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Any reason to buy the 2.4 GHz instead of the 1.4 GHz MacBook Pro 2019 13"?

S

selimovd

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 27, 2019
3
1
Hello,

I want to buy a 2019 MacBook Pro 13" with 256 GB and 16 GB RAM.
Now I'm wondering if I should go for the 1.4 or the 2.4 GHz model. In my country the difference with 256 GB is just 250 USD. I don't need more than 2 Thunderbolt ports and I have anyway a USB hub already. I also don't really use the speakers as I prefer headphones anyway.

I've seen the comparison video from Max Tech on YouTube and don't think the 5-9% make a big difference in real life.

Somehow I have the feeling I should go for the 2.4 GHz anyway but I cannot explain why. Maybe it would sell for a higher price in 2-3 years? Maybe long term the 2 fan cooling is better? Is there any reason to buy the 2.4 GHz instead of the 1.4 GHz?

Edit: My usage is mainly office and surfing, programming and scripting, some photo and video editing (1080p usually 3-5 min length for advertisement) and I want to be able to use a Windows VM as I have some windows only programs

Thank you and best regards
 
Last edited:
maflynn said:
What's the intended usage?
Click to expand...
Should have told that, sorrry...

Mainly office and surfing, programming and scripting, some photo and video editing (1080p usually 3-5 min length for advertisement) and I want to be able to use a Windows VM as I have some windows only programs
 
Personally, I'd probably go with the base model with the storage upgraded. Based on my research the base model at a nice price is the machine to get and given the usage of most of what you posted, it should be fine. I cannot comment on the video editing however since i don't do that. Another member should provide feedback on what would be a better option.
 
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Main reasons are more ports, faster WiFi and higher sustained performance (if you need that kind of thing). I recently ordered a bunch of 13” for the office and the only reason I went for 2.4Ghz is simply because a) the price difference for a 512GB config was practically 0 and b) our supplier had the 2.4ghz model in stock.
 
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I would get the base model if I was going to sell it in 2-3 years with 256gb ssd not 128. But that’s just me.

If was going to keep it 6 years and beyond like my 2013 then I might spec bump the CPU
 
leman said:
Main reasons are more ports, faster WiFi and higher sustained performance (if you need that kind of thing). I recently ordered a bunch of 13” for the office and the only reason I went for 2.4Ghz is simply because a) the price difference for a 512GB config was practically 0 and b) our supplier had the 2.4ghz model in stock.
Click to expand...

There's a few more factors to consider. 2.4ghz has better thermals due to having 2 fans instead of 1 fan, so it won't get as hot. It also has better speakers with more prominent bass.

I recently went with 2.4ghz 512gb 16gb to future proof for 3-4 years. Love the new keyboard. I previously had 2016 MBP, never had keyboard issues with it, but the new keyboard feels better, more responsive, less clicky, and more silent. Overall happy with the 2019 13'' MBP
 
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selimovd said:
Hello,
Edit: My usage is mainly office and surfing, programming and scripting, some photo and video editing (1080p usually 3-5 min length for advertisement) and I want to be able to use a Windows VM as I have some windows only programs
Click to expand...

I went with the 1.4/512/16 and have about the same usage as you do. Been using my MBP for the past 2 weeks and it's all good, it can handle everything I have thrown at it.

I was actually thinking of the 2.4 but after seeing the video you mentioned I stuck with the 1.4. Haven't looked back.
 
I went with the 2.8 i7/1 TB/16 GB with 4TB3 as I will plan keeping this for at least 5 years or more. Also I prefer to have more ports than just 2. Also, I wished that Apple did it so that it would be 1 port on each side and not just 2 on 1 side.
 
Thanks to all of you for your recommendations!
I think I would also be happy with the 1.4 GHz, but after all the tips I think I should follow my gut feeling and will go for the 2.4 GHz.

Especially these tips conviced me:
maflynn said:
What's the intended usage?
Click to expand...

Howard2k said:
I would go for the 2.4 if the difference in price is not huge.
Faster CPU, faster SSD, faster GPU, faster wifi.
Click to expand...

leman said:
more ports, faster WiFi and higher sustained performance
Click to expand...

Mixolyd said:
2.4ghz has better thermals due to having 2 fans instead of 1 fan, so it won't get as hot. It also has better speakers with more prominent bass.

I recently went with 2.4ghz 512gb 16gb to future proof for 3-4 years. Love the new keyboard. I previously had 2016 MBP, never had keyboard issues with it, but the new keyboard feels better, more responsive, less clicky, and more silent. Overall happy with the 2019 13'' MBP
Click to expand...
 
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selimovd said:
Thanks to all of you for your recommendations!
I think I would also be happy with the 1.4 GHz, but after all the tips I think I should follow my gut feeling and will go for the 2.4 GHz.

Especially these tips conviced me:
Click to expand...
Good decision. Let us know when you get it and how it runs! Good luck!
 
jav6454 said:
Even if its office stuff, I would suggest the higher clocked machine. Remember, you can not upgrade your CPU later.
Click to expand...
Why? Benchmarks of the 1.4 show a very capable machine that runs faster then 2018 2.3 model and almost as fast as the 2018 15" MBP (single core benchmarks)
 
maflynn said:
Why? Benchmarks of the 1.4 show a very capable machine that runs as faster then 2018 2.3 model and almost as fast as the 2018 15" MBP (single core benchmarks)
Click to expand...

Benchmarks are a way to gauge performance, but I find that the chip offers a little more.

Now if I go into spec wise:
  • 1.4GHz is Intel i5 8257U with L3 @ 6MB and Iris Pro 645 GPU, and a 15W thermal
  • 2.4GHz is Intel i5 8279U with L3 @ 6MB and Iris Pro 655 GPU, and a 28W thermal
  • Both are 14nm Coffee Lake U family.
Theoretically, they are alike except in the iGPU section. So it comes down to that. Me personally, I would choose the 2.4GHz.
 
I was going to get the 2.4 machine just before they released the 1.4.

I decided on the 1.4 as I could use the saved money for an upgrade of the ssd.

Similar tasks to what you described and 0 issues so far in performance, heat, battery etc. Very happy with it.
 
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