15" 2.9Ghz 2016 vs 2.9Ghz 2017

[mvtm]

Hi guys,

I currently have this buying dilemma. I'm presented with 2 options:

15" 2.9Ghz 2017 16GB RAM/512GB/Radeon Pro 560 4GB GDDR5 - $2500
15" 2.9Ghz 2016 16GB RAM/256GB/Radeon Pro 460 4GB GDDR5 - $1900

I will use the machine for video editing and to learn Flame, Nuke or whatever intensive programs it may ran. I want to know in real world, apart from benchmarks.. how would the difference between Kaby and Skylake would feel. Programs intended: Flame,Nuke,FCPX,Adobe Premiere.

512GB would be ample to me. 256GB might be a little bit tight but doable. I will buy a 500GB Samsung T5 for my machine. I will also get the MBP regardless of the year with Apple Care. There is also the 3.1Ghz for $2600, but between the 2017 3.1 and 2.9Ghz is negligible.

I don't have too much cash, i can afford the 3 models but of course as normal people considering if i can get by with the $1900. Or would you rather pay the extra $600 between the 2016 and 2017 models.

Please tell me soon because i will decide right away.
Thanks

 

[0n3Appl3]

What do you value the most? Storage or GPU?

If I were in the same situation as you, I would prioritise the storage (512GB) because you'll seriously thank yourself for doing it and even better you'll have that 500GB Samsung T5 drive too. That totals to 1TB. To me, that should be enough for 5+ years.

As for the graphics card, I don't think you should worry about that because the performance difference between them is only around 10% and it shouldn't be a big deal for you unless you need that extra 10% performance boost on the 2017 model.

Overall, I would go for the 2016 model because, in my opinion, the specifications are almost identical, the performance of the 2016 model is still excellent, and 256GB isn't that all bad. I'm currently using an Early 13" 2015 MacBook Pro with 256GB, and I'm handling it just fine. With the Samsung T5 drive, you will be just fine.

 

[leman]

CPU and GPU performance is negligible in most case and certainly not worth the price difference.

 

[Sterkenburg]

If you are already thinking that a 256GB storage "might be a little tight" before purchase, then you have your answer: go for the 512GB SSD. CPU and GPU performance differences between those models will be hardly noticeable.

And good idea to purchase Apple Care indeed, given how these models (especially the 2016) are susceptible to keyboard issues.

 

[Macalicious2011]

If you will be doing video editing you ideally want to carry as much as you can locally on the computer. Go for 512GB.

 

[mvtm]

What do you value the most? Storage or GPU?

Overall, I would go for the 2016 model because, in my opinion, the specifications are almost identical, the performance of the 2016 model is still excellent, and 256GB isn't that all bad. I'm currently using an Early 13" 2015 MacBook Pro with 256GB, and I'm handling it just fine. With the Samsung T5 drive, you will be just fine.

If you are already thinking that a 256GB storage "might be a little tight" before purchase, then you have your answer: go for the 512GB SSD. CPU and GPU performance differences between those models will be hardly noticeable.

I value the most GPU. Storage is secondary to me as i have a light data usage. I store my Photos and Videos on a NAS, in my external drives. I have unlimited Google Cloud storage too.

I'm moving from a 11" MBA with had 64GB SSD. I ended up upgrading that computer not because of storage but that my 64GB failed, so i got a 128 GB SSD. At 128GB SSD while using, i felt just about right. With 20GB spare i have never had a storage problem.

So given that i want to store all of my data outside the computer, is it ok 256GB? I would go for the 512GB too but i can't configure that version. All the seller, Adorama. Is willing to sell me is 256GB with those specs. Trying to get the 512GB drive instead of 256, will increase me to $2800 the Late 2016..... that of course at that point i buy the 2017.

I need Max GPU,RAM and beefy processor. So out of what i've seen it's the $1900 model or climb to $2500+ if i want to get a 2017 machine with comparable specs.

 

[Miltz]

Those two units will perform the same, normally I would go for the 2016 in this case, but 256GB is way too little for editing video. Unless you shoot 1080P only and never plan to use 4K go with 512GB

 

[mvtm]

Those two units will perform the same, normally I would go for the 2016 in this case, but 256GB is way too little for editing video. Unless you shoot 1080P only and never plan to use 4K go with 512GB

How? If i get the 500GB Samsung T5 would i be able to do all the video editing directly on the T5 right? So i never use my 256 SSD space for video. Is that right?

Why is not advisable to shoot 4k on a 256GB local drive?
Or is straight out not possible?

 

[Miltz]

How? If i get the 500GB Samsung T5 would i be able to do all the video editing directly on the T5 right? So i never use my 256 SSD space for video. Is that right?

Why is not advisable to shoot 4k on a 256GB local drive?
Or is straight out not possible?

It’s possible, but it takes up a lot of space that’s all. At least for me. It depends on how much you intend to shoot, and how long your videos will be. I’m going to assume your just starting out so it might be enough for now. I filled up 1.5TB in less than 1 year so I have a 2TB SSD...

 

[mvtm]

It’s possible, but it takes up a lot of space that’s all. At least for me. It depends on how much you intend to shoot, and how long your videos will be. I’m going to assume your just starting out so it might be enough for now. I filled up 1.5TB in less than 1 year so I have a 2TB SSD...

I don't plan to shoot much. Just casual youtube videos if i'm good at it, but rather than creating content i'm more curious about editing content, effects, learning how the programs work, what can i do.. just improve my skills. I wanted a machine to be perfectly capable of being my normal main laptop but if i need as a side job use it for experimenting with software. I have some licenses of Adobe and Autodesk programs that i do want to try them and learn from them.

I'm aware that if i run out of space i will have to buy another external drive be it SSD/HDD to complement the 500GB T5. That is fine. I'm getting the 500 T5 in the meantime as it is the better price per value and just experiment with it as a personal backup/play drive. At $1900 with the MBP with the 4GB video i don't think i can do much better.

So plan is this:

15" 2.9Ghz 2016 16GB RAM/256GB/Radeon Pro 460 4GB GDDR5 ($1900) + 3 Year Apple Care ($270) + Samsung T5 500GB ($170 but it can go down on amazon/B&H) + Tomtoc 360 15" Case ($22) + CharJen Pro MacStick ($65, this one could also go down on amazon). Total would be $2430 with the Apple Care, T5 and essential accessories.

How does this looks?
I'll buy the Mac today along with Apple Care, and wait for the T5,Hub,Case to see if they get any rebates.

OR

I could maybe stretch get the 15" 2.9Ghz 2017 16GB RAM/512GB/Radeon Pro 560 4GB GDDR5 at $2500 and do not get the Samsung T5 and just work with whatever is on the computer.

 

[mvtm]

Bought the $1900 15" one
Got the $270 AC too.

I'm completely ok with 256GB, if i need more i'll distribute with external T5. It was the config that i wanted less than the HDD space but life is not perfect and i'm ok with that tradeoff for the price. As my cost for the computer is cheaper than i expected i may upgrade sooner if needed.

Thanks all for your imput/feedback. I'm very happy with my purchase.

 

[deliriumxy]

I just got a base model 2017", and have been mulling over returning it for more storage space (512gb). I'm not editing video so I think I'll be okay, as my current macbook is only using half of its 250 gb space. Although the ssd cannot be upgraded later, there are simple workarounds like external drives. You are making me not regret my purchase. Thanks.

 

[mvtm]

Hey guys just an update.

My adorama order got cancelled. I received an email stating that my order failed the verification process so it was cancelled. They never contacted me and i never received any missed calls, or prior attempts while the order was still pending. I suppose it was one of those issues of the billing and shipping address mismatching, but i have taken care of this now.

Anyways i proceeded to make a new 2nd order and it shows the mac is out of stock. I replied there cancelled order email and left them a message. It is kind of strange because i have used this card in serveral other shops with the previous billing address and no problems.

I really don't have a clue what went wrong. I'm going to try to contact them on Monday first hour.

 

[Naimfan]

Go for the 2017. Seems to be more reliable keyboard-wise due to less heat.

 

[mvtm]

Go for the 2017. Seems to be more reliable keyboard-wise due to less heat.

Hey guys, as my buying experience has not been good for Adorama I'm thinking even of buying a refurbished 15" 2.9Ghz 2017 MBP from Apple.

I will ultimately go and get the 2017 2.9Ghz 16GB/512MB/Radeon 560 4GB as adorama couldn't honor my 2016 2.9Ghz 16GB/256GB/Radeon 460 4GB one for $1900. Really sucks.

 

[TommyilRomano]

Get the 2017 with the 512GB drive. Depending on external storage can be a pain.

 

[mvtm]

Get the 2017 with the 512GB drive. Depending on external storage can be a pain.

I end up buying the 2017 2.9Ghz 16GB/512GB/Radeon Pro 560 in Space Gray for $2500. Switched from Adorama to B&H after Adorama cancelled my 2016 15" $1900 MBP because of "IP Address outside of the US"

I use a VPN and it was cancelled without prior notice by Adorama. Really disappointed on this. I also got the Apple Care for the 2017 MBP!

So yeah.. i ended up with the 2017 instead of the 2016.

 

[alanlau007]

Isn't the 2016 model 15" 2.9/1 TB/460 for $2499 from B&H a better deal?

Since there isn't much performance difference between Radeon Pro 560 and 460, you get 1TB SSD for the same price.

I end up buying the 2017 2.9Ghz 16GB/512GB/Radeon Pro 560 in Space Gray for $2500. Switched from Adorama to B&H after Adorama cancelled my 2016 15" $1900 MBP because of "IP Address outside of the US"

I use a VPN and it was cancelled without prior notice by Adorama. Really disappointed on this. I also got the Apple Care for the 2017 MBP!

So yeah.. i ended up with the 2017 instead of the 2016.

 

[mvtm]

Isn't the 2016 model 15" 2.9/1 TB/460 for $2499 from B&H a better deal?

Since there isn't much performance difference between Radeon Pro 560 and 460, you get 1TB SSD for the same price.

I thought about this also but i don't use much space. Guess i wanted the 2017 model. People say its prone to less issues and has the full HEVC H.265 support. Probably there's only a 10% performance increase between the 2 2.9Ghz but think i wanted the new one.

I can still change it, what do you guys say?

I think i'm ok with the 512GB 2017 one, but feel free to post your opinions. I did look at that one, but liked the 2017 one.

 

[Naimfan]

I thought about this also but i don't use much space. Guess i wanted the 2017 model. People say its prone to less issues and has the full HEVC H.265 support. Probably there's only a 10% performance increase between the 2 2.9Ghz but think i wanted the new one.

I can still change it, what do you guys say?

I think i'm ok with the 512GB 2017 one, but feel free to post your opinions. I did look at that one, but liked the 2017 one.

Stick with the 2017 if you don't need the space.