Buying advice: CPU or SSD?

[EcranBleu]

Hello,

After the recent bump in storage, I have decided to get a Mac Mini to replace a MacBook Pro 13" 2012 (Dual core i7) with 16GB of RAM.

Based on the new pricing, I am wondering what the best option for my workload is:

Option 1:
6-core i5, 1TB SSD, 8GB RAM: $1,299

Option 2:
6-core i7, 512GB SSD, 8GB RAM: 1,299

I will buy 32GB either way from a third party.

My typical workload:
Development with IntelliJ & PyCharm, 3+ Docker containers, MS Office 2016 and many Browser tabs/Windows. Sometimes, a Virtual Machine to run Linux for testing.

Both CPU and SSD are not upgradeable in this machine. Is the Hyper threading in the i7 CPU worth the extra $200 or should I spend the money on a larger SSD instead?

Thanks.

 

[russell_314]

I would vote for the CPU because you can always use an external TB3 drive. Of course I have no clue on how much space you're using now or what your storage needs are.

 

[geo88]

The i5 will run cooler.

 

[djc6]

I would vote for option #2 for same reason as russell_314

If you are going to run VMs, hyperthreading on i7 processor will help (i5 doesn't have hyperthreading). You can never upgrade processor post-purchase, you can upgrade RAM, you can add additional external storage.

I went from a 2011 to 2018 mac mini because none of the upgrades in the intervening years were worth it - who knows how long you'll keep 2020 with Apple's super long update cycles. Two years and all we got was a price decrease on SSD - no other changes between 2018-2020

 

[glenthompson]

Geekbench 5 scores for single core performance aren’t that different for the i5 and i7. About 10% difference. Multi-core shows about 20% difference. Rule of thumb I used years ago was that it took a 20% increase in processor speed to see a noticeable difference.

In my experience most people are not cpu bound. They would benefit more from memory or disk space. On a laptop I would argue strongly for more disk space since external is a pain but less so on the Mini.

 

[russell_314]

Geekbench 5 scores for single core performance aren’t that different for the i5 and i7. About 10% difference. Multi-core shows about 20% difference. Rule of thumb I used years ago was that it took a 20% increase in processor speed to see a noticeable difference.

In my experience most people are not cpu bound. They would benefit more from memory or disk space. On a laptop I would argue strongly for more disk space since external is a pain but less so on the Mini.

I agree with this. Option 3 could be get an i5 and just save the $$$. Unless you're using the mini for portable use or have some OCD about cables, an external drive isn't really an issue.