MacBook M3 Vs Intel i7 Based Windows Laptop Performance

Danuk on 29/11/2024 - 11:11
Last edited 29/11/2024 - 21:31 by 1 other user

Hi, I'm looking to transition into MacBook from Windows laptop and just wondering how does the performance compare.

If I want to buy a MacBook laptop which is equivalent to Windows machine with i7 processor (2Ghz+) with 16GB DDR5 Ram what type MacBook would match this? (M3?).

The usage would be running some computing tools and chart based applications and currently experiencing slowness when I use multiple applications like Trading View, Firefox with ~50 tabs, and Windows applications.

I understand that Apple products may perform better compared to Windows as both hardware and software made by Apple and their for its utilisation and efficiency may be superior than other products.

Appreciate advice from someone who has used both Apple and Windows.

Edited - I'm looking to buy a new laptop and considering to switch macbook. So wanted to know what would be equivalent specs.

Thanks in advance.

Computing Apple Computer Laptop

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 29/11/2024 - 11:26
    +5

    currently experiencing slowness when I use multiple applications like Trading View, Firefox with ~50 tabs, and Windows applications.

    Are you simply running out of RAM on your current machine? have you looked at the memory utilisation in task manager and see it spike past 90%? Running a browser with 50+ tabs open is going to be a RAM hog, and the slowness with TradingView seem to be just bad optimisation or issues with hardware acceleration

    If you are running out of RAM perhaps you either need a RAM upgrade (or if RAM is soldered, you'll need a new machine with more RAM than your current one).

    • HeWhoKnows on 30/11/2024 - 15:42
      -3

      Better still, close 49 out of the 50 windows in Firefox and Windows apps and BOOM, your performance will blast off.
      There is no way you can manage more than 2 or 3 at the same time anyway.

      But to get to the point…
      A windows PC running on Core i7 with 16GB RAM would be top notch so get same in MacBook

      As for this comment both hardware and software made by Apple
      Nope, thats not the case.
      Mac hardware is made by Foxconn and Quanta these days

  • Ynk on 29/11/2024 - 11:48
    +2

    Based on your comments it looks like CPU and GPU wise you would be fine with any M-Series but if you are set on using Firefox with 50 tabs and maintaining performance (aka not swapping) you're really going to have to bump the RAM up.

  • Danuk on 29/11/2024 - 11:58

    Thanks, i am consering to buy a new laptop and wanted to get an idea of equivalent specs.

    • Ynk on 29/11/2024 - 12:02
      +4

      Just a note you can walk in to any Apple Store (or order online but it takes longer) pick up any Laptop and try it out/return it no questions asked for a full refund until the 8th of January (normally it's only 14 days but it's extended due to a holiday promotion).

      You can then trial it, see how much ram etc you are using, if you need more performance and then just order/swap it for exactly what you need.

      • Danuk on 29/11/2024 - 12:39

        Thanks I didnt know. Will it issue only a partial refund? I know some stores refund only like 75% if the product is unpacked and tried out.

        I still would like to hear from someone who has used both products

        • Ynk on 29/11/2024 - 12:48
          +2

          No it's a full refund. I use multiple Mac Desktops, Laptops and PC desktops for my workflow and there are a billion benchmarks online you can compare to.

          Also it's impossible to answer your question with any accuracy as you haven't even stated what i7 Processor, these were introduced like 10 years ago there are at least like 7 years/generations of them all extremely different CPU performance levels, you don't state if you are using the iGPU or your current laptop has a GPU etc.

        • AustriaBargain on 29/11/2024 - 13:10

          Apple sell it refurbished if you return it, or maybe they have an outlet on eBay or something. They don't mind if you been using it on the toilet every day. Just don't break it.

        • scrimshaw on 29/11/2024 - 13:33
          +1

          Holiday Return Policy
          Eligible products at the Apple Store Online that are received between 8 November 2024 and 25 December 2024 may be returned until 8 January 2025. Please note that all other terms and conditions provided in the Apple Store Online Sales and Refunds Policy are still applicable with respect to such products purchased. All purchases made after 25 December 2024 are subject to the Standard Return Policy.

          You can verify this with Apple Support.

  • AustriaBargain on 29/11/2024 - 13:09

    Try the Mac from the Apple Store, get them to price match in person. If you buy now you can return it early January for full refund if you don't like it with the extended holiday return policy.

    • Danuk on 29/11/2024 - 13:45

      Thank you. For price match, i need to provide a catalogue or online page link of the same product from a dofferent provider like harvey norman - is that correct?

      • AustriaBargain on 29/11/2024 - 13:49
        +1

        I always just show them the page on my phone. ymmv, they don't have a published official price matching policy. They'll do it though, they'd rather you buy from them.

        • Danuk on 29/11/2024 - 17:46

          Thanks again. Have you observed any discounts for Iphone or Macbook high-end around Black Friday/ Boxing day times?

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