# 💻 How does the M3 chip performance compare to M2 in the MacBook Air?

*Published: 2024-01-29 | Updated: 2024-02-01 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/answers/how-does-the-m3-chip-performance-compare-to-m2-in-the-macbook-air*

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## Product: Apple MacBook Air M3 (2024) 13-inch, 512GB SSD
**Brand:** Apple

The new 2024 MacBook Air with the M3 chip adds some pretty cool advancements compared to the previous M2 model. A lot of folks are buzzing about its ability to support two external displays, which you can set up using the Thunderbolt/USB-C ports. 

But, here's something important: to use these dual displays effectively, you'll need to keep the laptop's lid closed, which disables the built-in screen. 

This is a nice upgrade from older MacBook Air models that only let you connect one external monitor. It can be super handy for anyone who likes working with multiple displays—like if you're into video editing or design and need more screen space.

But, there are a couple of things to consider. When you're using both displays, all the USB-C ports get used up, so you might need to get a [USB hub](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dusb%2Bhub%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) if you have other devices to connect. 

Plus, keeping the lid closed might not work for everyone, especially if you like using the MacBook’s keyboard and trackpad along with the monitors.

If you’re someone who needs more flexibility with ports and display options, checking out the [MacBook Pro](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dmacbook%2Bpro%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) might be worth it. It offers more versatility for complex setups or if you often switch between using your MacBook as a laptop and a desktop.

Overall, the M3 chip brings some exciting improvements, especially with that dual-display support. It's just a matter of figuring out if they fit your style of working, especially with those little quirks.

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*Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from thousands of retailers, and analysis of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.*