Is the MacBook Pro 2018 REALLY Bad?

The video examines the 2018 MacBook Pro with a Core i9 processor, taking a close look at what Apple changed under the hood and how those changes impact real-world performance. It starts by framing Apple’s design philosophy across generations, highlighting the shift from the 2016 redesign to the iMac Pro and now to a thinner notebook with advanced thermal and power considerations. The presenter digs into the key hardware decisions in the 2018 model, notably the soldered memory and storage, the T2 chip, and the integration of the SSD with the motherboard, which removes the option for data recovery if the logic board fails. The discussion then pivots to performance concerns, presenting observed thermal throttling with the i9 in base form and the subsequent firmware fix that MacOS users could benefit from, emphasizing that the fix is not OS-agnostic and primarily helps macOS users. The host compares MacOS performance against Windows via Boot Camp, showing that while MacOS may offer smoother frequency curves, Windows can still throttle under heavy load without adequate cooling. The review extends to gaming and productivity benchmarks, noting that a thicker cooling solution would likely unlock significantly better performance, and it points out the broader industry trend of cramming high-performance CPUs into ultra-thin laptops. The video concludes with a call for audience input on whether the MacBook Pro still represents a professional machine, and it plugs related accessories and sponsor spots, acknowledging ongoing debates about the value proposition and the meaning of “pro” in this context.

Topics · technology · hardware · review