15 inch rMBP, Is there a big difference between Iris Pro and AMD Radeon R9 M370x?

[dk808]

Im comparing the base 15 inch model graphics to the $2499 15 inch. Is there that much of a difference between them where its worth paying almost $500?

 

[D.T.]

There's a notable difference - BUT, it really depends on your use case. General use, non-graphic intensive work, most (again, not graphic intensive) development, office apps, "lite" gaming, even things like 2D graphic apps, you're most likely good.

Two things:

1) The $500 difference is also a 2.5GHz vs. a 2.2 and 512GB flash storage vs. 256, if you upgrade those items on the non-R9 machine, it's only $100 difference

2) There are killer deals in the refurbs on Apple.com, and in the used market, don't be afraid to buy used, I got my machine as a bonus, but I would've gone refurb/used if I was buying. There's a 2.8GHz machine in the For Sale section right now, still has original warranty, like $1800.

 

[flavr]

There's a notable difference - BUT, it really depends on your use case. General use, non-graphic intensive work, most (again, not graphic intensive) development, office apps, "lite" gaming, even things like 2D graphic apps, you're most likely good.

Two things:

1) The $500 difference is also a 2.5GHz vs. a 2.2 and 512GB flash storage vs. 256, if you upgrade those items on the non-R9 machine, it's only $100 difference

2) There are killer deals in the refurbs on Apple.com, and in the used market, don't be afraid to buy used, I got my machine as a bonus, but I would've gone refurb/used if I was buying. There's a 2.8GHz machine in the For Sale section right now, still has original warranty, like $1800.

Yes! I just picked up the AMD Radeon R9 M370x 15 inch Macbook Pro Retina for $1500 on Craigslist. Its perfect and has Apple Care warranty till 2018.