Performance Benchmarks: Macbook M2 Vs M1 In Final Cut Pro And Davinci Resolve

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In recent years, Apple has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance with its MacBook lineup. The transition from the M1 to the M2 chip marks a significant step in enhancing computational power and efficiency. This article explores the performance benchmarks of the MacBook M2 compared to the M1, focusing on popular video editing software: Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve.

Overview of the MacBook M1 and M2 Chips

The Apple M1 chip, introduced in late 2020, revolutionized Mac performance with its ARM-based architecture, offering impressive speed and battery life. The M2 chip, launched in 2022, builds upon this foundation with increased CPU and GPU cores, faster memory bandwidth, and improved neural engine capabilities. These enhancements aim to deliver smoother workflows, especially in demanding tasks like video editing.

Performance in Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro, Apple’s professional video editing software, is optimized for Apple Silicon. Benchmarks show notable improvements when using the M2 over the M1. Editing 4K and 8K footage, rendering timelines, and exporting projects all benefit from the increased processing power.

Rendering and Export Speeds

  • M1: Exported a 10-minute 4K project in approximately 15 minutes.
  • M2: Reduced this time to around 12 minutes, a 20% improvement.

Timeline Performance

  • M1: Real-time playback of multiple 4K streams with some lag.
  • M2: Smoother playback with minimal lag, even with complex effects.

Performance in DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is renowned for its advanced color grading and editing features. Testing indicates that the M2 excels in handling intensive tasks, providing faster rendering times and smoother editing experiences compared to the M1.

Rendering and Color Grading

  • M1: Rendering a 4K color grade took approximately 20 minutes.
  • M2: Reduced to about 16 minutes, showing a 20% speed increase.

Timeline Performance

  • M1: Playback of multiple 4K tracks with some dropped frames.
  • M2: Near real-time playback with minimal dropped frames.

Additional Considerations

While benchmarks demonstrate clear performance gains with the M2, real-world performance also depends on other factors such as RAM, storage speed, and software optimization. Both the M1 and M2 models offer excellent performance, but the M2 provides a noticeable edge for professional workflows.

Conclusion

The transition from M1 to M2 significantly enhances the capabilities of MacBooks for video editing tasks. Users working with Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve will experience faster rendering, smoother timelines, and improved overall efficiency. For professionals seeking top-tier performance, the MacBook M2 is a compelling choice.