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2016 15in tbMPB 2.6ghz i7/450 vs. 2.7ghz i7/455

honeybadger1022

honeybadger1022

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 2, 2017
32
14
Assuming money is not the issue I was just wondering what real world performance differences I would notice between these two configurations. I do development work and casual gaming. I run a couple of virtual machines here and there for config testing and plan to use parallels as well. Again, this isn't really a worth it type scenario just a real world difference. Also, assume I will be using this for the next 5ish years.

Thanks.
 
honeybadger1022 said:
Assuming money is not the issue I was just wondering what real world performance differences I would notice between these two configurations. I do development work and casual gaming. I run a couple of virtual machines here and there for config testing and plan to use parallels as well. Again, this isn't really a worth it type scenario just a real world difference. Also, assume I will be using this for the next 5ish years.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Minimal difference in CPU, a little bit bigger difference with GPU. If you intend to work in apps that use the GPU, then it's better to get the 455 one, but if not, there is little reason to get the faster one.

If you're talking about stock configurations, the biggest difference is the SSD, 256 vs 512Gb. If you can order a BTO, it's probably better to get the base CPU + 460 than the 2.7/455. If you have to get stock configurations like I did, then the 2.7/455 is worth it because of more hard drive space and a better GPU.

In 5 years all configurations will be equally useful.
 
Yeah, sadly I am in a predicament where I can only purchase the stock configs. I have a Samsung t3 500gb that I use to keep most of my media and various school files so personally I did not see the SSD as the biggest issues, but I was planning to partition some space for windows if I could pick up a 512gb. Beyond that I just do not keep much data on my machine itself. Mostly applications and such. My Uni has us store most of our school projects on servers that we just ssh into.

Do you believe for things like mobile game development the improved graphics would be a noticeable leg up on performance?

Also, I have never tried, but would the t3 be fast enough when paired with the Macbook to run windows on its own and or other applications? Just a curious thought.
 
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honeybadger1022 said:
Yeah, sadly I am in a predicament where I can only purchase the stock configs. I have a Samsung t3 500gb that I use to keep most of my media and various school files so personally I did not see the SSD as the biggest issues, but I was planning to partition some space for windows if I could pick up a 512gb. Beyond that I just do not keep much data on my machine itself. Mostly applications and such. My Uni has us store most of our school projects on servers that we just ssh into.

Do you believe for things like mobile game development the improved graphics would be a noticeable leg up on performance?
Click to expand...

Even with the external drive, I'd still go for the 512Gb option. It's a good size for all storage tasks (other than storing media, but for that you have your external drive) and it's faster than 256Gb one.

As for the rest of the computer - yes, it will be noticeable and no, it won't be a great difference - performance wise. Here's my advice: if the money difference is not too much for you, get the 2.7/455/512. It is a better computer (a little bit faster CPU, a faster GPU and a bit faster storage - it adds up). If the cost difference is too great, don't worry about it. The 2.6/450/256 is almost just as good - get it and don't think about the other one :)

I also had only stock options available at the moment of purchase, and I chose the 2.7/455. Mostly for storage, but I also wanted a faster GPU. But the difference is not huge.

It may help if you told me what do you plan on using it for. Photoshop? Coding? Video editing? Gaming? Office?
 
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aevan said:
Even with the external drive, I'd still go for the 512Gb option. It's a good size for all storage tasks (other than storing media, but for that you have your external drive) and it's faster than 256Gb one.

As for the rest of the computer - yes, it will be noticeable and no, it won't be a great difference - performance wise. Here's my advice: if the money difference is not too much for you, get the 2.7/455/512. It is a better computer (a little bit faster CPU, a faster GPU and a bit faster storage - it adds up). If the cost difference is too great, don't worry about it. The 2.6/450/256 is almost just as good - get it and don't think about the other one :)

I also had only stock options available at the moment of purchase, and I chose the 2.7/455. Mostly for storage, but I also wanted a faster GPU.
Click to expand...

Had no idea the 512 ssd was actually faster. That certainly changes somethings.
 
honeybadger1022 said:
Had no idea the 512 ssd was actually faster. That certainly changes somethings.
Click to expand...

Yes, larger SSDs are faster. It has to do with number of chips inside - something like that. Again, it's not a difference you'll likely notice in everyday tasks. As I said, the main reason is the space.

If you're certain you don't need the extra space, you might as well get the base model. But more space is almost always worth it.
 
Aevan is exactly correct.

I'd also go for the 2.7/512/455 if cost isn't a major consideration.
 
Naimfan said:
Aevan is exactly correct.

I'd also go for the 2.7/512/455 if cost isn't a major consideration.
Click to expand...

I was thinking about taking the extra money saved and picking up some new headphones and other peripherals, but with all things considered maybe I should go the more expensive one.
 
honeybadger1022 said:
I was thinking about taking the extra money saved and picking up some new headphones and other peripherals, but with all things considered maybe I should go the more expensive one.
Click to expand...

Considering you can probably save up for headphones and peripherals later, but you can't upgrade your MBP once you buy it - I'd go for the faster one.

However, as I said, the base model is also great.
 
aevan said:
Considering you can probably save up for headphones and peripherals later, but you can't upgrade your MBP once you buy it - I'd go for the faster one.
Click to expand...

This.

Not being able to upgrade is the decision Apple has made that I despise the most.
 
aevan said:
Considering you can probably save up for headphones and peripherals later, but you can't upgrade your MBP once you buy it - I'd go for the faster one.

However, as I said, the base model is also great.
Click to expand...

Probably the most legitimate reason to spend the money. Appreciate it.
 
monkeydax said:
For the same amount of money, do you think the 2.6/512/460 (BTO) is a better option than the 2.7/512/455 (base)?
Click to expand...

He clearly stated that he can only get the stock options.

Otherwise, the 2.6/512/460 is better for most workflows.
 
aevan said:
He clearly stated that he can only get the stock options.

Otherwise, the 2.6/512/460 is better for most workflows.
Click to expand...
Yeah was just wondering if we weren't limited to stock options, whether in almost all cases the BTO 2.6/512/460 would be more worth the upgrade. Thanks for the input!
 
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