Is Intel to blame for MacBook Pro's interface and memory limitations?

Intel processors have been identified as the cause of certain limitations on the 2016 MacBook Pros, such as limited Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth on some models.

The 6360U processor in the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro is made using a 14nm process—the same as in the other new MacBook Pros. It also has one thing in common with the dual-core processors in the other new MacBook Pros: it only has 12 PCI-E lanes.

The 15-inch MacBook Pro with four Thunderbolt ports offers three processors for users to choose from - 6700HQ, 6820HQ and 6920HQ, all of which have 16 PCI-E lanes.

The processor has 16 PCI-E lanes, which is why the 15-inch MacBook Pro Thunderbolt interface can transfer data at full speed. The processor has only 12 PCI-E lanes, which is the culprit for the "low bandwidth" of the 13-inch MacBook Pro Thunderbolt interface.

In addition, Skylake only supports LPDDR3, which is why the MacBook Pro can only be configured with a maximum of 16GB of memory. It will not be until the end of next year, or even later, that Kaby Lake quad-core processors will support LPDDR4.

macOS is not the limiting factor in the MacBook Pro's processing power. Apple has chosen not to use other techniques to increase the maximum memory capacity supported by the MacBook Pro, probably to keep the body thin and light and maximize battery life. Apple's statement that supporting 32GB or more of memory will reduce battery life is correct.

As a winner of Toutiao's Qingyun Plan and Baijiahao's Bai+ Plan, the 2019 Baidu Digital Author of the Year, the Baijiahao's Most Popular Author in the Technology Field, the 2019 Sogou Technology and Culture Author, and the 2021 Baijiahao Quarterly Influential Creator, he has won many awards, including the 2013 Sohu Best Industry Media Person, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Beijing Third Place, the 2015 Guangmang Experience Award, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Third Place, and the 2018 Baidu Dynamic Annual Powerful Celebrity.