Side by side
Apple M2 vs BIOS
Apple M2
30 positive (91%) · 1 mixed (3%) · 2 negative (6%)
Trust + time weighted: +82%
AI summary — not a quote
The Apple M2 is generally viewed as a high-value, "snappy" processor that offers a significant upgrade over the M1, particularly regarding media engine performance and software longevity. While it is no longer the latest chip, users frequently recommend it for daily productivity and light creative work due to its balance of price and performance, especially when found at a discount or used.
Pros
- Excellent value for money, particularly as a budget-friendly alternative to M3/M4 models
- Improved hardware features over previous generations, including a brighter 500-nit screen and better webcam
- Enhanced media engine that handles 4K video streams more effectively than the M1
- Significantly longer macOS support window compared to the M1
Cons
- Limited external display support (requires closing the laptop lid to use two external monitors)
- Lacks hardware-accelerated AV1 decoding found in newer chip generations
- Built on an older 5nm process compared to more recent iterations
- Base 8GB RAM configurations can feel restrictive for professional workflows
Top excerpts
M2 is worse because of 5 nm and absence of hardware AV1 decoding.
The M2 supports 2 displays total so you have to close the laptop to use 2 external monitors
But my m2 did decently well with this
then consider M2 cuz anyway M2 will last longer than M1
if you have a very tight budget you can consider M2 as well
BIOS
59 positive (62%) · 13 mixed (14%) · 23 negative (24%)
Trust + time weighted: +34%
AI summary — not a quote
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the foundational software for PC hardware initialization, and while it is essential for system stability and performance tuning, users view updates with significant caution. It is frequently used to enable high-speed RAM profiles (XMP/EXPO) and fix compatibility issues between older motherboards and newer components. However, the process of flashing a BIOS is considered high-risk due to the potential for bricking hardware, and new versions occasionally introduce thermal or stability regressions.
Pros
- Crucial for improving memory stability, especially on AM5 platforms
- Enables RAM performance features like XMP and EXPO
- Fixes hardware compatibility issues, such as allowing older motherboards to work with modern GPUs
- Allows customization of power-on behavior (e.g., 'Always Off' after AC power loss)
Cons
- Flashing carries a risk of bricking the motherboard if the process is interrupted
- Newer updates can sometimes be less stable or cause CPUs to run hotter than previous versions
- User interfaces are inconsistent across brands and can be difficult for beginners to navigate
- Older BIOS versions may have expired Secure Boot certificates
Top excerpts
There's usually a setting in the bios that is something like power on after loss of power so, it's certainly possible. I used to turn my computer on remotely with a wifi switch and this setting enabled.
The new update installed easily, but once loading into Windows, it was unstable and running super hot. No worries, I had a copy of the stable BIOS on hand, so I will just re-flash. It was going great and at 75%, the system shut down. The board was bricked, nothing.
Depends on the age of the BIOS version. If it is from before 2024 be aware that Secure Boot Certificates are expired.
update BIOS if you haven’t already (AM5 memory stability improves a lot with updates) or decrease DRAM voltage slightly
Never, ever, update a BIOS on a working machine with no known issues. Especially not one that's old.