If I upgraded my 2019 15" MacBook Pro 6-core base model to a 16" MacBook Pro, would I notice a difference?

[Hieveryone]

I have a 2019 15" base model MacBook Pro (6-core, 16GB RAM)

It runs pretty hot. I was wondering if I upgraded to the 16", would I be better off overall?

I want to get some new tech, but only if it is actually worth it

I don't want to upgrade if the performance is basically the same

 

[ipodlover77]

I think they said cooling was better as well as the MUCH better keyboard.

 

[Hieveryone]

I think they said cooling was better as well as the MUCH better keyboard.

true but I don’t really use the keyboard. Mainly use it connected to an external monitor.

That’s why I’m more interested in performance differences

 

[ght56]

It depends what specification you prefer and what your workload looks like. It's the same CPU options with better CPU performance as an outcome of better cooling and an additional 9 watts of power supply, equating to less throttling, but that only becomes more obvious in high-CPU situations. The GPU is a pretty substantial upgrade and the flagship 5600M GPU is a massive upgrade over your 555X if you need GPU performance.

If your current system is working though, and you are primarily just looking for new tech, why not keep the system and buy a M1 Mac Mini to play around with? It's tons of power, something completely new and different to play around with, and it runs a lot cooler than Intel Macs if that is something of concern.

 

[Christopher Kim]

My view is that you won't see much of a difference going from 2019 15" to 2019 16", even more so if you're using primarily in closed clamshell mode into an external monitor. There's also been a bunch of issues with the 16" MBP into external monitors overheating.

I think makes much more sense to wait to see what the new 16" MBP w/ Apple Silicon chips will look like when all signs point to a release sometime next year (some rumors as early as Q1 2021). Your machine is more than capable right now for the interim. And that would certainly qualify as "new tech", a lot more than the current 16" MBP with 9th gen Intel chips, already a bit long in the tooth.

 

[Tankmaze]

If it was me I would wait for the 16" AS MBP.

But in the meantime, you could open the MBP and clean the dust, fans, etc. And maybe changing the thermal paste if you can.

 

[mouthster]

As an owner of a 2019 16", and a user of a work-issued 2019 15" I can tell you if you're looking for a cooler, quieter and noticeably faster machine, the 16" is not it.

 

[Appledoesnotlisten]

I have a 2019 15" base model MacBook Pro (6-core, 16GB RAM)

It runs pretty hot. I was wondering if I upgraded to the 16", would I be better off overall?

I want to get some new tech, but only if it is actually worth it

I don't want to upgrade if the performance is basically the same

I tried and did not see any difference.

 

[Hieveryone]

It depends what specification you prefer and what your workload looks like. It's the same CPU options with better CPU performance as an outcome of better cooling and an additional 9 watts of power supply, equating to less throttling, but that only becomes more obvious in high-CPU situations. The GPU is a pretty substantial upgrade and the flagship 5600M GPU is a massive upgrade over your 555X if you need GPU performance.

If your current system is working though, and you are primarily just looking for new tech, why not keep the system and buy a M1 Mac Mini to play around with? It's tons of power, something completely new and different to play around with, and it runs a lot cooler than Intel Macs if that is something of concern.

Ok, that is not a bad idea. I have always really liked the Mac Mini. But I'm just a little confounded on how I could make use of everything.

Currently, I use:

2019 base model 15" MacBook Pro, mainly in clamshell mode attached to external monitor

2017 base model 12" MacBook, mainly as a traditional laptop for on the go

If I got the Mac Mini, I'm not sure where it would fit for my usage

I feel like my 15" MacBook Pro would not be used, which would be a shame bc I want to enjoy new tech but also not waste

 

[Hieveryone]

My view is that you won't see much of a difference going from 2019 15" to 2019 16", even more so if you're using primarily in closed clamshell mode into an external monitor. There's also been a bunch of issues with the 16" MBP into external monitors overheating.

I think makes much more sense to wait to see what the new 16" MBP w/ Apple Silicon chips will look like when all signs point to a release sometime next year (some rumors as early as Q1 2021). Your machine is more than capable right now for the interim. And that would certainly qualify as "new tech", a lot more than the current 16" MBP with 9th gen Intel chips, already a bit long in the tooth.

That is not a bad idea either. I would be much more excited to get the M1 chip, which is hopefully as good as everyone is saying it is. I wish Apple had put it in the 16"

 

[Hieveryone]

If it was me I would wait for the 16" AS MBP.

But in the meantime, you could open the MBP and clean the dust, fans, etc. And maybe changing the thermal paste if you can.

True. I should probably do that, but I am not an expert and a little wary bc I don't want to break anything.

 

[Hieveryone]

As an owner of a 2019 16", and a user of a work-issued 2019 15" I can tell you if you're looking for a cooler, quieter and noticeably faster machine, the 16" is not it.

Oh really?

I thought the 16" was much better because it is slightly bigger so then more air can go through and keep it cool?

 

[Hieveryone]

I tried and did not see any difference.

That is a shame. I had always assumed the 16" was a far superior machine 🤷‍♂️

 

[ght56]

Ok, that is not a bad idea. I have always really liked the Mac Mini. But I'm just a little confounded on how I could make use of everything.

Currently, I use:

2019 base model 15" MacBook Pro, mainly in clamshell mode attached to external monitor

2017 base model 12" MacBook, mainly as a traditional laptop for on the go

If I got the Mac Mini, I'm not sure where it would fit for my usage

I feel like my 15" MacBook Pro would not be used, which would be a shame bc I want to enjoy new tech but also not waste

I think the Mac Mini makes perfect sense in that case, actually. I would say get a Mac Mini M1, use it with your external, and if you fall in love with it then sell your 15-inch to Mac Me An Offer as you would likely get enough from them to pay off the Mac Mini when the monthly credit card bill comes. It's fast, super quiet, and inexpensive, and the M1 is something new to play around with. And, if you do not fall in love with the Mac Mini, you can return it for a refund all the way through the end of January I believe.

You really cannot go wrong with a Mac Mini. When in doubt, go Mac Mini!