GPU·Budget

M1 8-Core GPU

Apple

G3D Mark

5,000

00
November 10 2020

Performance Spectrum - GPU

About G3D Mark

G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.

Overview

The M1 8-Core GPU is manufactured by Apple. It was released in November 10 2020. The core clock speed is 1278 MHz. It has 8 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 30W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 5,000 points.

Value Upgrade Path

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MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
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Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of M1 8-Core GPU specifications and capabilities.

Graphics Performance

The M1 8-Core GPU scores 5,000 in the G3D Mark benchmark (the standard measure of rasterization GPU performance), placing it in the Budget tier as a Aging generation graphics card. It packs 8 shader units (the primary compute units for rendering pixels).

SpecificationM1 8-Core GPU
G3D MarkPassMark 3D graphics benchmark score5,000
Manufacturing ProcessFabrication node — smaller = more efficient5 nm
Shader UnitsCore compute units for rendering/compute8
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum GPU frequency1278 MHz
PCIe InterfaceCPU↔GPU data link generationIGP
Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking#428
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Video Memory (VRAM)

The M1 8-Core GPU is equipped with 2 GB of Shared video memory connected via a Unified memory bus, delivering 68 GB/s of bandwidth.

SpecificationM1 8-Core GPU
VRAM SizeVideo memory capacity — more = better for high-res textures2 GB
VRAM TypeMemory technology generationShared
Memory BusWidth of data path — wider = more bandwidthUnified
BandwidthMaximum data throughput between GPU and VRAM68 GB/s

Advanced Features & APIs

Graphics API support: DirectX N/A, OpenGL 4.1 (Rosetta 2)— latest API versions enable the most advanced rendering features like ray tracing and mesh shaders.

SpecificationM1 8-Core GPU
OpenGLLegacy graphics API4.1 (Rosetta 2)
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Display & Media

Display outputs: 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort — supports up to 2 simultaneous displays. Hardware encoder: Apple M1 Video Encoder, decoder: Apple M1 Video Decoder— dedicated hardware for video encoding/decoding accelerates streaming, recording, and video playback. Supported codecs: H.264,HEVC,ProRes,ProRes RAW.

SpecificationM1 8-Core GPU
HDMI PortsNumber of HDMI display connectors1x
DisplayPort PortsNumber of DisplayPort display connectors1x
Max DisplaysMaximum simultaneously connected monitors2
Hardware EncoderVideo encoding engine versionApple M1 Video Encoder
Hardware DecoderVideo decoding engine versionApple M1 Video Decoder
CodecsSupported video compression formatsH.264,HEVC,ProRes,ProRes RAW
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Power & Dimensions

The M1 8-Core GPU draws 30W under load (TDP) — a 350W PSU minimum is recommended. Power connector: PCIe-powered. Physical size: , occupying 0 expansion slots— verify your case has clearance before purchasing.

SpecificationM1 8-Core GPU
TDPPower consumption under load30W
Recommended PSUMinimum power supply wattage350W
Power ConnectorRequired PCIe power cable typePCIe-powered
Slot WidthExpansion slots occupied0-slot

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