i7 6 core vs i9 8 core on the 2020 16 inch mbp

[Corncab44]

I snagged this model refurbished:

• 2.6GHz 6‑core 9th‑generation Intel Core i7 processor, Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz
• 32GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory
• AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB of GDDR6 memory
• 512GB SSD storage

After I ordered (it's since arrived) I realized I had access to a corporate discount. I priced this new model at about a little less than 500 bucks more.

2.3GHz 8‑core 9th‑generation Intel Core i9 processor, Turbo Boost up to 4.8GHz

32GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory

AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 8GB of GDDR6 memory

1TB SSD storage

Though the 1tb storage is a nice luxury, I'm mostly interested in the benefits I'll likely see from the faster processor and to a lesser extent, the graphics card. I edit videos but also use a ton of cpu and ram running chrome (unfortunately need it for work, otherwise I prefer Firefox) and light programming. The GPU also is a real step up, but I'm not sure how much I'll really need it. I do want to be sure that years down the line this model is running fast and well.


So far my refurbished model is running great, though the battery seems to last only a couple hours. I'll let it index and run a few more cycles, and do a reset to see if that helps. But it's a worry.

I went ahead and ordered the 8 core model but can cancel in the next few days, also depending on the battery situation. I plan to use this computer for at least 4 years if not more. So I'm fine with investing cash if it's really going to make a difference down the road. But if the gains are slight, I might pocket the cash and spend it on a new iPhone .

 

[kohlson]

For video editing, I'm not sure you'll see any benefits from more cores. Max Yurev YT channel has done through testing and finds the 8 core throttles, limiting any benefit over the 6 core. But depending on the NLE you use, the better GPU should offer good benefits.

 

[Corncab44]

For video editing, I'm not sure you'll see any benefits from more cores. Max Yurev YT channel has done through testing and finds the 8 core throttles, limiting any benefit over the 6 core. But depending on the NLE you use, the better GPU should offer good benefits.

Thanks -- where would I see benefits from the 8 core? Running a million things at once? The unit seems really snappy at the moment, but I'm thinking about a few years down the line. Will have a look at those videos. Would 6 core be better for battery life than 8 core? I'm really troubled by the battery life on this unit, and may return it simply for that reason.

 

[ruka.snow]

Thanks -- where would I see benefits from the 8 core? Running a million things at once? The unit seems really snappy at the moment, but I'm thinking about a few years down the line. Will have a look at those videos. Would 6 core be better for battery life than 8 core? I'm really troubled by the battery life on this unit, and may return it simply for that reason.

Multiple virtual machines and/or docker images make good use of more cores that don't necessarily have to be fast cores.

 

[Corncab44]

Multiple virtual machines and/or docker images make good use of more cores that don't necessarily have to be fast cores.

Somehow doubt I'll see much use. In the past I've been doing a ton of web-based work on a Windows computer and the 4-core CPU i had there was often taxed at 100%, based on a few days of work with the 6 core that doesn't appear to be the case.

I do wonder if 1tb/8core/8gb video card will help the model keep value in the long term though -- it's basically maxed out.

 

[RumorConsumer]

i have the big one and i dont do too many things that like all those cores but when i do, i love seeing them all spin up.

 

[Corncab44]

What about battery life? Am I going to take a hit going to the i9 2.3ghz and 8gb 5500m? I didn't see much out there measuring benchmarks. My battery life as is on this i7 5300m model isn't great to begin with....
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Hah, that's one way to look at it @rumorconsumor!