2011 vs 2012 MacBook Pro

[jbohner]

Hello,

I am currently looking at buying a used MacBook Pro and I have narrowed it down between two options with a $200 difference. The first is a 2011 15" with an i7 2.0 ghz processor, 8 GB RAM, and 500 HDD. The second is a 2012 13" with an i7 2.9 ghz processor, 8 GB RAM, original 750 HDD with an additional 250 SSD installed in place of the optical drive. Now I know that the SSD will make it go faster, but I think I can buy and install that in the 2011 for less than $200. So really it seems that the main difference comes down to the processor and the difference between the years and ghz. The other difference is the 3.0 USB of the 2012 model vs. the 2.0 in the 2011. Essentially, is the difference of performance going to be worth the $200 between the two?

 

[jerryk]

I don't see much value in the 2.0 vs 2.9 processor. USB 3.0 is nice if you connect to a external devices a lot. Be sure to check things like battery condition and cycle counts since replacing the battery can run $50+.

 

[Brammy]

Don't go near the 2011 15". They are prone to dGPU failures and the extended warranty has run out.

 

[Fishrrman]

Do not -- repeat, DO NOT -- buy a 2011 15" MBPro.
Have you ever heard about "RadeonGate"?
If not, you'd better look it up.
These models are prone to failure, at a very high rate, and Apple will no longer repair them.
The 2011 MacBook Pro 15" (and 17") models were one of Apple's WORST designs, ever, because of the faulty GPU's.

Get the 2012.
A much better choice (even with the smaller display).
It also has USB3 -- you won't regret getting that.

 

[Klatti]

If you take a look at the minimum requirements for some OS features such as Instant Hotspot, handoff, Universal clipboard,... you will notice non of this is supported on the 2011 MacBooks. So definitely go for the 2012 version.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204689