2012 rMBP - Worth upgrading?

[CoastalOR]

Is that user upgradeable or do you need a tech. for it?

Here is the OWC install instructions (I picked the 15" screen size since the size information was unavailable).

 

[Eric8199]

OWC have some upgrades that are decent and internal so you don't have to fiddle with an sd slot SSD: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC/Air-Retina/Apple-MacBook-Pro-Retina-2012-Drive-Internal-Flash

You might note I mentioned this option in the original post, but was asking if it's worth it to spend $500 to upgrade to a 1tb drive in a 2012 computer than just selling it and buying a new one.

 

[jonnysods]

Is that user upgradeable or do you need a tech. for it?

It's meant to be pretty easy. See if there is a guide on iFixit.
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You might note I mentioned this option in the original post, but was asking if it's worth it to spend $500 to upgrade to a 1tb drive in a 2012 computer than just selling it and buying a new one.

I bet that computer still flies. It's still cheaper to keep it and upgrade isn't it? What could you get for the 2012?

 

[darkinners]

I am thinking should I upgrade my mid 2012 15 rMBP as well.
Mine is 2.3G 8GB memory 256GB SSD.

In recent El Capitan update, I started to feel my laptop old.
But I am not sure it's software optimization or hardware is really not strong enough now.
I only use Logic and Youtube on this laptop.
If I am going to upgrade I am aiming at newest 15" 16GB 1TB rMBP

But still unsure if the performance gain justify the purchase.
I am sure extra 8GB ram help a lot, since I use quite a bit of virtual instruments.
But in recent years, CPU seems not getting a lot faster.

 

[Shamgar]

I am thinking should I upgrade my mid 2012 15 rMBP as well.
Mine is 2.3G 8GB memory 256GB SSD.

In recent El Capitan update, I started to feel my laptop old.
But I am not sure it's software optimization or hardware is really not strong enough now.
I only use Logic and Youtube on this laptop.
If I am going to upgrade I am aiming at newest 15" 16GB 1TB rMBP

But still unsure if the performance gain justify the purchase.
I am sure extra 8GB ram help a lot, since I use quite a bit of virtual instruments.
But in recent years, CPU seems not getting a lot faster.

RAM could be an issue. Next time you're working in Logic, open up "Activity Monitor" from your Utilities folder and look at the Memory tab. Watch the Memory Pressure graph as you're working. If it stays in the green, you're good for RAM and more won't help. If it's yellow, some more RAM would help a bit. If it's red, more RAM would make a big difference.

The current rMBPs are only one CPU generation newer than yours which is good for a 5-10% boost. The next iteration of the rMBP should see another 5-10% bump on top of that. Not huge by any means.

If Logic is not crushing your RAM, it's probably a software issue slowing your computer down.

 

[akdj]

RAM could be an issue. Next time you're working in Logic, open up "Activity Monitor" from your Utilities folder and look at the Memory tab. Watch the Memory Pressure graph as you're working. If it stays in the green, you're good for RAM and more won't help. If it's yellow, some more RAM would help a bit. If it's red, more RAM would make a big difference.

The current rMBPs are only one CPU generation newer than yours which is good for a 5-10% boost. The next iteration of the rMBP should see another 5-10% bump on top of that. Not huge by any means.

If Logic is not crushing your RAM, it's probably a software issue slowing your computer down.

Excellent information on him watching his memory pressure. Although today's 15" rMBP's are two generations newer, with a significant update to both the iGPU and dGPU. Regardless of opinions on the AMD, I was in the same boat as the OP - albeit not for lack of storage. I have, still my 2012 15" 2.7/16/768GB machine and it truly does still fly! I do audio and video production to pay my mortgage as well and these machines have really made life enjoyable again, while working and the original rMBPs are indeed still killer machines.

That said, I debated the OWC replacement as well and just before Christmas, I was at Best Buy. Their MacBook sales were phenomenal and 300 off the higher end builds 500GB+ machines. As well, a hundred dollar BB $100 gift card and up to $200 for a working but no longer used Mac. I brought my wife's 2007 white 13" core2duo (2.16?GHz, I believe) and was given $200 more, off the CTO 2.8/16/1TB. $3,199 that day on Apple.com. @ Best Buy - $2,699 @ BB (2599 considering $100 @ BB is like grocery money anyway these days ) - it was a bargain. I happened to have nearly a hundred bucks in BB myReward points as well, so I paid about the price of the $2,499 step up to dGPU/512GB.

The new model is also available on apple.com in refurbished for about $2700. They're a bargain as they've essentially been built twice.

The biggest change I've noticed is the hyper speed PCIe SSDs, 2,100Mb/s read and 1,600 write on the decent size video files, it's a difference that seems magic. TBolt 2's peripheral/break out boxes are also in excellent supply as are Thunderbolt 2 peripheral audio and video production hardware that destroys my FW800 transfers of a couple years back

I don't care about the Skylake machine. My '12 still puts a smile on my face. My 'mid '15' though, I have to wear a helmet!! Safety first and its fast!