Bang for buck macbook pro. GHZ/clock vs Processor speed

[cliffordreid]

Hello!

I'm in the market for a new macbook pro to replace my 2009 2.53 GHZ 15'' MPB and I'm just wondering what my wisest choice would be and why...

I've narrowed it down to the following:

-13 inch, 2.9 GHZ, 256 GB
-13 inch, 3.1 GHZ, 256 GB
-15 inch, 2.6 GHZ, 256 GB

What makes the biggest difference in performance? The clock speed, or the processor? I don't want to spend the money to get the 2.6 GHZ 15" if it's not much noticeably better performing than a 2.9 or 3.1 GHZ 13"

 

[leman]

It depends on what you do. The 15" has a quad core CPU which will perform certain specialised tasks up to twice as fast compared to the 13" models. If you are talking about normal everyday computing, go for the base 13". The 15" is more expensive because you are also paying for other components like the GPU and the larger screen.

 

[cliffordreid]

[doublepost=1507757075][/doublepost]

It depends on what you do. The 15" has a quad core CPU which will perform certain specialised tasks up to twice as fast compared to the 13" models. If you are talking about normal everyday computing, go for the base 13". The 15" is more expensive because you are also paying for other components like the GPU and the larger screen.

I would be using it for:
- Photo editing. Nothing too crazy though, I mostly use lightroom, but would like to get more into photoshop.
- Music recording. Again, nothing too crazy, mostly only a few tracks.
- Eventually I will be getting more into video editing and what not. But it may be a while before I do anything really intense.

 

[Nilhum]

Get the 15 inch if you will do all those tasks. It is much more powerful and will last much longer for your needs. It also have 16 GB's of Ram.

 

[cliffordreid]

Get the 15 inch if you will do all those tasks. It is much more powerful and will last much longer for your needs. It also have 16 GB's of Ram.

Much difference between 2.6 and 2.8 GHz? Or should I spend that money on something else haha

 

[Nilhum]

Much difference between 2.6 and 2.8 GHz? Or should I spend that money on something else haha

No. There is very little differences due to Turbo speeds. Even then, it will thermal throttle. You can spend the money on more GB for SSD or GPU.

 

[leman]

For basic needs, a 13” will suffice. For more demanding stuff, the 15” is a better idea.

Basically, if you want to maximize your investment to utility ratio in this very moment, get the 13” without any CPU upgrades. If you want to maximize the potential utility, go for the 15”. If for the next few years you just want to dabble with things a bit without getting too serious, a 13” will do anything you want it to do, it will just take a bit longer.