On Apple silicon (SoCs like the M1, M2, M3, and M4 series), binned and non-binned chips refer to different versions of the same processor, where some chips have certain cores disabled or perform slightly differently due to the manufacturing process.
Binned vs. Non-Binned Chips
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Binned Chips
- These are chips that did not fully meet the highest performance or efficiency standards during manufacturing.
- Some CPU or GPU cores may be disabled to ensure stability, reducing power consumption and cost.
- Apple sells these chips at a lower price, often in base models of MacBooks, iPads, or Mac Minis.
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Non-Binned Chips
- These are fully functional chips with all cores active, meaning they meet the highest quality standards.
- They offer the best performance in terms of CPU, GPU, and power efficiency.
- Typically found in higher-end models or as an upgrade option.
Example of Binning in Apple Chips
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M2 Pro Chip
- Binned Version: 10-core CPU (6 performance + 4 efficiency cores), 16-core GPU
- Non-Binned Version: 12-core CPU (8 performance + 4 efficiency cores), 19-core GPU
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M3 Pro Chip
- Binned Version: 11-core CPU, 14-core GPU
- Non-Binned Version: 12-core CPU, 18-core GPU
Why Does Apple Bin Chips?
- Yield Efficiency: Not all chips come out perfect; rather than discarding partially faulty ones, Apple disables underperforming cores and sells them at a lower tier.
- Market Segmentation: Offers multiple price points for different users.