Mac CPU and GPU Comparison: 2017 vs 2019 vs 2020 (M1)
Introduction
Apple’s transition from Intel processors to its in-house Apple Silicon marked a seismic shift in computing performance, efficiency, and user experience. This article compares three pivotal machines from the Mac lineup to show just how dramatic that change really was: the 15-inch MacBook Pro (2017) with an Intel Core i7, the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) featuring a powerful Intel Core i9, and the game-changing Apple M1 Mac mini released in 2020. While the Intel machines delivered solid performance at the time, they were frequently criticized for thermal throttling, fan noise, and heat issues. In contrast, Apple’s M1 chip arrived whisper-quiet, cool, and highly efficient — without sacrificing performance.
2017 MacBook Pro (15″) — Solid Intel Power, But Aging
The 2017 15-inch MacBook Pro (MacBookPro14,3), equipped with the Intel Core i7-7920HQ, delivered a Geekbench 6 single-core score of ~1,182 and a multi-core score of ~3,765. That’s 50% lower single-core and over 55% lower multi-core performance than the M1 Mac mini. This model also included the AMD Radeon Pro 560, scoring around 36,000 in Geekbench Metal. While decent in 2017, the GPU and CPU have aged noticeably.
Under sustained workloads, the 2017 MBP struggled with heat, often leading to reduced performance and elevated fan noise. GPU-heavy workflows also suffered under prolonged loads due to limited thermal headroom.
2019 MacBook Pro (16″) — Peak Intel Performance on Mac
The 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro (MacBookPro16,1), with its Intel Core i9-9980HK, scored ~1,380 in single-core and ~6,480 in multi-core benchmarks. That’s about 17% better single-core and 72% better multi-core than the 2017 model. But despite improved cooling, it often faced thermal throttling and was known for loud fans and a warm chassis under load.
Its Radeon Pro 5500M GPU achieved a Metal score around 37,000. While better than the 560, real-world gains weren’t always significant, especially in optimized apps where the M1’s integrated GPU excels.
2020 Mac mini (M1) — Apple Silicon Redefines the Game
The M1 Mac mini (Macmini9,1) blew past expectations with ~2,360 single-core and ~8,400 multi-core scores in Geekbench 6. That’s 70% faster single-core than the i9 and 30% faster multi-core, despite fewer threads. Compared to the 2017 i7, the M1 delivers 100% faster single-core and ~123% faster multi-core scores.
Its integrated 8-core GPU scores between ~21,000 and 32,000 in Geekbench Metal. Though lower than the discrete AMD GPUs on paper, it often outperforms them in real-world, Apple-optimized workflows. Combined with nearly silent cooling and low power use, it redefines what users expect from a desktop.
Score Analysis: Percent Differences Across Generations
| Metric | 2017 MBP (i7) | 2019 MBP (i9) | 2020 Mac mini (M1) | % Gain vs 2017 | % Gain vs 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Single-Core | 1,182 | 1,380 | 2,360 | +100% | +71% |
| CPU Multi-Core | 3,765 | 6,480 | 8,400 | +123% | +30% |
| GPU Metal (avg.) | 36,000 | 37,000 | ~28,000 | -22% | -24% |
⚡⃝ Note: While the M1’s GPU appears weaker on paper, in optimized macOS workflows like Final Cut Pro, its real-world performance often matched or exceeded the 2017/2019 discrete GPUs thanks to tight system integration and media engines.
Conclusion: A Three-Year Revolution
Apple didn’t just iterate between 2017 and 2020 — it revolutionized the Mac. The 2017 MacBook Pro was a solid performer in its time, but it now lags behind significantly. The 2019 model delivered Intel’s best but was still plagued by heat and fan noise. Then came the M1 Mac mini: twice as fast in CPU tasks, nearly silent, and dramatically more efficient.
For developers, creatives, and everyday users, the M1 Mac isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a new standard.
Editor’s Note: We’re working on adding the two Intel Macs into our database so you can see how they look like on the SOC family graphs. Stay tuned!
Sources
- Geekbench 6 – MacBook Pro 15″ (2017)
- Geekbench 6 – MacBook Pro 16″ (2019)
- Geekbench 6 – Mac mini (M1)
- Geekbench Mac Score – i7-7920HQ
- Geekbench Mac Score – i9-9980HK
- Geekbench Mac Score – Apple M1 Mac mini
- Jeff Geerling – Linux Kernel Compile on M1 vs Intel Mac
- Pfeiffer Report – Adobe Premiere Pro on M1 vs Intel
- Macworld – MacBook Pro M1 vs Intel Benchmarks
- NotebookCheck – 2019 MacBook Pro Thermal Throttling
- AnandTech – Mac mini M1 Review
