Graphic/Web Designer - Is it Worth Upgrade From '12 rMBP to '13 rMBP

[rkdiddy]

I currently own a '12 15" rMBP (2.6 i7 w/ 16 GB, 256 SSD). As a Graphic/Web Designer, my computer is extremely important to me. I figure if my computer is faster, I spend less time waiting for files to load/save/etc, which translates to more money in my pocket.

Is the upgrade from a '12 rMBP to '13 rMBP going to see any performance difference? I use primarily Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and Dreamweaver.

I had been considering the upgrade, just to increase my HD size. But, I'm curious about any speed bump.

Note: I would love to get a new MP, but I need to have a laptop as I take my laptop with me between my office and home.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Rick

 

[rkdiddy]

I hate to bump my post - but with all of the new rMBP chatter it quickly dropped off the page.

I'm hoping someone can help me out with my question.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Animalk]

Your current machine is more than powerful enough. You went for the long haul when you opted for the 16GB RAM. Enjoy it.

 

[rkdiddy]

Your current machine is more than powerful enough. You went for the long haul when you opted for the 16GB RAM. Enjoy it.

Thanks Animalk. I do enjoy, just always looking for ways to be more efficient.

Maybe I will set aside the money for when they update the TBD. I'm hoping they do when the Mac Pro is released. While I don't think a 4k display will be in the cards (as least at a reasonable price) - I would love to see an updated display like the iMacs have (not as reflective) with the addition of TB 2 and USB 3.

 

[AlecMyrddyn]

From the reading of specs and reviews, there are two small performance advantages for the new Haswell 15" rMBP:

The new PCIe SSD performance is benchmarking at ~40% faster than the SATA SSD in your current 15" rMBP.

If I'm reading Geekbench results correctly, it appears that the new high-end Haswell 2.6 GHz i7 is maybe 6% faster for 32-bit single core tasks, and 30% faster for 32-bit multi core than your Ivy Bridge 2.6 i7. For 64 bit results, it's about 15% faster for both single and multi-core.

If you compare the new Hasewll 2.3 to your 2.6, single-core 32 bit benchmarks are about the same, and multi-core 32 bit shows about 20% faster. 64-bit single and multi-core benchmarks show the 2.3 Haswell being about 6% faster for both.

Then there's 802.11ac WiFi, TB2, and the more efficient power usage.

Up to you if that's enough to justify the money to get the new model.

 

[johnnylarue]

No way. Save your money and wait for a more meaningful upgrade.

The modest performance bump you'll get from Haswell will be largely unnoticeable in everyday use.

Realistically speaking, Haswell is an extra hour of battery life and a $200 price drop. The majority of other improvements over the 2012 model are, for all intents and purposes, ephemeral.

 

[rkdiddy]

Thanks guys I really appreciate the feedback!