I've had my 2016 m3 Macbook for about a week so just figured I'd ask while I have time to exchange it if need be. I was wondering besides storage space, is there a big difference in the Core m3 and m5 processors? Also does Apple use a "custom" version of the processors? I ask because Apple lists the m3 as 1.1 Ghz but non-apple models are clocked at 900mhz.
The CPU is clocked at 1.1 Ghz. There are different models made by Intel including one that is intended to be clocked at 900 Mhz. Apple does not use a custom version of the CPU. The differences between the M3 and M5 models is posted on the Intel website. Among the differences is the M5 is clocked at a higher speed and the M5 is overall about 15-20% faster than the M3 at the same clock speed.
I'm guessing the m3 will be fine for basic productivity. I got the m5 knowing I'll run a Windows virtual machine often, and because the 256 GB my Air has is not always enough storage.
The system doesn't get hot nor does it seem slow with a Windows VM running and some Mac apps running.
So it sounds like I probably wouldn't notice a difference. I wouldn't consider myself a power user and don't really see myself using that much storage space. Thanks for the help!
You would notice when processing speed is important, but for browsing, text editing, etc. you probably wouldn't notice the difference. But it would make a difference working with spreadsheets.
Thanks this helped!
Apples G.
Is there a big difference between the core m3 and m5 models?
