Using highly optimized Metal Shading Language (MSL) code, I pushed the MacBook Air M2 to its performance limits with the deformable_attention_universal kernel. The results demonstrate both the efficiency of the code and the exceptional power of Apple Silicon.
The total computational workload exceeded 8.455 quadrillion FLOPs, equivalent to processing 8,455 trillion operations. On average, the code sustained a throughput of 85.37 TFLOPS, showcasing the chip’s remarkable ability to handle massive workloads. Peak instantaneous performance reached approximately 673.73 TFLOPS, reflecting near-optimal utilization of the GPU cores.
Despite this intensity, the cumulative GPU runtime remained under 100 seconds, highlighting the code’s efficiency and time optimization. The fastest iteration achieved a record processing time of only 0.051 ms, demonstrating minimal bottlenecks and excellent responsiveness.
Memory management was equally impressive: peak GPU memory usage never exceeded 2 MB, reflecting efficient use of the M2’s Unified Memory. This minimizes data transfer overhead and ensures smooth performance across repeated workloads.
Overall, these results confirm that a well-optimized Metal implementation can unlock the full potential of Apple Silicon, delivering exceptional computational density, processing speed, and memory efficiency. The MacBook Air M2, often considered an energy-efficient consumer laptop, is capable of handling highly intensive workloads at performance levels typically expected from much larger GPUs. This test validates both the robustness of the Metal code and the extraordinary capabilities of the M2 chip for high-performance computing tasks.
