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15-inch MacBook Pro Radeon Pro Vega 16 and Vega 20 GPU options now available

Malcolm Owen |

15-inch MacBook Pro

Last updated

Apple has started to offer the 15-inch MacBook Pro to customers with updated graphics options, with configurations of the notebook using AMD's Radeon Pro Vega GPUs now available to purchase from Apple directly.

Quietly revealed during Apple's special event in October alongside other Mac and iPad changes, the upgraded options to add more powerful graphics to the MacBook Pro went live on Wednesday. Under the change, customers can elect to have a Vega 16 or Vega 20 graphics processing unit (GPU) as a discrete graphics alternative to the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630.

Previously, buyers of the 15-inch MacBook Pro had the option of a Radeon Pro 555X or Radeon Pro 560X GPU, each with 4GB of GDDR5 memory, to be installed in the notebook. Under the new options, users can elect for a Vega 16 or Vega 20, both with 4GB of HBM2 memory.

The Vega 16 and Vega 20 are equipped with what AMD describes as "Vega next-generation compute units," with each having 16 and 20 compute units respectively. The GPU also includes a feature called Rapid Packed Math, that accelerates processing of workloads in realtime and can cut down the resources required for repetitive tasks.

It is claimed opting for the Vega 16 and Vega 20 will offer a 60-percent performance improvement over the Radeon Pro 560X, making it useful for mobile creative professionals working in video editing, 3D design, and graphics-heavy workflows.

The second-generation High Bandwidth Memory offers a number of bonuses over GDDR5 memory, with more memory bandwidth per chip and lower power consumption offered by HBM2. By being located on the GPU package, it can also offer physical space savings within the MacBook Pro, which could allow Apple to further refine the logic board to be smaller.

The new options are available from Apple's online store and through its retail outlets as custom orders only, as well as via Apple Authorized Resellers. To upgrade from the Radeon Pro 560X to the Radeon Pro Vega 16 will cost an extra $250, while jumping to the Vega 20 is a $350 add-on.

While the Vega 16 and 20 will be handy for those on the move, it isn't the only graphical upgrade on offer. Apple also launched the Blackmagic eGPU Pro equipped with a Radeon RX Pro Vega 56 GPU, making it a more powerful add-on option for those who need higher performance and are willing to work from a single location rather than being more mobile.

Apple plans to ship the BlackMagic eGPU Pro in late November, priced at $1,199.

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For a limited time, Apple authorized reseller Adorama is taking $225 off every Mid 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro with Vega 16 or Vega 20 graphics for AI readers. This deal, which can be activated with coupon code APINSIDER using the pricing links below and in our Price Guide, delivers the lowest prices anywhere on the newly released configurations.

What's more, Adorama will not collect sales tax on your order if you live outside NY and NJ. For most customers, that incentive combined with our $225 coupon will save you between $470 to $790 on these brawny new machines.

To snap up the discounts, you must shop through the pricing links below or in our Price Guide and enter coupon code APINSIDER during checkout. Need help? Send us a note at deals@appleinsider.com and we will do our best to assist.

2018 15" MacBook Pros with Vega 16 graphics

2018 15" MacBook Pros with Vega 20 graphics

20 Comments

wizard69 21 Years · 13358 comments
About

Nice but a processor update would have been nice also.
AMD's use of HBM2 memory had down wonders for them.   They effectively increase performance and lower power usage going the HBM route.   Given that an 8GB GPU would have been nice.

lemon bon bon. 18 Years · 2155 comments
About

Non upgradeable eGPU.  About sums up Apple these days.

These 'things' are still expensive.  

When the caddies (well, that's what they are...) are in the £100 range, they'll be 'worth it.'  ...what is it after all?  A pc tower box mini with a power supply and a few ports and 'a fan?'

GPUs aren't cheap these days.  But Apple didn't see fit to include one with the Mini 'pro' or even the Macbook Pro (at least, not a decent one...) and so they save on that whilst charging you a premium on an eGPU.  I'd call that double dipping.  They pocket the profit from NOT offering a GPU AND they charge on purchasing an external one...or you pay that via a 3rd party and you're out for at least twice the price for a gpu.  Do the math on that one.

And the eGPU right now over TB3?  Inefficient.  20%.  Run two?  That's 40%.  

And WHY doesn't the Mini have this Vega graphics (Vega 16 and 20) at least?  Apple's 'Mini' is Maxi priced.

PC from PC World?  Tower with 6 core AND NV 1060?  £999.  

PC from PC World?  Tower with 6 core AND NV 1080(!) £1450.  (Sounds tempting?)

'Same' PC from Amazon?  £1350-ish.

To get 'the same' specs from Apple, you're adding a couple of hundred on a caddy.  A couple of hundred to £400 on the gpu and spending an extra £600 total to get a machine with a gpu.  

It would take the base Coffee Lake i5 6 core to about £1700 or more depending on the caddy cost.

Be nice if Apple supported Nvidia...it's not as if it's the days of ten GPU makers..., is it?

£799 for a 128 gig SSD (auto-correct wanted to change that to 'sad' strangely enough...)

What's that drive cost apple?  £40?  £20?  I'm scratching my head at £799 for a crappy i3 and 128 gigs.  That costs the 300 extra over a base £399 mini?  Those specs should be in a base £399 mini.  Its not as if you get a screen, mouse or keyboard.  Apple are saving on all of those.

And while I'm ranting.  What's with £200 iPad keyboards?  For a sharp edged and RSI keyboard that offers very little flexibility of position.

Insane is what it is.

Lemon Bon Bon.

lemon bon bon. 18 Years · 2155 comments
About

And you can't upgrade the eGPU?

Deary me.

Lemon Bon Bon.

entropys 13 Years · 4316 comments
About

Is there any reason not to announce new imacs now?

Mike Wuerthele 8 Years · 6906 comments
About

And you can't upgrade the eGPU?

Deary me.

Lemon Bon Bon.

I'm not sure what you're flipping out about? If you want an upgradeable eGPU, most of them are. If you want to run two eGPUs without the 40% loss, then run them on different buses.

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