17": 2.8 or 3.06?

[sword]

I'm trying to decide whether I should configure the 17" MBP with a 2.8 or 3.06 ghz processor. I plan on using the computer pretty hard for programming (iPhone, mac / windows applications, websites) and gaming, but I'm not so sure how much the extra .26ghz really matters considering the 3.06ghz configuration costs an extra $270 with my educational discount.

Does anyone have any experience / advice?

 

[Hellhammer]

I think you'll be fine with 2.8. It's only 260MHz and if it costs 270$, it's over dollar per MHz. 3.06 would give you couple frames more, nothing else

 

[sword]

I think you'll be fine with 2.8. It's only 260MHz and if it costs 270$, it's over dollar per MHz. 3.06 would give you couple frames more, nothing else

Yeah, you're right there, but I'm more curious how much the extra speed would affect compiling time / processor intensive tasks.

 

[Hellhammer]

Yeah, you're right there, but I'm more curious how much the extra speed would affect compiling time / processor intensive tasks.

Like converting files? Hmm, you can win few seconds but there's no significant difference. Get 3.06 if you can afford it

 

[upinflames900]

2.8 is probably enough

 

[adamfishercox]

When speeds are so close, and prices so far apart, go for the lower. Over the life of the laptop you might be sitting there 10 minutes longer with the 2.8

 

[MacMini2009]

Get the best you can get with your money.

 

[rgarjr]

Its all comes down to money. If you can afford it, then get the 3.06, if you are tight with money then get the 2.8. You won't see much difference.

 

[pelicanflip]

If you can afford it, I would suggest the 3.06 GHz.

However, RAM is just as important as the processor. A 2.8 GHz with 6 or 8GB of RAM will most likely run faster and smoother than a 3.06 GHz with only 4GB of RAM.

 

[zw-gator]

Get the 2.8

Your money is better spent on a SSD

 

[kraftzwerg]

I would be more concerned about the heat with the 3.06 GHz version. Any first hand experiences?

 

[kraftzwerg]

A 2.8 GHz with 6 or 8GB of RAM will most likely run faster and smoother than a 3.06 GHz with only 4GB of RAM.

I believe there a very few applications that require that much RAM ... even for heavy multi-tasking 4GB seems plenty enough.

 

[Bill Gates]

The difference would not be noticeable between the two unless you timed every task, and even then, the difference would be slight. Save your money for better upgrades, such as an SSD or RAM upgrade in the future.

I believe there a very few applications that require that much RAM ... even for heavy multi-tasking 4GB seems plenty enough.

True. The difference would only be apparent if more than 4GB of RAM is in use. Otherwise the remaining memory sits idle, wasting power.