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2.4 v. 2.53 MBP & L2 Cache

F

flalaw

macrumors regular
Original poster
Aug 11, 2006
165
1
United States
Hey guys. I'm debating whether to get the 2.4 or 2.53 ghz MBP and whether the 400 dollar price difference is worth it ($1,599 for the 2.4 and $1,999 for the 2.53 in developer store). I mainly word-process, surf the web, and sometimes encode a DVD or two. Essential the difference b/w the 2.53 and 2.4 is a tiny bump in processor speed, 2gb RAM, some more memory on video card, and a larger L2 cache.

If i get the 2.4 I plan on upping it to 3gb for about $70. I'm guessing I don't need the increase in graphics card memory since I don't photoshop or game that much. This leaves the bigger L2 cache as the only difference. Would this larger cache make a difference in every day tasks, or should I just stick to the cheaper MBP given my computing needs?

Thanks!
 
I guess you'd barely notice any difference between the two unless you're using some sort of benchmark apps or doing highly CPU/GPU-intensive work. Go for the base model, it is more bang for the bucks. You'd then have more spare cash to upgrade your HD/RAM etc.
 
It turns out that if I configure the 2.4 with 4gb ram and the 320 gb HD, then the price difference between the 2.4 and 2.53 is $200.
 
Is the difference in the L2 cache noticeable with only intensive tasks, or does it help across the board like upgraded RAM does?
 
flalaw said:
If i get the 2.4 I plan on upping it to 3gb for about $70
Click to expand...

The MacBook Pro uses DDR3 1066, PC3-8500. I don't think you'll be finding that price anytime soon. Now prices are... well, let's just say you start at $500 and go up north:rolleyes:
 
The % difference between the 2.4 and 2.53 is only 5-6% however you get a nearly 20-22% jump between the 2.4 and the 2.8 (partly due to the stock 4GB) in benchmarks. So in my opinion the real question if if you want to get the 2.8 or not which I chose to do.

However if you get the 2.4 (remember only 256 Ram in the dGPU) and upgrade the ram etc to make it match the stock settings on the 2.53 you end up paying more. If you are in the market for a "pro" machine why not go all the way.

JM2C
 
MikeBrWade said:
If you are in the market for a "pro" machine why not go all the way.

JM2C
Click to expand...

The OP's requirement (word-process, surf the web, and sometimes encode a DVD or two) does not really a max spec MBP. I think the base MBP is the way to go. RAM price will drop over time and there's no need for the OP to upgrade the RAM right now. Unless you have a pocketful of disposable cash and zero debt then go for the best thing available.
 
Maybe they shouldn't whine and drop $3k like the rest of us ;-) hahahaha Just kidding, guys I am just expressing an "opinion" don't get all flustered.

If I am going to go and buy an expensive top of the line laptop, then I am going to go all the way with it. I don't like half-a$$ ing things, or maybe I just like blowing money for the sake of a fancy gadget. HA

But if you are constantly worried about always having the fastest best computer then you will never be happy. I personally plan to keep this laptop for years and years so it makes sense to get as high as I can right now (btw I mean feature set and not "other" things)
 
raymondu999 said:
The MacBook Pro uses DDR3 1066, PC3-8500. I don't think you'll be finding that price anytime soon. Now prices are... well, let's just say you start at $500 and go up north:rolleyes:
Click to expand...


oh yea? i though it was $70 for 2gb from crucial. no? i may have checked the wrong specs.
 
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