I am about to return my macbook to my previous employer, and so I need to decide on what model to replace it with. My current model is late 2013 with the 750M discrete graphics. I don't care about 3d performance much and so I was interested to see if there is much difference between the discrete Intel Iris Pro graphics and the 740M in terms of video performance.
I did a benchmark which I posted here:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=11093&start=10&hil ... ark#p45349
From my test I like to conclude that there is no noticeable performance gain in Resolume by using discrete graphics
At first, looking at Oaktown's results, I noticed that CPU makes more of a difference, since he reported 13 layers of clean instead of my 9. But then I read gerbyzation's benchmark which has the exact same specs as my computer, but with an older version of Resolume, and he reports 10 layers. Also 10 layers of noise which is the same as in Oaktown's results.
Based on my findings I would get a macbook without the discrete graphics but with an upgraded cpu maybe. But if you need the 16gb of ram and 512gb of storage like me, you might as well, since then the 750M then comes for free basically...
I think it's interesting to know that for Resolume it doesn't matter if you're using the discrete or Iris Pro graphics. Having a model without discrete graphics could then be a benefit since you'll get lower power consumption as it won't switch to discrete for applications and driving external displays.
So once apple starts putting 16 ram or 512 storage in the lower range models I would prefer them. Too bad I can't hold out for the next models.
For additional information on the comparison between Iris Pro and 750M I found this article to be a good read:
http://www.archagon.net/a-few-pointless ... acbook-pro
I was aware that Windows has better graphics drivers, but the difference in these benchmarks really surprise me. I wonder how much of that can be blamed on drivers or optimisations in Resolume itself. I hope that OSX will improve some in this area with Yosemite.
I am interested to hear your thoughts on this and if you think I am mistaken somewhere.