Getting 2011 13" Base i5 with 2.3 one question first

[Wicked1]

Going to Apple store to get the 2011 i5 2.3 for my son this weekend, is the i5 base 13" that much faster for basic functions than a C2D chip. I know there are only 2 Cores, but it has 4 threads, and I am guessing that is where the performance of the new chip takes place as well as new silicon architechture.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Yep, the i5 is faster than the C2D CPU.
Look here for benchmarks: http://www.primatelabs.ca/geekbench/mac-benchmarks/

 

[ipodlover77]

Yep, the i5 is faster than the C2D CPU.
Look here for benchmarks: http://www.primatelabs.ca/geekbench/mac-benchmarks/

i thought the sandy bridge would only be noticeable in certain tasks and not everyday things?

 

[grahamnp]

It won't be a huge difference but the i5 will be more snappy and responsive. The difference will be appreciable but not night and day unless you spent ages waiting around for your C2D to complete tasks.

 

[Naimfan]

I have both the i5 13" Sandy Bridge and a 2.53 GHz base 15" (the mid-2009 version).

For most things, they are comparable--you can't really tell a difference. However, the i5 is a bit snappier, and MUCH faster when I'm working in Final Cut Express or iMovie.

I love the speed of the i5--there is simply no question it is significantly faster--but love the screen of the 15" (even with nVidia 9400m graphics)--the size alone makes it worth keeping.

So, in short, the new i5 2.3 is stunning, and your son should be ecstatic with it.

 

[kobyh15]

Go for it! He'll love it.