Apple finds respectable performance gains on a new 2nm process, but M5 users shouldn’t feel any FOMO.

Apple has unveiled its new M6 processor, which is set to debut in the latest Mac Mini. This marks a significant advancement as the M6 is the first chip built on a 2nm process, a notable upgrade from the previous 3nm technology used in the M5. The M6 features an increase in CPU cores from 10 to 12, comprising two super cores, four performance cores, and six efficiency cores, alongside a 12-core GPU and a dual 16-core Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Apple claims that the M6 offers “the world’s fastest CPU core” and improved memory bandwidth, with up to 170GB/s of unified memory bandwidth, aimed primarily at everyday tasks such as schoolwork, professional use, and hobbyist AI applications.

In terms of performance, Apple asserts that the M6 delivers a 20% increase in multithreaded performance compared to the M5, with even greater improvements in GPU-bound tasks, particularly for AI applications. However, these claims will require thorough testing to validate. The base configuration for the new Mac Mini will start at 16GB of RAM, with an option to upgrade to 32GB, although users may face higher costs due to the ongoing RAM crisis driven by AI demand. For a detailed comparison of the M6 and M5, readers can refer to the original article on Engadget.

At long last, the M6 has tinier transistors!

The transition to a 2nm process is the most significant change in the M6 compared to its predecessors. Apple claims that this shift contributes to the 20% increase in multithreaded performance over the M5. While the company also touts “the world’s fastest single-threaded performance,” specifics on single-threaded improvements remain less clear. The M6’s AI capabilities have reportedly improved by 30% compared to the M5, thanks to the new dual 16-core Neural Engine and enhanced GPU, which includes Neural Accelerators in each core. This focus on AI performance highlights Apple’s strategy to position the Mac Mini as a viable option for AI tasks.

Additionally, the M6 boasts a 10% increase in memory bandwidth, reaching 170GB/s, which is beneficial for video editors and gamers, especially when combined with the GPU enhancements.

Should M5 owners upgrade to the M6 Mac Mini?

For current M5 users, the question of whether to upgrade to the M6 is largely a non-issue. While the M6 offers respectable performance gains, the improvements are not substantial enough to warrant an upgrade for most users. The M5 remains a highly capable system, and even those using an M4 may find little reason to switch. Apple claims a 40% CPU uplift over the M4 and four times the speed for AI tasks, but these enhancements may only translate to marginal time savings in practical use.

For users of M2 or M3 systems, particularly those with 8GB of RAM, the M5 presents a more compelling upgrade path. While these older systems still serve well for general tasks, they are beginning to show limitations in GPU-intensive applications like video editing and gaming.