Rumor: Apple drops Nvidia's Kepler GPUs from 'large number' of next-gen MacBook Pros
Apple's next-generation low- and mid-range MacBook Pro models will not feature dedicated graphics cards, and will instead rely on Intel's integrated Ivy Bridge graphics due to production issues with Nvidia, according to a new report.
Apple has dropped Nvidia's next-generation Kepler graphics cards from a "large number" of its upcoming laptops, SemiAccurate reported on Tuesday. The change has allegedly prompted Apple to adopt Intel Ivy Bridge CPUs that have higher shader counts, in order to offset some of the lost graphics processing power.
The change was reportedly made because Nvidia "can't supply enough small GPUs" to Apple and other PC makers. That's left Apple in a position where its next-generation low- and mid-range MacBook models "are not going to have a GPU, only a GT2 Ivy Bridge," the report said.
"Nvidia can't supply, so Apple threw them out on their proverbial magical experience," it continued. "This doesn't mean Nvidia is completely out at Apple, the Intel GPUs are too awful to satisfy the higher end laptops, so there will need to be something in those. What that something is, we don't definitively know yet, but the possibilities are vanishingly small."
The rumored issues apparently stem from the fact that Nvidia has struggled with its 28-nanometer manufacturing process for its next-generation graphics processors, code-named "Kepler." As a result, some mid-range MacBooks will feature dedicated Nvidia GPUs, and some won't, Tuesday's report claimed.
The same site first reported last November that Apple would switch back to Nvidia GPUs for its 2012 MacBook models. Higher end 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros launched early last year relied solely on AMD graphics, while the entry-level 13-inch model features integrated Intel graphics.
Apple's next-generation MacBook Pros are expected to feature a radically redesigned exterior, borrowing features from the company's popular ultraportable MacBook Air. They are expected to be based on Intel's forthcoming Ivy Bridge chip architecture.
[ View article on AppleInsider ]
Comments
in fact AMD has a gr8 name in gaming industry ...
then y only Nvidia ??
The next Macbook Pro is rapidly becoming less and less 'Pro'.
It never was "Pro".
Pro is an example of Iconic Branding. It is meaningless marketing-speak for those who think product acquisition determines what sort of a person they are.
They are very nice laptop computers. "Pro" ain't got no meaning other than branding.
Intel's graphics are pure crap. This would be a huge mistake. The next Macbook Pro is rapidly becoming less and less 'Pro'.
You really shouldn't take these rumors seriously. They've used AMD for several refresh cycles, now it's 100% NVidia then dropped in favor of Intel? You need to consider that none of this stuff is confirmed in any way.
Guys but y only NVidia ?
in fact AMD has a gr8 name in gaming industry ...
then y only Nvidia ??
NVidia always seems to have the popular gaming cards on the Windows side. The general complaint with AMD there always seems to be driver issues, although they're not perfect on OSX either.
Sure for spreadsheets and the basic effects needed to display OS X intel integrated is fine, but for real work or play you NEED an ATI/nVidia GPU!
Intel's graphics are pure crap. This would be a huge mistake. The next Macbook Pro is rapidly becoming less and less 'Pro'.
Well to be honest its not like anyone uses a macbook for gaming. Indeed, ANY laptop for serious gaming.
For the kinds of games likely to be played on a laptop, ivy bridge is fine.
If you want BF3 at ultra settings in high res though, well dedicated graphics is the only way....for now.
It never was "Pro".
Like fun it wasn't.
Well to be honest its not like anyone uses a macbook for gaming. Indeed, ANY laptop for serious gaming.
The GPU is used for more than games, you know.
Well to be honest its not like anyone uses a macbook for gaming. Indeed, ANY laptop for serious gaming.
For the kinds of games likely to be played on a laptop, ivy bridge is fine.
If you want BF3 at ultra settings in high res though, well dedicated graphics is the only way....for now.
You do remember there are many uses for a good graphics card, other than g@m3rz
NVidia always seems to have the popular gaming cards on the Windows side. The general complaint with AMD there always seems to be driver issues, although they're not perfect on OSX either.
This would be my concern...I used Radeons for years and had horrible experiences with drivers... hardware was great, FPS/Performance was great.... but if I had a bug I just had to live with it and a driver might fix it a few months later. Not sure if it's better now but most people I know got fed up and switched to Nvidia and never looked back.
Higher end 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pros launched early last year relied solely on AMD graphics, while the entry-level 13-inch model features integrated Intel graphics.
Higher end 15- and 17- inch MacBook Pros launched early last year relied solely on AMD graphics.....
None of the 13-inch models have ever had discrete graphics.
It never was "Pro".
Pro is an example of Iconic Branding. It is meaningless marketing-speak for those who think product acquisition determines what sort of a person they are.
They are very nice laptop computers. "Pro" ain't got no meaning other than branding.
I'm sure that's why I see them used by professional musicians, sound techs, graphic artists, movie directors and other pros everyday huh?
In my experience, Radeon performs better on OS X anyway. They have better drivers. My 330M-equipped 2010 Macbook Pro definitely does NOT live up to the 330M's expected performance in OS X, whereas my Radeon 3870 in my Mac Pro does live up to its expected performance by far.
"Pro" ain't got no meaning other than branding.
Your elegant use of the English language lends credibility to your comments.
In my experience, Radeon performs better on OS X anyway. They have better drivers.
Because nVidia refuses to write OS X drivers, so Apple has to do it. At least, that's how it used to be.
Windows 8 should end this nonsense once and for all?
I don't believe this for one second, but if it in fact turns out to be true I will be hanging on to my nearly 5 year old MBP for a few more years. There is NO WAY I would ever "upgrade" to a high end laptop with a integrated graphics.
Maybe they'll just call them MacBook Airs?