First Benchmarking and Video Tests of New MacBook Models

As usual, Primate Labs run a synthetic benchmarking (Geekbench 2) of the previous and new MacBook and MacBook Pro models. As expected the benchmark test, measuring only the processor and memory performance, did not reveal any real difference between the previous and the new models. If DDR3 modules are supposed to offer a widers bandwidth, the slower latency does not make it a faster alternative than the current low latency DDR2 modules.
One should keep in mind that this architecture is a transition one towards Nehalem, and this is most likely the reason why Apple introduced this new design to justify a revision as the hardware differences were not providing any true memory and CPU performance gains. Nehalem-based Macbook will be the true evolution.
However, when running "everyday tests", MacWorld demonstrated that the new architecture, especially associated with more powerful GPUs could deliver higher performance levels than the previous models. The new entry level MacBook clocked at 2.0 GHz is faster than the previous one sporting a Core 2 Duo at 2.1 GHz, and even came close to the previous model clocked at 2.5 GHz!
For MacBook Pro models, this is slightly different, as only GPU-demanding test demonstrate the gain of performance provided by the new architecture. New models seem to hold faster HDs too. These specific differences demonstrate how benchmarking tests on Mac are still not properly design to indicate the true overall performance of a Mac model in real conditions.
According to several reports, playing HD H.264 video on the new MacBook is less CPU-demanding than with the previous model. Indeed, it now only requires 30 % CPU power vs. 100 % full CPU usage before. Several possible explanations, both Apple and NVidia have optimized GPU drivers to make it possible to better benefit from GPU power for playing HD video, or the new architecture is making better use of the integrated SSE4 of the Core 2 Duo.
Let's hope that improved drivers will be made available for previous NVidia-based Mac, as NVidia GPUs were supporting HD video decoding from a long time. This is important as it will further increase battery life time of NVidia-based MacBook/MacBook Pro.