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Performance review with M1

Minh Nguyen
Graphisoft Alumni
Graphisoft Alumni
wp-content_uploads_2020_11_Apple_new-m1-chip-crop.jpg
Apple introduced the transition from x86 to ARM architecture for Mac on June 22, 2020. Generally speaking, ARM is optimized for better power consumption, whereas x86 targets performance. With the development of semiconductor technology, ARM has caught up with x86 in terms of performance. However, due to the difference in architecture, x86 applications could not run on ARM chips and vice versa, unless there is an emulation layer. Apple solved it by introducing Rosetta 2. With the help of Rosetta 2, x86 applications will run on ARM.
 

Apple officially unveiled their first ARM chip designed specifically for Mac, the M1 processor, in November 2020. The first three models received this processor are the Macbook Air, the Macbook Pro 13", and the Mac Mini.

This article will focus on the performance and compatibility of Archicad and BIMcloud running on M1 chip via Rosetta 2. At the time of writing, our test model is the latest Macbook Pro 13" with:

  • M1 chip with 8-core CPU (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores) and 8-core GPU
  • 8GB of unified memory
  • 512GB of SSD storage

General performance of the M1 chip

In the first public release of Apple Silicon on Mac, the M1 chip targets the best CPU performance per watt. Thus these machines are optimized for power efficiency. Incredibly long battery life is their biggest strength, but that doesn't mean the M1 chip is weak. It performs similar to recent Intel's mobile processors in terms of CPU power even with programs that are not optimized for ARM, and much better than Intel's integrated graphics solution.


Compatibility

Since Archicad and BIMcloud are not yet optimized for ARM architecture, they will still be running as Intel x86 applications via Rosetta 2. They may initially take a little longer to open while Rosetta 2 translates them.

Given the short time frame, we were only able to carry out limited sets of tests. Nevertheless, the performance is similar to what you expect on Intel-processor models. No severe problem sticks out during our tests, using the latest updates for Archicad 24, Archicad 25, and BIMcloud 2022.1. You can find the list of the currently known issues in the last section.


CPU Performance

The M1 found in the Macbook Pro 13" is equipped with:

  • 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores
  • 8-core GPU

The most significant difference between the first three models with M1 is: the Macbook Pro 13" and Mac Mini contain a fan, which helps to sustain higher performance during a longer period of time. The Macbook Air does not have a cooling fan and also has one fewer GPU core in the lowest configuration. Under long heavy tasks, like rendering, the chip will slow itself down as temperature rises (the so-called throttling behavior).

Archicad uses the CPU for most operations (like Processing Elements, Generating 2D Views, Rendering). We performed the same sets of tests to compare the performance of M1 with various Intel-based Macs: the late-2019 Macbook Pro 16", the iMac 5K in 2017, and the late-2016 Macbook Pro 15". Their specifications can be found below:

  Macbook Pro 13" Macbook Pro 16", late 2019 iMac 5K, 2017 Macbook Pro 15", late 2016
CPU M1 9th Gen Intel Core i7 2.6 GHz (6-core) 7th Gen Intel Core i7 4.2 GHz (4-core) 6th Gen Intel Core i7 2.7 GHz (4-core)
RAM 8GB of Unified memory 32GB 32GB 16GB
HDD 512GB SSD 1TB SSD 512GB SSD 512GB SSD
GPU Integrated Graphics AMD Radeon PRO 5500M with 4GB of GDDR6 memory AMD Radeon Pro 580 with 8GB of GDDR5 memory AMD Radeon PRO 460 with 4GB of GDDR5 memory

The results from our tests are quite positive:

 

wp-content_uploads_2020_11_M1-testresult-twotone.png

 

*The tests are performed with Archicad 24 Update Preview 4000


Memory (RAM)

The M1 chip features a unified memory architecture: the system memory is built directly into the chip. It is shared by both processor cores and graphics cores.

This brings the benefit of accessing the same data without copying it between multiple pools of memory inside the system, reducing the latency. At the same time, it is currently limited to 16GB, which is adequate for small to medium models or having 1 or 2 Archicad instances opened. Bigger projects can easily consume lots of memory, especially if many Views are open simultaneously or when rendering.

16GB will suffice for running BIMcloud Manager and BIMcloud Server with Small firm size (5-15 active users). For a higher number of active users and more complex models, 16GB won't be enough.


Graphics Card

The graphics solution is integrated into the M1 processor. Official information from Apple suggests that the M1's eight-core GPU can simultaneously handle nearly 25,000 threads and deliver up to 2.6 teraflops. This puts the M1 on the same level as Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or the AMD Radeon RX 560. In our Archicad 3D navigation tests, although M1 registers a slower result, it still provides smooth navigation.

 

wp-content_uploads_2020_11_M1-FPS_small.png

 

 

wp-content_uploads_2020_11_M1-FPS_medium.png

 

 

wp-content_uploads_2020_11_M1-FPS_large.png

 

*The tests are performed with Archicad 23 Update Preview 6000


Storage (SSD)

The SSD storage equipped in Macs is usually pretty fast. It is no different here, but currently, M1-equipped machines can only be configured with up to 2TB of SSD storage.


Limitations

Despite the good test results, the M1 chip does have certain limitations:

  • Currently, the M1 can only be configured with up to 16GB of unified memory. This can be a drawback when handling big models.
  • External GPUs are not yet supported on this platform. We also do not know whether they will be supported in the future.
  • The Macbook Pro and Macbook Air with M1 currently support only one external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz; whereas the Mac Mini with M1 can support maximum two displays at either 6K or at 4K resolution.
  • Windows emulation is not officially supported yet on Apple Silicon for Mac.

Recommendation

You may consider buying a Mac with M1 chip if:

  • You are upgrading from a previous 13-inch Macbook Pro or Macbook Air, or if you are fine with a smaller screen and would like to try out the latest technology available.
  • Battery life and mobility are essential.
  • You only handle small or medium models with the machine.
  • Multiple displays are not necessary.
  • External GPUs are not necessary.
  • Only run BIMcloud in small firm size.

You shouldn't buy a Mac with M1 chip if:

  • You are using a recent Macbook Pro 16", Mac Pro, or any recent iMacs and won't need a smaller model.
  • 16GB of RAM or 2TB of internal SSD is not enough for your work.
  • Extra power from a dedicated graphics card is needed.
  • You usually work with large models.
  • The machine will be connected to a power source most of the time, and portability is not essential.
  • You need multiple displays for your work.
  • You need to run BIMcloud in medium or large firm size.

Known Issues

Archicad is stuck in the background after closing

Affected version(s): Archicad 22, 23, 24 | Severity: solved in an OS update | ID: DEF-2864

Issue

Archicad freezes after closing Archicad. We can see in the Activity Monitor that Archicad becomes "Not responding" in the background after the Work Environment disappears from the screen.

Cause

Archicad is frozen in Rosetta.

Solution

Archicad only freezes after all works have been saved, thus there should not be any loss of data. The issue solved with the latest update of macOS 11

Archicad crashes when importing Point Cloud

Affected version(s): Archicad 22, 23, 24 | Severity: workaround applicable | ID: DEF-3618

Issue

Archicad crashes while importing a point cloud or opening a project file with point cloud embedded.

Cause

M1 chip doesn't support Geometry Shader, which the point cloud currently uses for rendering.

Solution

By disabling Geometry Shader, Archicad won't crash when handling Point Cloud. The method to disable Geometry Shader can be found here.

Comments
Archimara
Participant

Very informative, does Archicad 25 run native on M1 Macs now? It would be interesting to see the same tests done with the M1 Pro & M1 Max hardware

archselo
Participant

Hi!

Hi almost use Archicad for 13 years, generally working on single and multi residential buildings on our architectural office. I now have MacBook Pro 15 mid 15 and need to upgrade my computer as soon as possible. I just clear my mind to have a laptop instead of a desktop but still remain in between Mac Vs windows base pc’s. My regular 3D cad program is Archicad. I need to open photoshop and Autocad time to time and intel based MacBooks allow them to operate. Nowadays I also am working with twinmotion like the ease of use of it. On my research, I saw that, MacBooks with Apple silicon (m1, m1 pro and max) chip have problem with operating such these programs. I think apple silicon need time for the users who are professional in architecture and engineering sector. As a very old Mac user, although it’s not rational and logical, I actually choose the programs which work with apple. For example I may tried Lumion which is better for me at interior design renders over exterior instead of twinmotion. I don’t know if I should change my mind and being unprejudecide on windows pc’s. I said at first, I need to have laptop because I sometimes work out of office besides I need to go for a clients place to give a presentation. And I want my computer is also good looking and befit to

architect. I finally found one pc that doesn’t only designed with very well hardware also really looks nice. The two devices I remained in between are “MacBook Pro 16 inch M1 max 32gb ram 1 tb ssd” and “dell precision M5760 17 inch uhd 4k intel Xeon w 11955M 32gb ram 1 tb ssd” 

 

I wonder what you’re thinking about these laptops for my needs and opinions on my thoughts.
Thank you in advance

Suelle
Newcomer

I'd be interested about the review on the MacBook Pro M1 Pro as well. I have been using it for a project at the university and it is sadly not running like it should. For exemple now I have been waiting for minutes jut to change from elevation to 3D. I have the MacBook Pro M1 Pro with 32GB RAM. Is Graphisoft going to fix these problems soon? Right now it is basically impossible to work with it. 

Slim Shady
Participant

For anyone who is considering buying 13m1 MacBook, please DO NOT buy it and go for M1 PRO. The performance difference of the 2 chip on Archicad is quite substantial. 

I am not sure if it is just me but Archicad 24 is basically unusable on my 13 m1 MacBook. It is lagging so bad. I then returned the 13'm1 and exchanged to the 14m1pro. Totally difference experience.. a bit lagging sometime, but 500% much more smoother than the 13'm1 MacBook. 

Ron
Booster

Been using Archicad since 4.1 in 1992 on macs, my present Imac 2013 version is getting tired but based on this article I don't think i'll upgrade my computer now till Archicad is native to the new macs. hopefully 26?

 

Question on the first graph is that in seconds, I hope not. My imac can take a while to open files but thats since i'm  loading several old libraries with objects that Archicad no longer carries plus home made objects

Slim Shady
Participant

Been using 25 on M1 pro for a while, it works but you don't expect it to be as smooth as it runs on an intel processor. 

however, DO NOT buy M1 but M1 pro. The M1 is basically unusable, not lagging, but UNUSABLE. U will suffer if you run a big project on M1. 

M1 pro works ok, but still lagging when I modify the walls. 

 

 

g r a n t
Enthusiast

Hi All. Is there an update on a release for Archicad with compatibility with the Apple silicone? Thanks, Grant

Karl Ottenstein
Moderator

@g r a n t  Please see this article:

https://community.graphisoft.com/t5/Setup-License-articles/ARM-Mac-support/ta-p/304108

 

"According to our plans a full commercial release of Archicad natively running on the ARM architecture is to be expected in 2022."

 

and more specifically Version 26 preview:

https://community.graphisoft.com/t5/What-s-new/Archicad-26-Preview/m-p/333834

 

"A preview version fully ARM compatible is planned to be available later in July-August."

 

 

g r a n t
Enthusiast

@Karl Ottenstein Hi. Thanks for the links and information.....I appreciate it. G

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