CPU and GPU Performance
The fastest laptop CPU from the previous-generation was the up-to 3.4GHz quad-core, eight-thread Core i7-3630QM, which hit 6.48 in the multi-threaded Cinebench test.
The XMG P503 PRO moves things forward with an up-to 3.7GHz quad-core, eight-thread Core i7-4800MQ that raises multi-core performance by roughly 12 per cent. A healthy increase, but it's interesting to note that the fourth-gen chip carries a 47W TDP - a couple of watts more than the previous generation.
We've never seen a laptop score more than 5,000 PCMarks. This benchmark examines multiple facets of system performance, taking into account the storage subsystem, media encoding and everyday tasks such as web browsing. With the architectural benefits of the Haswell processor and a fast Samsung 840 Pro SSD capable of reading data in excess of 500MB/s, the XMG P503 PRO obliterates this test with a score of 6,340. The result is right in line with a high-end desktop.
The CPU, as expected, is a step up from previous generations, but what about the Nvidia GeForce GTX 770M GPU?
| GeForce GTX 670MX | GeForce GTX 680MX | GeForce GTX 770M | GeForce GTX 780M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | October 2012 | October 2012 | May 2013 | May 2013 |
| Process | 28nm | 28nm | 28nm | 28nm |
| Architecture | Kepler | Kepler | Kepler | Kepler |
| Processors | 960 | 1,536 | 960 | 1,536 |
| Texture Units | 80 | 128 | 80 | 128 |
| ROP Units | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
| Memory Size | 3,072MB | 4,096MB | 3,072MB | 4,096MB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Core Clock | 600MHz | 720MHz | 811MHz | 823MHz |
| Turbo Boost | GPU Boost 1.0 | GPU Boost 1.0 | GPU Boost 2.0 | GPU Boost 2.0 |
| Memory Clock | 2,800MHz | 5,000MHz | 4,000MHz | 5,000MHz |
| Memory Interface | 192-bit | 256-bit | 192-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 67GB/s | 160GB/s | 96GB/s | 160GB/s |
Breaking out the comparison table reveals that the 2013 revision has plenty in common with 2012's direct predecessor, the GTX 670MX. Both chips use essentially the same underlying architecture, but Nvidia has increased the core and memory operating frequencies for the GTX 770M, as well as adding GPU Boost 2.0 into the mix.
There's going to be a sizeable performance gap between the GTX 770M and GTX 780M (both of which, remember, are available via the XMG configuration page) however the former should offer strong gaming performance. Our review laptop managed over 5,000 3DMarks, which, while not quite enough to match the Radeon HD 7970M-powered Scan Graphite LG10, should be reflected in smooth real-world gameplay.