Benefit of a I7 6 core vs I5 6 core on the new Mac mini?

[CoastalOR]

Any thoughts of why I should pick the I7 for a new mini for my wife? She plays videos and I would run a Plex server.

 

[ElectronGuru]

The main technical difference is hyper threading. If one of her applications is hyperthreading aware, it will make a significant difference. If not, you’re better putting that cash into something like ram.

 

[LeeW]

As noted above unless you have a real need for a hyperthreading processor, which it sounds like you do not, then go for more ram which will be generally more beneficial for more common tasks.

 

[twalk]

You really only get around 16% more speed with the i7 for most things, which IMO isn't much for the price difference. Combine that with the greater amount of thermal throttling with the i7 and it's doubtful that you'll even get that much. That said, if you're doing things with virtualization, then the i7 will give you 12 vcpus vs 6 vcpus for the i5

 

[djc6]

you’re better putting that cash into something like ram.

I spent more on the i7 because it cannot be upgraded - while the RAM is upgradable. And since the I had to wait from 2011 to 2018 for a worthwhile upgrade to my 2011 mac mini, I figured I'll be keeping this 2018 a while

 

[Erehy Dobon]

The CPU is irrelevant for video playback. Hardware video decoding is handled by the T2 Security Chip.

 

[now i see it]

When it comes to selling it in a few years, the i7 model will be the most desirable by shoppers and fetch a better price. In the end, its not more expensive- and you get to use it for many years

 

[Erehy Dobon]

I never base my technology purchases on the expected resale value. I buy computers based on the anticipated usefulness and value during my ownership of the product.

Sometimes I keep machines around so long that there is basically no substantial resale value.

It's an expense, not an investment. If you want an investment, go buy some Class B shares of Berkshire-Hathaway, SPY, or QQQ.

Hell, I drive a 15-year-old Toyota. When car shopping, I never thought about the resale value. I mostly cared about whether it A.) fit my daily needs, B.) was reliable, and C.) didn't cost too much to own (gas, tires, maintenance, insurance). When I do get a new car, I'll probably donate it to charity.

Buy what you think will fulfill your needs for whatever timeframe you expect to own the device. Forget about what you might (or might not) get back from the tired old carcass.

 

[CoastalOR]

Thanks everyone for the responses and useful information. I have decided to get the I5 and more RAM. The wife keeps her computers for around 6 years or more & is a light user.

 

[LeeW]

I spent more on the i7 because it cannot be upgraded - while the RAM is upgradable. And since the I had to wait from 2011 to 2018 for a worthwhile upgrade to my 2011 mac mini, I figured I'll be keeping this 2018 a while

That is fine when it comes to personal choice, but the resale value should not be a primary motive.