD for when I want to fiddle around a bit.

 

[DVD9]

I was planning on getting the Retina Macbook, but now I'm not so sure. Maybe I should just get a regular one and max the ram and hopefully find a cheap SSD?

Do you get a hardon if you "max the ram"?

 

[blow45]

This is obviously an optimization issue in the software. If you don't know anything about what that means then why do you always update your mac? because it says so? Thats funny.

LMAO, the funny thing about this thread are the people going "ohhh good thing I didn't buy it" or "ohhh its a fail". But the truth of the matter is everyone who is saying those things are just mad that they can't afford the next gen macbook pro. Please don't be mad. If you can't afford it and going by someones misleading review about it then don't bash it. That just makes you look like a broke *** moron.

I for one just got my rMBP 2.7ghz i7 with 16gbs of ram. No lag issues with scrolling. If your lagging on Facebook with the new rMBP or bought it to go on Facebook all the time you sir just bought the wrong mac for your needs. I use CS5 and Aperture 3 at the same time on it and it has cut my workflow down by half and have experienced no lags at all editing 30mb images.

What tact, classy guy...

 

[bushman4]

Nice to see that Apple is pushing the curve and forcing the hardware developers to join the party or be left out.

 

[Brien]

This is why I feel like waiting for the 2nd revision really is a good idea.

Totally agree. I'm on my Rev. A unibody MBP, I always held off on upgrading because I liked having the easy-access HDD and RAM. Was going to upgrade, but waiting 'til Rev. B or C.

I think the smart move is waiting, really. Haswell is going to be significantly faster and more power efficient, Broadwell even moreso. Plus, chances are they'll phase out the 'old' MBP and drop the price of the rMBP down to the $1500 range again.

 

[blow45]

I love the way that some fans stand behind the rMBP because, after all, it's Apple and they must know what they're doing, and Apple is great, and thin is the new paradigm, and blah blah blah.

The rMBP is probably a nice computer, maybe even a great one. The problem for some is that it's not a full-featured computer. It's more of a specialty computer like the MBA or mini.

For many users one of Apple's specialty computers, ones that offer some characteristic at the expense of being full featured, are exactly what is needed. For others it's the performance and connectivity that matter rather than how cool and thin the machine looks.

You'll get no criticism from me if someone wants an Air or a Retina. Frankly, I prefer the ODD that I use every week or so and the HDD that I can upgrade. I even have a Lion HDD, a W7 HDD, a SL HDD and a W8 HDD for when I want to fiddle around a bit.

Apple had the chance to make this really a stellar pro machine, just a couple of mils thicker, with an added hdd from the spae saved from the optical so you didn't have to pay an arm and a leg for this to max at 700gb (storage that for a pro is peanuts), with a non propriety ssd so one could upgrade with the insenly fast and much cheaper ssds coming to market and of course non attached memory so again in a couple of years one could put there better quality memory and more memory with lower latencies. Instead they ve made a big non upgradable iPod with a retina, and it s a big (another big) eff u to the pro users some of which had also been waiting three years for a mac pro only to get a "pro" with (I can't believe they had the nerve to pull that ****) NO USB 3 or thunderbolt in 2012 and old second rate gpu and 2 year old CPU.

At some point the pro community is going to tell them eff you back and get a great upgradable versatile Sony, toshiba or Lenovo and be done with the joke toys for soccer moms and hipsters that the macs have become.

 

[strausd]

I may be wrong, but as I understand it the rMBP renders your 1920x1200 as 3840x2400 pixels which it downscales to the native 2880x1800 display. That produces a better image than scaling 1920x1200 up to 2880x1800.

Thanks for the info

Out of curiosity, do you know of any tools that will just scale the screen from 1920X1200 up to 2880X1800 to increase GPU performance?