2012 13" MacBook Pro processor vs. 2019 13" model

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Level 1

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2012 13" MacBook Pro processor vs. 2019 13" model

Hello

I'm in love with my 2012 Macbook Pro (non-retina version) and, even though it's getting on a bit, it still runs very quickly and is perfectly reliable. So much so that it feels like I could have bought it yesterday (though granted, I haven't really used one of the newer models for any length of time).

It's a shame then that the time has come to upgrade – mainly for a Retina display (I work in visual design), and for a lighter/slimmer model.

One of the specs that I want to get some clarity on is the processor. I'm not an expert in this area but my model has a 2.9 GHz Intel Core i7, while the new 13" model has either a 1.4GHz Quad-Core Processor or a 2.4GHz Quad-Core Processor.

Would I be right in assuming that the Quad-Core processors in the new models are superior to the dual-core i7 in my 2012 model, despite the clock speed being slower?

I don't want to invest in a new laptop if it will be noticeably slower.

Any help appreciated.

Posted on Dec 2, 2019 7:24 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Allan Jones

Level 10

84,882 points

Dec 2, 2019 8:02 AM in response to Oharra

Welcome! Excellent question.

It's not all about the processor. Yes, newer ones are more efficient and have better throughput, but improved logic board bus speeds and faster flash storage contribute a lot.

A great tool to see actual speed comparisons is the MacTracker database, available free from the Mac App Store. If you are looking at the entry for an individual model, clicking on the blue link the shows the processor options reveal GeekBench performance test results.

These are the graphs for the two models you have mentioned:

MacTracker is here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mactracker/id430255202?mt=12

The 13-inch 2012 non-Retina MBP is one of the most durable and bullet-proof computer Macs ever made. It stayed in the line unchanged for over four years, and still has Apple parts and service support though late 2021.

I hope mine lasts a long time because I do not like the direction that current Apple notebooks have taken. I have added RAM to mine and changed the hard drive to a fast SSD and it now feels as fast as much newer computers.

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Answer 2

Oharra Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 2, 2019 8:33 AM in response to Allan Jones

You've touched on exactly why I'm reluctant to upgrade.

I should have mentioned that I have upped the RAM to 16gb and have a 256gb SSD, so yes – it's very quick. I've occasionally used newer MacBooks and they have always felt a bit unresponsive, laggy and slower for some reason. Almost like they've been over-engineered, or down specced to force customers to upgrade quicker. With my 2012 model I seem to have so much headroom all the time – apps open in a split second, which is why I'm actually kind of worried about upgrading as I'm just not sure if they still build them like they used to.

Still, going by the results shown in that app the new ones are far superior. Thanks for your input!

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Answer 3

Allan Jones

Level 10

84,882 points

Dec 2, 2019 8:39 AM in response to Oharra

Good observations. Many people do not like the new keyboards, have to pay through the nose for dongles n' docks to keep their old peripherals in use, and battery service is very expensive. Frankly, I will have a big decision to make when my 2012 dies. If I want a delicate, expensive-to-repair pain in the kiester, I'd rather get a $700 something than a $1500+ something.

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2012 13" MacBook Pro processor vs. 2019 13" model

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