15" base model 2.0GHz vs 2.3GHz

[xuic333]

I seldom play computer game now. just use it for watching movies,search information, word, ppt etc. sometimes photoshop or coding.
so I've decided to buy a 15" base model which is enough for me I think.

But I am not sure about whether the upgrade 2.0 to 2.3 is worthwhile.
Because the 2.0 GHz Crystalwell processor does not have Intel vPro technology and Transactional Synchronization Extensions – New Instructions (IntelTSX-NI). (I have totally no idea about these two....)

Can you tell me what are the two things for and are they important or worth to upgrade?

Thanks.

 

[glasshead13]

No, you do not need to spend the money on a processor bump. Use it for something that would be worth your while like more RAM or a bigger SSD.

Processors are going to help with 3D work, such as CAD, Rendering things like movies or doing transcodes. Those are processor intensive tasks. That's not to say that the base 15" can't do those things, but it might take 20 seconds longer to do a 15 minute encode than the 2.3. Since you probably aren't going to do any of these things, your money would be better spent on RAM which would help with photoshop, or more SSD storage which is always great to have.

As far as I have heard, Intel vPro is something that has to be implemented at the bios level, and macs don't take advantage of this feature regardless if the processor does or does not have it. Someone correct me if this is wrong, but that's the last I heard on it. Most likely since you won't be using this processor to its full potential anyways, you will never notice it. I wouldn't not get the base 15" model over these features because you could honestly use an Air for your computer uses. The base pro is going to be plenty powerful for your needs.

 

[Chuck-Norris]

their are tons of threads of this already u should try using the search function

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1662979/

 

[Orlandoech]

I think bigger SSD over 16GB RAM but thats me.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1662700/

Are you serious? Since when was 8GB 'just enough'? Mavericks uses less ram. You actually need less. 8Gb is a good bit of ram. Espicially with Mavericks.

Re read this again.

http://appleinsider.com/articles/13...avericks-aims-to-free-ram-extend-battery-life

In all my years hear, lately the advice on this forum is just plain bad. What is with this 'get the ram' 'get the ram'. Do you realize how much 16gb ram is? literally maybe 10% of this forum might use it. Maybe less. With mavericks much less. I am sure Justin Bieber's fan forum is giving better advice.

Every responce is 'get the ram'. How about asking the person what their uses are. Why do you need it? Would a upgraded processor be better for you? Applecare? Maybe a larger SSD?

A poster on a previous thread asked which processor he should get. The 2.4, the 2.6, or 2.8 for the 13. Most of the responces were get more ram! Lol.

Even after he said he does encoding. Another thread, the poster says money is tight. Responces 'get the ram'. What?😕

Do you like to just waste money?

I just spent $50000 on upgraded 13's macbook pro's for my business. Bought 30 of them with the upgraded i7 processor. Lots of encoding. Need to be mobile but also need some power. So I went with the i7. Most of my engineers dont need 16 of Ram. Why would someone who don't know if they need it or not need it?

If you need it get it, by all means. But don't get it just because you might need it in the future. Access your needs and get what you need. Believe it or not 8GB will last along time, longer than the life of your computer. With Mavericks way longer.

Really bad advice on here lately. 🙁