When it comes to gaming laptops and portable workstations, choosing the right machine can significantly impact your gaming experience. In this article, we compare the gaming performance of the MacBook Pro 14 M1 Pro and the Clevo P870TM-H, two popular yet very different devices.

Overview of the Devices

The MacBook Pro 14 M1 Pro is Apple's high-end laptop, renowned for its powerful M1 Pro chip, impressive battery life, and sleek design. It features a 14-inch Retina display, integrated graphics, and is optimized for creative professionals and developers.

The Clevo P870TM-H, on the other hand, is a customizable gaming laptop often used by enthusiasts and gamers. It supports high-performance discrete graphics cards, extensive cooling options, and upgradeable components, making it a formidable gaming machine.

Hardware Specifications

Below are the key specifications relevant to gaming performance:

  • MacBook Pro 14 M1 Pro:
    • Processor: Apple M1 Pro (up to 10-core CPU)
    • Graphics: Integrated 14-core GPU
    • RAM: Up to 32GB
    • Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
  • Clevo P870TM-H:
    • Processor: Intel Core i7/i9 (up to 8 cores)
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or 3070
    • RAM: Up to 64GB
    • Storage: Multiple SSD/HDD options

Gaming Performance Benchmarks

In real-world gaming tests, the differences between these two devices are significant due to their hardware architectures.

  • Cyberpunk 2077:
    • MacBook Pro 14 M1 Pro: ~25-30 FPS (Medium Settings)
    • Clevo P870TM-H: ~70-90 FPS (High Settings)
  • Fortnite:
    • MacBook Pro 14 M1 Pro: ~40-50 FPS
    • Clevo P870TM-H: ~120 FPS
  • Shadow of the Tomb Raider:
    • MacBook Pro 14 M1 Pro: ~20 FPS
    • Clevo P870TM-H: ~60-80 FPS

Performance Analysis

The MacBook Pro 14 M1 Pro performs well for a professional laptop, especially in optimized applications. However, its integrated GPU limits gaming performance, resulting in lower frame rates and reduced settings compatibility.

The Clevo P870TM-H, equipped with high-end discrete GPUs, delivers significantly higher frame rates, supporting high or ultra settings in most modern games. Its upgradeability and cooling system make it suitable for extended gaming sessions.

Conclusion

While the MacBook Pro 14 M1 Pro is an excellent device for creative work and general use, it falls short in gaming performance compared to the Clevo P870TM-H. For gamers seeking high frame rates and the ability to play demanding titles at high settings, the Clevo remains the better choice.

Ultimately, your choice depends on your primary use case. If gaming is a priority, the Clevo P870TM-H offers superior performance. For professional work and portability, the MacBook Pro 14 M1 Pro is highly capable, though less suited for intensive gaming.