Why Apple Chose Intel Graphics For The 13-Inch MacBook Pro


Yesterday Apple announced its refreshed line of MacBook Pros sporting the latest Sandybridge processors and AMD graphics processors complimented by Intel’s integrated graphics chip. However, the baseline MacBook Pro lacks a discrete GPU and is powered by Intel’s HD 3000. While some are decrying Apple for intentionally ditching Nvidia for Intel, the constraints of the 13″ MacBook Pro forced Apple’s hand.

During the previous MacBook Pro revision Apple upgraded the 15 and 17-inch models with Intel’s Core i5 and i7 processors while sticking with the Core 2 Duo for the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The reason was frustrating; Nvidia’s 320M GPU gave the low end MacBook Pro its graphics kick and acted as a chipset for Intel’s Core 2 processors. This allowed Apple to shrink the size of the logic board in favor or a larger battery.

Intel eventually introduced its newest line of processors to succeed the Core 2 line dubbed Core i3, i5 and i7. However, Intel ran in to legal issues with Nvidia and blocked them from making chipsets for the newest line of processors. Intel and Nvidia’s heated legal battle which started in directly effected Apple. For Apple to continue using Nvidia’s GPU and chipset combo, Intel’s newest Core i5 processors could not be used.

Skipping Intel’s Sandybridge CPUs and sticking with a slightly faster Core 2 processor combined with an Nvidia 320 or 330M GPU would have been a bad move by Apple. However, the design constraints of the 13-inch MacBook Pro meant Apple couldn’t include a discrete GPU and was forced to use a chipset/GPU combination. The ultimate result is Intel’s HD 3000 which can barely go toe-to-toe with Nvidia’s lower end 310M and 320M GPU and has some questioning whether a Mac with integrated graphics can be really be a pro level machine.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro’s space constraints, Nvidia’s inability to create a compatible chipset/GPU combo and Apple’s reluctance to skip over Sandybridge CPUs led to Intel HD 3000 powering the baseline MacBook Pro.


Kossi Adzo

Kossi Adzo is a technology enthusiast and digital strategist with a fervent passion for Apple products and the innovative technologies that orbit them. With a background in computer science and a decade of experience in app development and digital marketing, Kossi brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the Apple Gazette team.

3 Comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Hey i have to C2Duo macbook pro 13inch, late 2009, and i am thinking of buying the new one i just wanna know: how will this graphic card change/problem affect me playing games on my mac like COD from the Mac App Store or even Precipice of Darkness?? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

  2. Wow, and they have the NERVE to charge full price. Without anything good at all, the price should be hundreds of dollars lower. I can get a computer with the same processor/gpu combination for pretty much nothing, and for the same price get one with a real gpu. I hated apple before, but now its pretty bad.

  3. i chose a 2009 mac over 2010,2011 because it has a 9400gpu and i heard that the nvidia 330 were causing issues, but for mac to use intels intergrated 3000 instead of radeon is low, but the price is still high, it can play games on low but if i pay a high price then i want a dedicated gpu also. sandy bridge is what makes it worth while.