Best current MBP for software development

[dlbg]

Hi guys,

So, upgrade time. Most reviews I've seen focus on video/3D capabilities which doesn't really interest me at all. I need a workhorse for some intermittent CPU heavy lifting, never do any video editing or anything of the sort. I've already settled on a 32GB/1TB/15" combo, what isn't entirely clear is the i7/i9 and/or Vega/5xxX combinations.

Use cases:
* Compiling
* Browser intensive stuff
* Virtualization

Concerns:
* Fan noise
* Price - not so much but to some degree

Observations:
* I don't need the Vega for gfx performance, but it seems to be a better thermal solution meaning less throttling of the CPU as well? Less fan noise when not using the GPU?
* Would a higher burst speed of an i9 benefit my use cases where I seldom have continuous high loads but need an instant big whack when asking for it?
* Presumably the quieter combo would be i7/Vega 16? Lower power specs with the better thermal solution?

If would be really interesting to see a shootout between the i7 with and without Vega for other applications than video editing (i9 as well for that matter). I've managed to piece together some scores, but they are from different sources which is not ideal for consistency.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Stephen.R]

I may have missed something, how does the Vega equipped machines cooling differ from non-Vega?

Personally I would (and did) go for the i7. I’m skeptical how well the machine will deal with the heat from the i9 even if you have a task that would benefit from it.

 

[leman]

Yes, the burst speed of i9 does help with compiling, it’s not much, but it adds up in my experience. And no, Vega Pro 20 equipped model does not have better cooling.

 

[dlbg]

Sorry poor choice of words, what I meant was Vega is a cooler GPU on the same heat pipe as the CPU so should mean more cooling capacity left for the CPU? Might be negligible though... but that's why I'm asking you guys

 

[leman]

Sorry poor choice of words, what I meant was Vega is a cooler GPU on the same heat pipe as the CPU so should mean more cooling capacity left for the CPU? Might be negligible though... but that's why I'm asking you guys

It’s not really cooler. I tested both models and Vega seems to have more advanced power management/balancing. It won’t help you with CPU-only workflows though.