In our tests, we achieved a Geekbench 5 single-core test score of 1748 compared to the 1251 reference score for a 2020 27-in. No Intel chip matches the M1 in single-core (SC) performance and only AMD’s 5000 series (Zen 3) chips are close. When it comes to the Apple M1 chip, the Geekbench 5 scores we have achieved and those others reported are at the top of the industry. And in this regard, we are talking about the M1’s high-performance Firestorm core(s). So whether one is talking about Revit models, SolidWorks models, or SketchUp models, the driver of performance in modeling activity workflows is primarily the single-core performance of the CPU in combination with the GPU’s performance to redraw the screen. The short answer is some parts-but of a limited nature-can be optimized for parallel processing (multithreaded) performance improvements.Īpple’s new 24-in iMac is powered by Apple’s new M1 chip, offering market-leading single-core processing and upper-midrange GPU Performance. We’ve had recent conversations in the last year with the folks at Siemens Parasolid, for example, talking about their market-leading modeling kernel, and how much of it can be optimized for multi-threaded processing taking advantage of more CPU cores.

This fundamentally has to do with the mathematical realities that make 2/3D CAD software work. Most CAD and 3D modeling software are “single-threaded” and not optimized for the utilization of multiple cores on chips.

That article dives deep but let’s summarize some key items below. (see, Architosh: “The M1 Mac mini vs iMac Pro 2017 vs Everyone (Part 1),” 12 April 2021). Recently we published an in-depth feature here on Architosh.

Let’s put all other aspects of the new iMacs aside for a moment and simply concentrate on the performance of the M1 chip with regards to CPU and GPU (graphics) performance. Readers may be wondering if these machines are powerful enough for good performing CAD and 3D work. The new machine is powered by Apple’s own chip, the M1. Apple unveiled this week a totally redesigned iMac in a 24-inch version with a stunning new thin design.

Element 3d m1 mac