M3 MacBook Air Transformed into M4: The Power of Custom Cooling
Apple recently found itself in a state of confusion when a famous YouTuber, MaxTech, took the M3 MacBook Air to new heights of performance. By employing a specially designed cooling solution, MaxTech was able to push the M3 MacBook Air to levels that rival the more expensive M3 MacBook Pro. This modification not only unlocked the full potential of the M3 chip but also addressed the heating issues that often plague this model.
The Cooling Solution: Svalt’s DHCR Cooling Station
To achieve this remarkable performance boost, MaxTech utilized Svalt’s DHCR cooling station along with thermal pads. By cooling the outer chassis while holding the MacBook vertically, this innovative cooling method effectively cooled the M3 chip from the inside. The results were impressive.
In the 3DMark Wildlife test, the modified M3 MacBook Air achieved a score of 7,309 points in closed screen mode. This score is only 800 points below the score achieved by the M4 MacBook Air and 600 points below the M3 MacBook Pro, without any heating issues. The cooling station not only unlocked the true potential of the M3 chip but also surpassed the performance of its more expensive counterpart.
Unleashing the Full Potential: Performance Comparison
MaxTech conducted a series of tests to showcase the enhanced performance of the modified M3 MacBook Air. Here are the results:
- M3 MacBook Air (Factory Outlet): 8,083 points
- M3 MacBook Air (Factory Outlet, 20 minutes of stress): 5,916 points
- M3 MacBook Air (Screen Off, 20 minutes of stress): 4,197 points
- M3 MacBook Air (Screen Off, Cooled, 20 minutes of stress): 7,309 points
- M3 MacBook Air (Screen Off, with Heatsink/Thermal Pad, 20 minutes of stress): 8,062 points
- M3 MacBook Pro (Factory Outlet): 8,090 points
- M3 MacBook Pro (Factory Outlet, 20 minutes of stress): 7,933 points
As the results indicate, the modified M3 MacBook Air managed to surpass the M3 MacBook Pro, achieving a sustained performance of 8,062 points. This achievement highlights the significant impact that the cooling solution has on the overall performance of the MacBook Air. The thermal pads placed between the internal cooling solution of the M3 chip and the external chassis played a crucial role in achieving this feat.
The Cost of Modification: Affordable Performance Boost
The cost of these modifications is stated to be $279. Svalt’s DHCR cooling station offers a practical and effective solution, particularly for users who primarily use their MacBook Air on a desktop or connected to external displays. With this affordable upgrade, users can experience the full power of the M3 chip without compromising on performance due to heat-related issues.
In conclusion, MaxTech’s modification of the M3 MacBook Air has demonstrated the untapped potential of this model. By addressing the heating issues and enhancing the cooling system, the modified M3 MacBook Air outperforms the more expensive M3 MacBook Pro. This achievement not only showcases the power of custom cooling solutions but also highlights the importance of effective thermal management in maximizing the performance of laptops.
