External heatsink helps MacBook Air with Apple M3 achieve significantly better performance

As already our detailed test of the MacBook Air with Apple M3 (approx. 1,010 euros on Amazon), the performance under continuous load falls far behind that of the 14-inch MacBook Pro based on the same ARM chip - both the processor and the graphics work around a quarter faster in conjunction with the active fan.

As a new test from Max Tech shows, the GPU performance even drops to around half under continuous load when the display of the MacBook Air is closed and the Ultrabook is used with an external monitor. This problem is relatively easy to avoid because, in conjunction with an external heatsink from Svalt, the peak performance of the Apple M3 can be maintained even under continuous load - at least almost, the GPU performance drops by around 10 percent even with a massive heatsink.

If you regularly use your MacBook Air at your desk when it is closed, it may be worthwhile using an appropriate heatsink because, as a more practical test shows, Lightroom exports, for example, can be completed in less than half the time with a heatsink.

For a more mobile solution, Max Tech sticks thermal pads over the area where the SoC is located to bridge the gap between the heat sink and the underside of the case - this improves cooling and, therefore, performance, but is also likely to increase the temperature of the underside of the case and is not recommended if the MacBook Air is often used on the lap. While the MacBook Air performs impressively compared to other passively cooled laptops, this test shows the potential the Ultrabook would have with a more effective cooling solution.