I'm currently using a 2020 MacBook Pro, but I'm looking to upgrade for school because my integrated GPU won't support the Advanced 3D Renderer in After Effects. Do the newer MacBook Pros come with non-integrated GPUs?
2 Answers
Great question! So, here's the deal: the latest MacBooks run on integrated GPUs in their M-series chips, which means there’s no separate GPU like you might find in older Intel models. However, the M1 Pro and M1 Max versions pack some serious power with their GPU cores compared to the standard M1 or M2 chips.
To get the best performance for After Effects, you'd want a MacBook Pro that has either the M1 Pro or M2 Pro chip. These models come with a 16-core GPU option that'll handle advanced rendering much more effectively than your typical integrated graphics. If you can, go for the 16" MacBook Pro—it's fantastic for graphics-heavy tasks!
As a quick tip, here’s what I recommend:
- MacBook Pro 16" with M1 Pro or M2 Pro (16-core GPU)
- At least 16GB of RAM, but try for 32GB if you’ll be doing a lot of heavy rendering.
Pro tip: With the recent M4 chips launching, you might run into some great deals on M1/M2 Pro models. Keep an eye out! If you want to discuss more about which one suits your needs best, I’m here to help!
Their support docs suggest that as long as you have 16GB of RAM or more, you should be good to go. However, it's worth checking what others have experienced since some users recommend 32GB+ for a smooth experience—especially with more complex projects.
I get that, but I read that Macs with integrated GPUs just won't work with the Advanced 3D Renderer, no matter how much RAM you have. That's why I'm focused on getting a MacBook with a dedicated GPU.