Apple just announced a HUGE upgrade to the entire Macbook Pro line up with the 13″ and 15″ variants getting 4 core- 8thread 8th Generation processors, while also getting additional options for prosumers and extra choices for more memory options.

While the old i5 CPUs were only dual cores, the new KBL-R Core i5s are quadcore so that’s almost 2x boost in core count while giving up to 40% better performances. As usual, Apple doesn’t disclose which chips they use specifically but they claim that the one they have inside the new macbooks reach a maximum of 3.8ghz on Turbo Boost and maintain a base of 2.3hz. The core i7 models, meanwhile start at 2.7ghz but go up to 4.5Ghz on Turbo.

What’s exciting about the new macbooks are the 2TB PCIEx4 NVME SSD options, but the ram is sadly still using the older LPDDR3 standard and only 2133mhz. Most other vendors are now shifting to LPDDR4 and 2400mhz.

Next up, Excusive to the 15inch variant, is the Sic Core Intel Core i9 processor that starts at a “kind” 2.9ghz but go up to a wild 4.8Ghz on turbo! Imagine 12 threads on over 4.5Ghz! Interestingly, the i7 options on the 15incher runs on different clock speeds versus the 15inch variant.

The 15inch variants get up to a 4TB PCIEx NVME SSD and 32GB of DDR4 2400mhz ram for the Core i9 variants. [Our wallets are crying]

Apple is claiming 70% better performance versus previous generation Macbooks.

GPU options remain to be with ONLY AMD, but we now get options for Radeon Pro 560X with 4GB of DDR5 memory.

Other stuff

Other notable stuff is a T2 CHIP, first introduced in iMacs, bringing in extra security and Hey Siri commands to the notebook lke. Hardware side, the retina displays have been tweaked for more natural viewing experiences says the company. They still offer 500nits of brightness which is one of the best in the industry.

Our favourite part is full support for external GPUs, albeit still only with AMD processors as they are the ones with optimied drivers for best softwareXhardware synergy. Apple is finally really jumping in on this functionality, going on to EVEN INTRODUCE THEIR OWN!

Yes, Apple just announced their own eGPU enclosure!

The enclosure holds a Radeon Pro 580 with 8GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM. It comes inside a small, compact and non-upgradable enclosure designed with Blackmagic. It has 4x USB 3.0 connectors, HDMI 2.0 port and can support 5K monitors through the Thunderbolt 3 standard.

 

PRICING

The New Macbook Pro 13 and Core i5 starts at a respectable 1,799 USD. Going for an i7 model will set you back 300USD more, which is fair.

The 15″ variants starts at only Core i7 at 2,399USD and moving up to the Core i9 six core model will be an extra 400UD or 2799 Starting price.

We recommend adding the Radeon Pro 560X for an extra 100USD.