Questions about speeds in Macbook Pros, and what is worth upgrading for?

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Level 1

5 points

Questions about speeds in Macbook Pros, and what is worth upgrading for?

Hi,

Im deciding on a new Macbook to buy, and just so i have perspective of the processing speed of each one, please help me by answering some of my questions.

First being, which processor performs better, the Intel I7 2.2 Ghz quad core, or the Intel I5 2.7 Ghz dual core? I know the two processors are in different Macbook Pros, im just trying to see if its worth investing in a more expensive computer, say it has much more processing power. I will be using the computer for Mechanical Engineering work, including programs building 3D models and renderings, if that needs to be kept in mind.

Second, say i decide on the Macbook Pro 13 inch, is it worth upgrading to a 2.9 Ghz from the 2.7 Ghz? Would there be any noticeable difference? And same goes for the 3.1 Ghz, is that worth upgrading to and spending an additional $300?

Third, say i get the Macbook Pro 15 inch, is it worth upgrading to the 2.5 Ghz I7 quad core from the 2.2 Ghz?

Thanks much for all the help, its really appreciated!

Posted on Sep 21, 2015 2:15 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Sep 21, 2015 2:23 PM in response to bensignor5

the Intel I7 2.2 Ghz quad core, or the Intel I5 2.7 Ghz dual core

Quad-core processors are always faster than dual-core all other things being constant. In theory they would be roughly twice as fast.
Faster clock speeds means faster operation. If all processors are dual-core then at most they are just proportionally faster.
See answer to question one.

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Answer 2

bensignor5 Author

Level 1

5 points

Sep 21, 2015 2:33 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks for answering, but i find it unclear as to your answer in #1. If the I7 quad core is double the speed of the I5 dual core, then wouldn't the I7 be exceptionally faster?

So its not worth upgrading processor from whatever the base model comes with, considering they are only "proportionally faster." Could you describe to me what you mean by that too?

Thanks!

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Sep 21, 2015 2:40 PM in response to bensignor5

It's at least twice as fast at the same clock speed. I have no idea what "exceptionally" fast means. I also stated that all other things were constant. Since the i7 is always faster than an i5 that means the quad-core i7 will be even more than twice the speed of an i5 dual-core.

Proportionally faster means if you divide the faster clock by the slower one, the result is the percentage difference in speed, e.g. 2.9 / 2.7 = 1.07. Meaning the faster CPU is 1.07 times faster.

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Answer 4

Sep 21, 2015 4:26 PM in response to bensignor5

Bensignor, you are going to find that a quad processor is going to work much faster than dual core processor. In general use I haven't found that the clock speed makes a noticeable difference in most tasks. But then again, I don't do a lot of processor intensive tasks like you might be doing. Looking at what you say you would need to do with your computer I would recommend the i7 with as much RAM is you can afford. Also the high end MBP 15 has a discrete graphics card which will add speed to your system. I believe the others don't.

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Answer 5

bensignor5 Author

Level 1

5 points

Sep 21, 2015 5:49 PM in response to Paul Conaway

The higher end 15 inch macbook pro, the one that starts at $2499, has a dedicated graphics card, but not the $1999 one. Im not willing to go up to that price range, i am a student, and dont even really have the money in the first place, but im figuring it out.

What i need to figure out is what computer is right for me. There are three options i can see myself going with. First being the 13 inch with a 2.7 ghz dual core I5 processor with 16gb of ram with 128 of storage, or the 13 inch 3.1 ghz I5 Ghz I5 processor and 16gb rams and 128 of storage, or the 15 inch with a 2.2 ghz quad core with 16gb of ram with 256gb of storage. As i said, i will be using this computer for Mechanical Engineering programs, as well as note taking for other classes, and general webs surfing, minimal movie editing, and some movie watching.

Thanks for all the help!

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Answer 6

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Sep 21, 2015 6:00 PM in response to bensignor5

For your stipulated criteria go with the 2.7 ghz dual core I5 processor with 16gb of ram with 128 of storage. You get no real advantage until you move up to the 15" model for which you are paying more for the quad-core CPU, dedicated GPU, bigger screen, and larger SSD. If there is an Apple Store or retailer nearby, then go see them before buying. I have a 2011 model that is 13" and has the i5 CPU. Been quite happy with it.

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Answer 7

bensignor5 Author

Level 1

5 points

Sep 21, 2015 6:20 PM in response to Kappy

Before today i wasnt considering a 15 inch at all. But best buy is running a sale on the 15 inch for $300 off, 15%! Since i was able to see that by only investing a few hundred dollars more for a much better processor, its something that i then considered. The real difference here is that in the 13inch, 2.7 processor, 16gb of ram i could get for 1499, and the 15 inch with 2.2 quad core, 16gb ram, 256gb storage for 1699. All in all, even with keeping the price differential in mind between the 13 inch and the 15 inch, you still think i should go with a 13 inch 2.7 ghz dual core I5 processor with 16gb of ram with 128 of storage.?

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Answer 8

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Sep 21, 2015 10:09 PM in response to bensignor5

I can only tell you about performance expectations. How much you are willing to spend is your decision. You have essentially altered the decision matrix which had no specific cash constraint to start with.

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