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Best MacBook Pro 13 setup

I

InquisitiveAmI

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 16, 2012
80
0
I'm sure many if these threads have been posted before but I'm not just quite sure what I need?
First bare in mind all of my thunderbolt storage has been sorted out and I will be equipped with pair of 512 Samsung pro ssds in RAID 0.
Would this setup be suitable for my needs:
Heavy Xcode programming
For very visual apps (not games though) with Photoshop illustrator and possible some FL studio or Logic Pro for Dj

128gb SSD 2.6ghz 8gb RAM?
 
InquisitiveAmI said:
I'm sure many if these threads have been posted before but I'm not just quite sure what I need?
First bare in mind all of my thunderbolt storage has been sorted out and I will be equipped with pair of 512 Samsung pro ssds in RAID 0.
Would this setup be suitable for my needs:
Heavy Xcode programming
For very visual apps (not games though) with Photoshop illustrator and possible some FL studio or Logic Pro for Dj

128gb SSD 2.6ghz 8gb RAM?
Click to expand...

I'd say it's sort of overpowered for your needs. That said, you might be better off in a RAID 10 configuration just in case one of your drives fail, without sacrificing speed.
 
InquisitiveAmI said:
So I can buy that laptop then instead of standard 256gb 8gb 2.4.ghz?
Click to expand...

Either one will do considering that you're going to store everything in the Thunderbolt side.

However, an increase from 2.4GHz to 2.6GHz isn't going to bring much difference.

Plus, the 256GB SSD is much faster than the 128GB SSD in writes (SanDisk 128GB performs at around 320MB/s write and 700MB/s read, Samsung 128GB performs faster in writes but not sure of exact figure, SanDisk 256GB performs at around 550MB/s write and 700MB/s read, Samsung 256GB performs at 660MB/s write and 720MB/s read, 512GB (Samsung only) performs at 720MB/s write and 750MB/s read, 1TB performs at 950MB/s-1GB/s in both read and writes).

If you buy the 128GB or 256GB version, you're playing the SanDisk/Samsung lottery. However, whichever 256GB variant you get will be much faster than the 128GB version.

So go for the 2.4/8/256 option.

Edit: If you can afford it go for 16GB of RAM because the RAM is soldered to the logic board and not upgradeable post-purchase
 
Last edited:
CPU should be fine I think, if you need more I would set up to the 15" as that is a meaninful increase. The main concern would be Ram, Your stack seem too need quiet a bit of ram depending on how big the files you work with in AI.
 
Kk. Is there any way of checking whether you get Sandisk or samsung from your supplier on amazon?
 
Supposedly you could return it than keep trying?
Just before I press purchase 256gb 8gb etc is suitable for my needs stated above right?
 
InquisitiveAmI said:
Supposedly you could return it than keep trying?
Just before I press purchase 256gb 8gb etc is suitable for my needs stated above right?
Click to expand...

It's not a huge deal which one you get and you're going to be using a RAID array anyway so I don't see a reason to return it.
 
Yes I understand but I travel a lot and would like to do all my requested needs on the road ( Xcode Logic Pro photoshop)
Is 2.4ghz + 8gb ram + 256 ssd enough?
 
Best MacBook Pro 13 setup

I'd go for a 2.4/256/16 setup.
This SSD capacity is much faster than 128GB. Concerning CPUs I can't really find any reason to spend $100 more, whereas upgrading to 16GB RAM can only be a good thing, considering these are Retina-powered machines, and if you want to keep it for long.

Regarding SSDs/screens, there's no way to know which one will be yours. But in the end what matters is you have a great user experience, and different SSDs won't dilapidate it!
 
We are talking retina Macbook dont we? Get the one with 16gb ram. Go for the 2.4 ghz, those .2 ghz dont change much but if you have 100 bucks for it, go for it.
 
The $1500 model (2.4/8/256) is the best bang for you buck, being the most balanced in terms of speed, RAM, and SSD space.

The 2.6 i5 isn't worth it. You are much better off buying more RAM or SSD.
 
Yeah it's just I'm buying refurbs and that
The only model they have for 256gb.
Sounds like it'll do fine for my needs so off to purchase !
 
Yeah it's just I'm buying refurbs and that
The only model they have for 256gb.
Sounds like it'll do fine for my needs so off to purchase !
 
Barney63 said:
An investment should give you a return on your money. AMBP won't.
However it will last a long time and still be worth something when it is time to upgrade. Unlike a Windows based laptop.

Barney
Click to expand...

You seem to have the same setup as Im buying .
Do you think it will be easily capable for my uses :
Xcode ,Logic Pro ,Photoshop,Illustrator light gaming and small amount 1080p video?
 
Another vote for 2.4/8/256

Personally I went for the 2.6/8/256, but that was me being irrational (not wanting to buy the slowest), there is no real reason to get the 2.6 GHz upgrade.

If the choice is between 2.6 and 256, always go for 256 first!
 
Think it's looks like it'll be fine. Just gonna see if anyone else with the laptop can comment on it
 
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