2011 15 MBP -> 2013 13 rMBP ?

[moredrunkmale]

Hey guys,

I wanted advice on my next purchase. I am wanting to upgrade my early 2011 MBP.

• Early 2011 15 MBP
• 2.0GHz quad-core Intel Core i7
• 8GB RAM
• 500GB hard drive (non SSD)

I do mostly internet browsing, watching HD movies, itunes, 20-30 chrome tabs, iCal, a bit of Aperture and Logic Pro.

I was wondering if purchasing the new 13 rMBP would be a downgrade for me:

• Late (just released) 2013 rMBP
• 2.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
• 8GB RAM
• 256 PCI storage

I would expect so in terms of GPU, but I don't do any gaming/video editing so that wouldn't matter. I mean more in terms of multi-tasking capabilities, CPU power.

Keen to hear thoughts.

Any idea how the new 13's perform for pro applications like Logic Pro running with 30-40 tracks and a bunch of plugins?

 

[Stetrain]

There is no early 2013 13" with a 2.4Ghz CPU, are you thinking of the 2.6?

Here's the geekbench scores of the early 2013 13" 2.6Ghz:

http://browser.primatelabs.com/geekbench3/140523

And for your MBP:

http://browser.primatelabs.com/geekbench3/140812


Which basically shows that the 13" will have a slight edge in single-threaded performance but your 15" is still far ahead in multi-core performance because it's a quad core.

 

[Matt Leaf]

I have the 2011 MBP as well.

I too have been attracted to the 13" rMBP.

But, I think the 2011 would still have better graphics, as it has a dedicated GPU.

And since the 2011 is user serviceable, you're better off putting in your own SSD, and you can also upgrade to 16GB of RAM. Your machine still has life in it yet.

Ultimately I'm attracted to the 13" rMBP for the weight, but i think there's too much of a compromise on graphics to get to it.

You should try the 840 Evo series, with up to 1tb capacities.

Crucial also have good prices for upgrading ram: http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=89FD7305A5CA7304

I'll be doing this upgrade myself soon.

 

[moredrunkmale]

There is no early 2013 13" with a 2.4Ghz CPU, are you thinking of the 2.6?

Here's the geekbench scores of the early 2013 13" 2.6Ghz:

http://browser.primatelabs.com/geekbench3/140523

And for your MBP:

http://browser.primatelabs.com/geekbench3/140812


Which basically shows that the 13" will have a slight edge in single-threaded performance but your 15" is still far ahead in multi-core performance because it's a quad core.

Apologies, I ment late 2013 13 rMPB, i.e. the one just released