Primate Labs have posted performance benchmark test results comparing the new MacBook and MacBook Pro to previous generation models. The benchmarks were run for processor and memory performance only and not for graphics performance. But with new chipset and faster DDR3 memory there should be some improvement in the processor and memory performance.
Primate Labs compared the new 2.4GHz (P8600) and 2.53GHz (T9400) MacBook Pro announced on Tuesday with 2.6GHz (T9500) and 2.4GHz (T8300) MacBook Pro launched earlier this year. They also compared the newly announced 2.0GHz (P7350) and 2.4GHz (P8600) MacBook with 2.10Ghz (T8100) and 2.4GHz (T8300) MacBook released in early 2008. All the laptops had Mac OS X 10.5.5 and the Pro model had 4GB RAM, where as the regular MacBook had 2GB RAM.
In overall performance the early 2008 MacBook Pros came just slightly ahead, on the MacBook side the new MacBooks came on top. Overall, it was a mixed bag of results and the new models didn’t show much performance gain. Primate Labs concluded that “processor performance is virtually unchanged in the new MacBooks and MacBook Pros; the new NVIDIA chipset and the faster DDR3 memory haven’t managed to help increase processor performance.”
Primate Labs also says that “While the NVIDIA chipsets might not be as good as the Intel chipsets when it comes to processor performance, they far surpass Intel when it comes to graphics performance. This increased graphics performance is huge gain for the MacBook, and makes the MacBook a compelling machine for people looking for a smaller MacBook Pro.”
Overall, if you are looking to upgrade your old MacBook, the graphics performance can easily justify your decision. But if you are planning to upgrade your early 2008 MacBook Pro you won’t see many benefits, except the new, sturdier case design. To see the complete benchmarking test results visit Primate Labs’ website.