MacBook Pro 15" (2011) vs 13" 2016

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Level 1

9 points

MacBook Pro 15" (2011) vs 13" 2016

Hello

I have a MacBook Pro late 2011 (non retina) with a 2,4GHz i7 quad-core CPU and 8Gb ram which I upgraded with a samsung SSD.

I would like to hear if upgrading to the new MacBook Pro 13" 2,9 GHz i5 dual core would be an upgrade? I know a lot happens in 5 years, but upgrading to a dual core processor just seems weird.

I use my Mac to play a few games like LoL and WoW and run applications like MS SQL server and Visual studio

Thanks in advance

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11), Late 2011

Posted on Nov 3, 2016 1:20 PM

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Answer 1

tjk

Level 9

51,192 points

Nov 3, 2016 2:52 PM in response to c-poulsen

Hi,

Yes, it would definitely be an upgrade. Its processor is 4 generations newer. Your old MBP Multi-Core Geekbench score (speed test) is 4943, while the 2015 (only 3 gen newer processor) benches at 6739. I don't know what percentage that is, but it's quite a bit. And the newest 2.9 you're looking at it going to be higher than that.

The GPU is also going to be significantly faster/stronger, allowing you to play games at a much higher frame rate and with greater visual quality.

The Retina display speaks for itself.

One other thing to consider is the 13" you're looking at may have either a 256GB SSD or 512. Get the 512.

Another is ports: your old 13" has a number of different ports, while the new one has four USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports. That means if you want to connect anything, it'll either have to have the same USB-C connection (for which you may need to buy a cable), or you'll need to buy adapters and cables.

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Answer 2

Grimakis

Level 1

17 points

Nov 6, 2016 10:49 AM in response to c-poulsen

I'm not sure exactly where tjk's numbers are coming from, but I would not go from Quad to Dual core.

My 2011 MBP Multicore score is 8900, and that's with a 2.2GHz Sandy Bridge on Geekbench 4. The 2015 score for the 13" is 6785 as I see on Geekbench.

For me, upgrading to the 2015 model would give better single core performance, but worse multi-core.

Is that worth the hefty price of the upgrade? I'll need to the see the Geekbench scores for the new machines. Also, don't forget the 13" 2016 is with integrated graphics, so don't expect anything crazy.

If you are going to the new 15", I'd say of course, but personally I wouldn't upgrade to the 13" unless you're looking for the gorgeous Retina display, and new touchbar. If you are upgrading because your current specs aren't cutting it, it's not worth the $1800 in my own opinion.

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Answer 3

tjk

Level 9

51,192 points

Nov 6, 2016 1:22 PM in response to Grimakis

Grimakis wrote:

I'm not sure exactly where tjk's numbers are coming from, but I would not go from Quad to Dual core.

My 2011 MBP Multicore score is 8900, and that's with a 2.2GHz Sandy Bridge on Geekbench 4. The 2015 score for the 13" is 6785 as I see on Geekbench.

Good catch. I looked at Geekbench 13", dual core, not the 15" quad. I suspect the scores will be much closer when the new numbers come out, but the 2011 15" quad multi-core score will likely still be higher.

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