2.4 vs 2.53 vs 2.8

Question

2.4 vs 2.53 vs 2.8

Hey All - I just bought a new 2.4 and upgraded to 4GB of RAM. So in total, it was 2149 + tax. I am a software dev and I use my notebook hardcore, I run parallels with Visual Studio (multiple open copies) and run SQL servers, and then all the goodies in OS X (Word, Excel, PP, iChat, iMail, Safari, FTP, skype and iTunes) while streaming Howard Stern over Sirius.com. This is typical to be doing all this at ONCE on my laptop, I used to do this on a white 2GHz macbook with 2GigRam, and am now on one of these new guys and everything seems to be pretty darn quick for all that going on at once.

My question is, Is it worth it to pay the extra 350-650 bucks for the extra CPU speed and double graphics processing GRAM. I want to keep this for a while, so want to get thoughts from those who maybe have played with both, or own both, or just have an opinion. I don't like that the 2.8 are not in store, cause it took 4 of these 2.4's till they game me a good one.

iPhone, iPhone 3G, MacBook (Early Release), MacBook Pro (Late 2008), Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Oct 27, 2008 8:19 PM

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Answer 1

Zaw

Level 1

27 points

Oct 27, 2008 8:46 PM in response to dotnetfoundation

My rule is if you can afford it, then get the faster one. You won't regret buying the faster, but you may regret buying the slower model.

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Answer 2

Mac-Medic

Level 6

17,301 points

Oct 27, 2008 8:53 PM in response to dotnetfoundation

I ordered a 2.4Ghz model and canceled the order after giving it some thought. I will be keeping this a couple of years, so I figured the extra RAM, graphics RAM and higher CPU speed would be worth going with the 2.5Ghz. I'm like you, a heavy multi-tasker.

If you can afford it, kick it up a notch.

Dave M.
MacOSG Founder/Ambassador  An Apple User Group  iTunes: MacOSG Podcast
Creator of 'Mac611 - Mobile Mac Support' (designed exclusively for an iPhone/iPod touch)

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Answer 3

Oct 27, 2008 10:06 PM in response to dotnetfoundation

I was just trying to encode a rather high-quality video stream for my work, and had a 2.0GHz MacBook and a 2.4GHz MacBook to work with (older models). The 2.0GHz machine could barely push 24FPS and would give me dropped frames and other artifacts, but the 2.4GHz machine pumped out a solid 30FPS with no artifacts. It's simple stuff like this that makes the faster CPUs so much more worth it. Without the 2.4GHz machine I'd have to cut the quality of my video stream to make things work...

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Answer 4

capaho

Level 4

3,677 points

Oct 27, 2008 10:43 PM in response to dotnetfoundation

I use my iMacs and my MBP for software development and I'd say that memory is more important than processor speed. Upgrading from 2 GB to 4 GB of RAM is more significant than the differences between the 2.4, 2.53 and 2.8 GHz processors, especially if you're using Parallels.

The higher end GPU is probably not so important, either, unless your software dev involves higher end graphics. The 9600M consumes a lot more battery power than the 9400M, so I don't usually use it when I'm off the power cord.

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Answer 5

Harry

Level 4

1,026 points

Oct 27, 2008 11:35 PM in response to dotnetfoundation

Save your $. Literally. Take the money you would spend and put it in the bank. In a year, sell your 2.4 for $1300-1400, add the money you would have spent for the upgrade and buy the latest and greatest. The upcoming Nehalem chip is going to ramp up clock speed. Today's high end 2.8 will be standard this time next year AND it will be quad-core, not dual-core like the current chips.

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Answer 6

Oct 28, 2008 4:57 AM in response to dotnetfoundation

If you're already have in your possession a 2.4GHz then I'd recommend that you keep it. I do think that the 2.5 is a good deal because you get a faster processor, more ram, and a larger hard drive. While you can easily upgrade those components, its already done for you.

What you cannot easily upgrade, is the video ram, and the L2 cache on the cpu and the 2.5 has both of them.

with that said, the 2.5 is not that much faster and if you're happy with what you have, I'd not go through the hassle of exchanging a 2.4 with a 2.5

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Answer 7

Oct 28, 2008 6:40 AM in response to dotnetfoundation

I use my MBP for dev also - and at first I ordered the bottom line model - but after I thought about it - I figured I wouldn't be buying a new one for 2-3 years so I figured I should get the most powerful one so that in a year or two I wouldn't be too far behind the times. So here I sit with a 2.8 w/4Gigs ram and the 128Gig SSD! ...nothing could put a bigger smile on my face! ...and Man this thing is a screamer compared to my old 2006 MBP at 2.13GHz!

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Answer 8

Oct 28, 2008 6:46 AM in response to cogmission

I always buy the low end model MBP, because I replace about once a year. No need for me to pay for a high end model. I did that a couple of times, until I realized I don't keep them long enough.

So the next update I purchase will be the faster one I buy.

Then I sell my last one while it still has a higher value. Plus I need a write off each year for business.

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