2014 15" MBP vs. 2017 13" MBP

[mightyjabba]

My main computer is a 15" MacBook Pro from 2014 that I use connected to a keyboard, mouse and two external displays almost all the time. Basically, it's a desktop, but I like having the option to use it portably when necessary. Since I have two screens attached, I don't really use the MBP's screen, so I thought I would be fine with the 13" since it would be cheaper and lighter. However, I'm a bit concerned that the 13" MBP wouldn't actually be any faster than my current machine, or might even be slower even with one of the build-to-order processor upgrades. How would the higher-end i7 in the 13" compare to the 2.5 GHz Core i7 in my machine?

The most processor-intensive thing I do is editing video in Final Cut Pro, and I do sometimes find my current machine to be a little slow doing that.

 

[mj_]

The 13" is only dual-core whereas you 15" is quad-core. In addition, the 15" has a dedicated GPU although you haven't mentioned whether or not yours is equipped accordingly. Based on your Final Cut Pro comment my guess would be that no, your MBP isn't equipped with a dGPU (I think 2014 was still Nvidia).

Long story short: if you're already struggling with a quad-core how well do you think a dual-core will fare?

 

[mightyjabba]

I wouldn’t really say I’m struggling with a quad core, but I could use more speed for 4K video in particular. I was hoping the higher clock speed of the newer MBP and other improvements they’ve made since 2014 would compensate for the lower number of cores on the 13” model. Sounds like that wouldn’t be the case.

 

[maerz001]

Not even the new 15" will be a huge step up.
But if your use is stationary with attached monitors and keyboard it makes no sense to buy a MBP. It's cheaper to buy an 27" iMac and get more power

 

[ZapNZs]

If your current machine is struggling, it's probably not the direction you want to go in IMO because it would be a significant downgrade. The iGPU on the 13-inch is roughly the same in capability as the dGPU (750M) on the 2014. However, the 4870HQ in the 2014 slaughters the 7567 in the 2017 in regards to multicore performance, which is something FCPX can utilize quite well.

 

[mightyjabba]

Maybe I should look more closely at the iMacs. I am a Mac portable fan and like having the option to take my main machine with me if necessary but in reality I don’t do it much.