i5 or i7?

[roman.stapunov]

Thank you everybody for all of your thoughts. Based on this I bought mine i5/8/256. Let me provide my experience I had over this week, may be it helps somebody to decide.
For Software engineering (.Net development) and Project management staff this setup is more than enough.
I have Windows Virtual Box VMs on my external SSD which I connect to my new mini and my 13 MacBook pro 2015 (i5/8/256). Mac mini does things much better than my Macbook: VM run smoothly, Visual studio builds my applications fast enough and no issues with debugging. Mac mini runs my 2 Asus 2K displays on native resolution just fine.
I hear cooler under load when building a code and do some stuff in parallel in MacOS, but it isn't really boring. I still use my MacBook Pro for business trips and meetings in office.
I had big temptation to order i7 configuration, but in my location it is not easy to get it and price is much higher than in the USA. My base model costs me ~$1,400.
In the conclusion I can advice to go with i5 base model for software engineering and project management staff. If I had a chance I would order mine with 16 Gb RAM, but in my case I decided to consider upgrading to 32Gb in future if I'll need.

 

[Hessel89]

I just got my Mac mini 2018 i7 with 32GBs of ram Geekbench only scores around 26000 while my configuration should be hitting 28000+. Am I expecting too much of my Mini or does it indicate a defect?

I got around 21000 points with on my i5 model. This proves the i5 model is definitely the best value for money.

 

[mikehalloran]

This proves the i5 model is definitely the best value for money

No it doesn't.

Geekbench scores don't mean everything. Not even close.

It all depends on what you plan to do with it.

 

[Cheapassmac]

No it doesn't.

Geekbench scores don't mean everything. Not even close.

It all depends on what you plan to do with it.

Exactly, with the higher boost clock limit and more cache, it might not generate a higher score despite having better response time to actions.
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I just got my Mac mini 2018 i7 with 32GBs of ram Geekbench only scores around 26000 while my configuration should be hitting 28000+. Am I expecting too much of my Mini or does it indicate a defect?

I got around 21000 points with on my i5 model. This proves the i5 model is definitely the best value for money.

I don't follow your logic. If the i7 and i5 models can be had at the exact same price point (bto i3 to i7 vs stock i5), and the i5 gets a score of 21000, and the i7 literally get a score 5000+ higher, not seeing how the i5 is a better value? Geekbench scores doesn't show the whole picture, but even with your own logic, the i5 is worse?

 

[Ploki]

I just got my Mac mini 2018 i7 with 32GBs of ram Geekbench only scores around 26000 while my configuration should be hitting 28000+. Am I expecting too much of my Mini or does it indicate a defect?

I got around 21000 points with on my i5 model. This proves the i5 model is definitely the best value for money.

5k isn't a small difference.
5k is the difference between quad-core and hexa-core macbook pro.

 

[mikehalloran]

I don't follow your logic

I agree. Geekbench, like any other set of tests, rarely measures real world performance.

When a person makes his/her living with a computer (as I do), very often time=money. Again, it depends on what you are doing.

For me, certain jobs load in about a half hour on an i5 while, on an i7, it takes two minutes or so. If I have a crew waiting for something to be ready before I can work or am on a deadline, it does not matter what the GB score is. I have test files loaded on external SSDs and know people with machines I can use so that I can make my decisions.

I have been testing a lot, lately.

For me, the choice is between a 6 core Mini i7 with 2TB and 32G RAM and an iPad Pro. Factor in the three monitors and GPU that I need, an iMac Pro is actually less expensive (barely) since the Vega GPU and a 5K are built in — plus I get 2 more cores for those projects that need them. Scratch the Mini. 10 cores is only $750 more so I might go for it.

You aren't I and vise-versa. If an i5 does everything you need, save the $200.

 

[Cheapassmac]

I agree. Geekbench, like any other set of tests, rarely measures real world performance.

When a person makes his/her living with a computer (as I do), very often time=money. Again, it depends on what you are doing.

For me, certain jobs load in about a half hour on an i5 while, on an i7, it takes two minutes or so. If I have a crew waiting for something to be ready before I can work or am on a deadline, it does not matter what the GB score is. I have test files loaded on external SSDs and know people with machines I can use so that I can make my decisions.

I have been testing a lot, lately.

For me, the choice is between a 6 core Mini i7 with 2TB and 32G RAM and an iPad Pro. Factor in the three monitors and GPU that I need, an iMac Pro is actually less expensive (barely) since the Vega GPU and a 5K are built in — plus I get 2 more cores for those projects that need them. Scratch the Mini. 10 cores is only $750 more so I might go for it.

You aren't I and vise-versa. If an i5 does everything you need, save the $200.

Except since the low end BTO i7 cost the exactly the same as the stock i5 config, there is no $200 savings. Unless the i5 stock config is on sale, doesn't make sense to go for it, as it's inferior with no cost savings.

 

[pl1984]

Except since the low end BTO i7 cost the exactly the same as the stock i5 config, there is no $200 savings. Unless the i5 stock config is on sale, doesn't make sense to go for it, as it's inferior with no cost savings.

BTO i7 Mini would still be saddled with an anemic 128GB SSD. One might argue the higher capacity SSD in the base i5 model is preferable than the i7 processor.

 

[Ploki]

BTO i7 Mini would still be saddled with an anemic 128GB SSD. One might argue the higher capacity SSD in the base i5 model is preferable than the i7 processor.

It's easier to expand storage (Fast storage) with thunderbolt 3 than the cpu tho.
from the perspective of longevity or performance...

depends on what you want from the machine

 

[mikehalloran]

It's easier to expand storage (Fast storage) with thunderbolt 3 than the cpu tho.
from the perspective of longevity or performance...

And ignores the fact that certain tasks are faster on the boot drive—and not just a little faster.

The notion that a small boot drive combined with an external is somehow best is ridiculous. It may work for you but definitely not for me.

 

[pl1984]

It's easier to expand storage (Fast storage) with thunderbolt 3 than the cpu tho.
from the perspective of longevity or performance...

depends on what you want from the machine

I agree however the individual I was responding to said the stock i5 is "...inferior with no cost savings". Clearly that's not the case.

 

[Cheapassmac]

And ignores the fact that certain tasks are faster on the boot drive—and not just a little faster.

The notion that a small boot drive combined with an external is somehow best is ridiculous. It may work for you but definitely not for me.

The notion that the speed benefit of the 256gb boot drive vs the 128gb boot drive is greater then the i5 vs i7 is ridiculous if you looked into it more closely. You may think it's twice as fast or whatever the difference benchmarks or claims say, but in reality, since that's just the sequential write speed and the IOPS spec (the metric that matters for general performance) is basically the same, almost every drive dependent tasks will perform the same with the smaller drive.
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I agree however the individual I was responding to said the stock i5 is "...inferior with no cost savings". Clearly that's not the case.

The no cost savings statement isn't up for debate since it is factually the same. You're welcome to defend 128gb hard drive space is somehow equal or superior to an i7 processor though.

 

[pl1984]

The no cost savings statement isn't up for debate since it is factually the same. You're welcome to defend 128gb hard drive space is somehow equal or superior to an i7 processor though.

Two things:

1. I made no claims about cost savings between the two configurations.
2. To some having an additional 128GB capacity for the SSD is superior to the i7 processor.

 

[Cheapassmac]

I agree however the individual I was responding to said the stock i5 is "...inferior with no cost savings". Clearly that's not the case.

1. You literally stated that you were responding to inferior with no cost savings in your immediately prior post.

2. You can upgrade the space in the future, you can't do that with the processor. Also, the cost of an i7 processor is significantly more then 128gb hard drive space. Can you provide something tangible on how the space is superior besides that you feel like it?

 

[pl1984]

1. You literally stated that you were responding to inferior with no cost savings in your immediately prior post.

Yes, that's a post I was responding to.

2. You can upgrade the space in the future, you can't do that with the processor. Also, the cost of an i7 processor is significantly more then 128gb hard drive space. Can you provide something tangible on how the space is superior besides that you feel like it?

Apparently you're not part of the group who feels the extra 128GB capacity is worth more than the i7 processor.

 

[Ploki]

And ignores the fact that certain tasks are faster on the boot drive—and not just a little faster.

The notion that a small boot drive combined with an external is somehow best is ridiculous. It may work for you but definitely not for me.

They're not tho. My external EVO 970 is faster than the internal 512GB.
I'm not saying it's ideal tho, that's why I went with 512GB internal, which is still is at least reasonably priced as opposed to 1tb and more

 

[Cheapassmac]

Yes, that's a post I was responding to.


Apparently you're not part of the group who feels the extra 128GB capacity is worth more than the i7 processor.

Apparently you're not part of the group who understands that the extra 128gb can be added to the i7 config for an extremely low cost, and literally can't be visa versa (so therefore not an equally good choice). I'm trying to make a public service announcement, you're trying to play social justice warrior on that every choice is a good choice?

And yes, by emphasizing the lower cost in your response, you were implying that it was a lower cost option, which it is not.

 

[pl1984]

Apparently you're not part of the group who understands that the extra 128gb can be added to the i7 config for an extremely low cost, and literally can't be visa versa (so therefore not an equally good choice). I'm trying to make a public service announcement, you're trying to play social justice warrior on that every choice is a good choice?

What led you to this conclusion? I merely stated that some people find the extra 128GB capacity more valuable than the i7 processor. If one purchases the i7 processor and then adds the extra 128GB then they've spent more than just buying the stock i5 system.

And yes, by emphasizing the lower cost in your response, you were implying that it was a lower cost option, which it is not.

Where did I emphasize the lower cost?

 

[Cheapassmac]

What led you to this conclusion? I merely stated that some people find the extra 128GB capacity more valuable than the i7 processor. If one purchases the i7 processor and then adds the extra 128GB then they've spent more than just buying the stock i5 system.


Where did I emphasize the lower cost?

128gb ssd is $20. This is 0.019% of the mac mini cost (i5 stock or i7 base bto). So not only this is an insignificant extra cost, it's not mandatory to add the extra 128gb in the first place (and therefore be the exact cost). And if you actually needed the extra space, you would have spend the money anyway.

You still haven't sufficiently explain why the extra 128gb was worth more financially then the i7.

 

[pl1984]

128gb ssd is $20. This is 0.019% of the mac mini cost (i5 stock or i7 base bto). So not only this is an insignificant extra cost, it's not mandatory to add the extra 128gb in the first place (and therefore be the exact cost). And if you actually needed the extra space, you would have spend the money anyway.

That's still $20 (I assume you're referring to just the SSD and not an enclosure and cabling to go with it) more than just buying the stock i5 system.

You still haven't sufficiently explain why the extra 128gb was worth more financially then the i7.

I don't have to. All I need say is there are some people who would value the extra 128GB capacity over having an i7 processor. That's it, I need not offer any other explanation. No one needs your approval on what's best for them just like you don't require anyone's approval for what's best for you.

I understand you don't see value in the stock i5 configuration. No problem, that's your opinion and you're entitled to it. Just as others do find value in it and that's their opinion and their entitled to it. What I find puzzling is why you're on a crusade to dissuade anyone and everyone from buying the stock i5 Mini.

 

[Cheapassmac]

That's still $20 (I assume you're referring to just the SSD and not an enclosure and cabling to go with it) more than just buying the stock i5 system.


I don't have to. All I need say is there are some people who would value the extra 128GB capacity over having an i7 processor. That's it, I need not offer any other explanation. No one needs your approval on what's best for them just like you don't require anyone's approval for what's best for you.

I understand you don't see value in the stock i5 configuration. No problem, that's your opinion and you're entitled to it. Just as others do find value in it and that's their opinion and their entitled to it. What I find puzzling is why you're on a crusade to dissuade anyone and everyone from buying the stock i5 Mini.

So you're just going to make a claim and not justify it? The $20 was with the cost of a sata to usb cable, but even at $30 it's 0.027% of the cost. And you're making the assumption that they need the extra storage, which they might not (therefore $0). I stand by the statement that the base i7 model cost the same as the stock i5, a factually true statement. You on the other hand, have not provided rational to your own claims.

It is not my opinion that there is no value in the stock i5 config, please don't insert your assumptions onto me. I already mention situations where the i5 stock might be a good choice previously and you know it.

 

[pl1984]

So you're just going to make a claim and not justify it? The $20 was with the cost of a sata to usb cable, but even at $30 it's 0.027% of the cost. And you're making the assumption that they need the extra storage, which they might not (therefore $0). I stand by the statement that the base i7 model cost the same as the stock i5, a factually true statement. You on the other hand, have not provided rational to your own claims.

There's no justification necessary as this should be self evident: There are people who may prioritize the extra storage over having the i7 processor. Why should anyone who holds this opinion need to justify it to you?

It is not my opinion that there is no value in the stock i5 config, please don't insert your assumptions onto me. I already mention situations where the i5 stock might be a good choice previously and you know it.

Then why are you expecting me to justify it to you?

 

[Cheapassmac]

There's no justification necessary as this should be self evident: There are people who may prioritize the extra storage over having the i7 processor. Why should anyone who holds this opinion need to justify it to you?


Then why are you expecting me to justify it to you?

I'm expecting you to justify your own statements, something you have failed to do so far.

You also haven't acknowledge that the adding the extra storage space (if it is even necessary) is basically nothing. The same can't be said about adding an i7 later on, yet you are firmly against the idea without reason.

 

[pl1984]

I'm expecting you to justify your own statements, something you have failed to do so far.

My statement needs no justification, it is self evident.

You also haven't acknowledge that the adding the extra storage space (if it is even necessary) is basically nothing. The same can't be said about adding an i7 later on, yet you are firmly against the idea without reason.

I don't stand against anyone buying an i7 if that's what they want. I am clearly of the mindset that people should buy what works for them without the need to justify to anyone else why they made the decision to do so. You, OTOH, expect people to justify why they may want to buy a stock i5 Mini over an upgraded base i3 to an i7.

 

[Cheapassmac]

My statement needs no justification, it is self evident.


I don't stand against anyone buying an i7 if that's what they want. I am clearly of the mindset that people should buy what works for them without the need to justify to anyone else why they made the decision to do so. You, OTOH, expect people to justify why they may want to buy a stock i5 Mini over an upgraded base i3 to an i7.

I just gave the heads up on the i7 option might be a better value. Not sure why you think I'm somehow forcing people to get i7 BTO over their own decisions. It is merely giving them awareness of the option, since a lot of people make the decision without even realizing i7 was an option.

My statements don't need justification because what I say is factually true. I can't say the same for you. That is self evident for sure.