2.5GHz i5 to 2.9GHz i7 worth it?

[Jaben3421]

Hi everyone,
I was looking at the retina display MacBooks and wondering, was the 2.5GHz i5 to 2.9GHz i7 processor upgrade worth it. Upgrading that and upgrading to a 256GB SSD is the same price, so if it's not worth it that much, I could use the money towards the bigger SSD. I'm going to be word processing, using Parallels for some windows only apps for school, using Chrome and iTunes, Pixlemator, and Aperture. I don't know, but I might need Final Cut Pro for a film class.

 

[xmnj]

Not sure of your budget, but I just picked up the 2.9 i7 with 256GB ssd from macmall.com for $1551 which they normally sell for $1599. Go to appleinsider.com and look on the right side, they post a coupon code for a discount.

 

[nando4]

You are comparing the i5-3210M 2.5/3.1 to the i7-3520M 2.9/3.6. They are both dual-core CPUs. Tthe CPU clock speed will be 14% more for the i7 meaning CPU processing tasks will be a little quicker.. but the rest of the system iGPU, RAM, SSD will work at the same speed.

As the CPU is soldered on the systemboard it cannot be upgraded down the track. Same goes with the SSD and RAM which I consider more important when determining the rMBP spec.

FYI: the MSRP is $121 more for the i7.

The larger difference in performance would be seen if you acquired the 15" rMBP. It has the quad-core CPU and a GT650M dGPU and is marginally heavier/larger than the 13" rMBP. Good for gaming on too.

 

[ShiggyMiyamoto]

The SSDs are about the only thing you, the consumer, can upgrade in an rMBP (13" or 15" alike). Sure Apple won't support it, but they're made and come in at least one size. Watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=k7mzTB5KoAw

Have fun and spread the word.

 

[Stetrain]

I would go with the 2.6Ghz/256GB model in your situation. The 128GB SSD could get a bit cramped when you add in Windows and Parallels and a couple of film projects.

Edit: That 2.9Ghz/256GB deal at MacMall posted above actually looks like a pretty awesome deal.

 

[Jaben3421]

Thanks for all the replies. I think the deal at Appleinsider is awesome. I'll probably go with that. Thanks again for the suggestion.