The MacBook Air M3 can manage up to two external displays when its cover is closed. This new feature, although interesting, unfortunately seems to be marred by significant performance issues.
One of the few new features of the MacBook Air M3 poses a problem. Launched at the beginning of March, the device features a new Apple M3 processor (replacing the M2 chip in the 2022 and 2023 models), but also a faster SSD for its 256 GB version as well as support for two external screens. It’s this new functionality that is visibly stuck.
One of the new features of the MacBook Air M3 raises a problem
Tested by us recently, the MacBook Air M3 improves compared to its predecessor by having the capacity to manage up to two external monitors: a first going up to 6K at 60 Hz and a second in 5K definition at 60 Hz.
This new feature is particularly interesting for users looking to boost their productivity when they can sit at a desk. However, it involves using the two USB-C ports of the device (as in the image above), but also folding the cover so as to turn off the main screen, otherwise only an external screen can be used. supported.
It is in this precise context that overheating problems can appear… to the point of seriously limiting the performance of the M3 chip.
Neutered performance when the hood is closed?
YouTuber Max Tech noticed that using the MacBook Air M3 with the cover closed caused rapid and intense heating, with a notable impact on the device’s performance, particularly during intensive use.
On 3D Mark Wildlife Extreme, when the cover of the device is opened, the M3 chip manages (in the worst case) to collect 5,916 points. This score drops to just 4,198 when the hood is closed. The drop in power is therefore particularly visible, especially since in optimal conditions, and with the cover open, the MacBook Air obtains a little more than 8,000 points on the same benchmark, explains the videographer.
This collapse in performance of the M3 chip is explained by the rise in temperature observed when the MacBook Air is used in “clamshell” mode, and therefore with the cover closed. In this scenario, the heat generated by the processor has more difficulty being dissipated, which ultimately limits its capabilities. Nothing surprising here: the MacBook Air does not in fact have an active dissipation system and must therefore cool itself passively, without the help of fans, unlike the MacBook Pros, the latest models of which we have tested.
We will still put two caveats on Max Tech’s findings: this overheating problem is only visibly relevant in the context of intensive use of the MacBook Air M3, with two screens connected and the cover closed. In addition, the videographer places heavy emphasis on the heating of the device to quickly praise the effectiveness of additional cooling devices, sold by third-party prop makers… and on which he probably earns a commission.
Sources: Max Tech, Wccftech
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