The latest MacBook Air with the new Apple M3 chip has been receiving mixed reviews due to its lack of a fan, which can lead to performance throttling under load or when using external monitors. However, a recent test has shown that adding an external heatsink, such as one from Svalt, can help maintain peak performance of the Apple M3.
Compared to the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the same ARM chip, which has an active fan for cooling, the MacBook Air falls behind in performance under continuous load. However, using a heatsink can significantly improve performance, with tasks like Lightroom exports completing in less time.
Another potential solution to improve cooling and performance is to use thermal pads, although this may increase the temperature of the underside of the MacBook Air. While the MacBook Air performs well compared to other passively cooled laptops, there is still room for improvement with a more effective cooling solution.
Overall, these findings suggest that while the MacBook Air with Apple M3 is a solid option for those looking for a sleek and portable device, there are ways to enhance its performance with the use of external cooling solutions. Stay tuned for more updates and reviews on tech innovations only on ‘The Puck Drop’.
