Is the 2.3Ghz enough?

[simon48]

I think honestly the main thing it would do for me is keep me from regretting that I didn't buy the fastest available processor--from a purely idealistic standpoint, anyway.

You got that right! I really don't need the CPU boost, but I'm planing on getting the 15" rMBP with the 750m and a 1TB SSD so I don't think I can stop myself from getting the 2.6GHz.

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And do the 2.6Ghz models have a lot of yellow screens? Why did you mention that?

No, not any more then the others, it's all luck. I think Starfyre is saying get one and leave it up to chance, get one model and if it has a bad screen return it and get the other model.

 

[Windows&Apple]

Oh lord, just thinking about your computer with the 1TB SSD and the 2.6Ghz i7 just got me thinking... this computer is as near as makes no difference; $3,000. HOLY CRAP, I never thought I would spend so much on a laptop lol. How did I get to this point

 

[Starfyre]

I wouldn't be worried about the clock speed on the Iris Pro, I'm pretty sure it's 1.3Ghz on both 2.3 and 2.6. The only difference would be the 300Mhz per core, which I don't feel is worth the $180 increase, plus the head and battery would suffer with the faster processor.

But than again, I'm still spending $2730 with Apple care, and the 2.6 is $2888. Doesn't seem all that different.

And do the 2.6Ghz models have a lot of yellow screens? Why did you mention that?

Must be a mistake, I read somewhere that the Iris Pro was slightly faster on the 2.6 compared to the others, maybe it was strictly clock speed.

I made a poll a while back asking if the 2.6 was FREE vs the 2.3, which one would you get (despite potential for less battery and heat) the majority went for the 2.6. So costwise, if they were equivalent, people would get the 2.6 hands down.

Unlike the old model, they are not asking for hundreds of dollars for a processor upgrade.

Both the 2.3 and 2.6 are equally at risk for yellow screens. It seems to be a problem posted by both 2.3 and 2.6 owners, though there are people who have flawless ones in either case.

Thats why I suggested maybe getting the 2.6... use it.. if it has a yellow screen, you can probably better determine if it makes sense to return and exchange it. If not, you can see what the battery life is like and if it is 9+ hours as some users of the 2.6 15'' report, then you won't have that feeling of regret for starting out with the 2.3. You can't miss what your not lacking. If you were to go for 2.6, your no longer wondering how much better that 2.6 performance would be, especially if your holding onto it for a couple++ years.

Let us know what you get! I am on the edge myself, I was almost certain on the 2.3 after seeing posts about the battery life of 2.6 appearing to be low, but a day after, those users got much better battery life at at least 7 and a half hours (which is not too far from 8), while others have gotten 9+.

 

[Windows&Apple]

I agree with your statement, but I have returned so many MacBook's because of damage and other problems and I'm pretty sure the Apple Store manager hates me. I don't wanna buy one knowing I might have to exchange it lol.

I'm still leaning towards the 2.3 because I can get it at the store and I can be assured some FedEx or UPS guy didn't just throw my laptop at my door or at the back of his truck. That's the reason why I'm holding back, that and the fact I can buy a Nexus 5 with the money I saved

 

[actuallyinaus]

Must be a mistake, I read somewhere that the Iris Pro was slightly faster on the 2.6 compared to the others, maybe it was strictly clock speed.

yes, wikipedia (and intel.com) show the 2.6 has a 1.3 boost clock for the iris pro and the 2.0/2.3 has a 1.2 boost clock, though i have no idea how much difference it makes

 

[Windows&Apple]

yes, wikipedia (and intel.com) show the 2.6 has a 1.3 boost clock for the iris pro and the 2.0/2.3 has a 1.2 boost clock, though i have no idea how much difference it makes

100Mhz considering Iris Pro will only be used for idle programs and light intensive tasks, it'll make little to no difference. The 750M is where the difference will kick in, but since all 750M's are the same, the only noticeable difference is in the processor, and at 300Mhz per core; it's up to you. I know for a fact that if you're doing multitasking and using alot of heavy programs at once, you will be more than happy with the 2.6. I'm just wondering what the difference between the 2.3 and the 2.6 is in real world tests; numbers on paper are meaningless

 

[Windows&Apple]

The more I think about it, and the more people post about non-functioning trackpads and yellow screens and creaking cases; I'm just wondering if I should get a MacBook Air and just do 3D and everything on my desktop, which won't be perfect, but I would hate to buy something with a smile and be disappointed when problems start

 

[Starfyre]

The more I think about it, and the more people post about non-functioning trackpads and yellow screens and creaking cases; I'm just wondering if I should get a MacBook Air and just do 3D and everything on my desktop, which won't be perfect, but I would hate to buy something with a smile and be disappointed when problems start

Just get a Dell XPS 15. It clearly has less problems than the Apple with better specs, thinner, and is cheaper.

If Apple really had that bad of quality control, I am sure they would not be what they are now. It may be that many machines are good, except for the unlucky ones that got a yellow screen, non-functioning trackpad, etc.

Either way, if the battery life on the 2.6 is enough, and your hesitant about ordering a 2.3 because you might regret it, then just go for the 2.6, see if it has any problems. If there is... then just get a 2.3 then. It might be a "sign" for all you know. Though if your leaning towards 2.3 and your pretty sure you won't regret it, then get a 2.3. (though of course you may have the same problems as any other rMBP, but you never know). I would think the likelihood would be smaller the farther and farther away we get from release date. Life is a box of chocolates, you never know what your going to get. Just hope you got the good tasting one

 

[Windows&Apple]

Now, I know I'm switching back and forth, but if I can get a 15" MacBook Pro Classic (Ivy Bridge) at a heavy discount, do you think that would be a better option? Since I can upgrade it and it's still not a slow machine.

 

[pat.micunnis]

I have both the 2.6 and the 2.3 with 1 TB SDD (2.6 was originally ordered but it was too late to change my order to 2.3).

I thought I would go with the 2.3 as the 2.6 is overkill for my needs (I received a couple of free accessories with the 2.3 order - and thought that was the universe's way of telling me to go with the 2.3).

Both screens are Samsung and perfect. However the 2.3 has the creaking issue

I am receiving 1% cashback on my order(s). I noticed that I received an "extra" 1% cashback on the 2.6. $180 - 200 is still a lot of money - but as others have stated, when you're already spending this much on a machine, the $180 - 200 seems small. Now the price difference between the 2 for me is $150 ...

Battery life isn't as important for me as the heat.

 

[Starfyre]

Now, I know I'm switching back and forth, but if I can get a 15" MacBook Pro Classic (Ivy Bridge) at a heavy discount, do you think that would be a better option? Since I can upgrade it and it's still not a slow machine.

I thought about it too, it will definitely be cheaper, but the Haswell is the latest and the greatest as of now, and the battery life will certainly be lower...

That brings me to another reason why I lean towards the 2.6. Even if the battery life is only 8 hours or a little less, its still more than the Ivy bridge. If you look at the processor and its specs, its listed for the i7 4960HQ (2.6) that it is the best laptop quad core processor you can get in the market and handle the most demanding tasks and is faster than the last generation. In fact, its as powerful as a 17'' laptop processor: i7- the Ivy Bridge 3940XM. To be able to have the best and have at least the battery life of the last generation, what what makes it seem worth it to me. Especially since the cost is no where near the cost of last years upgrades.

I don't know what your personality is, but if I knew the iPhone 5s just came out, even though it is not a radical redesign, I would still get it if I got an iPhone. I would not go for the iPhone 5 or the 5C, because you know that there is something better.

 

[nateo200]

It will definitely make a difference, though I'm not sure how big. The main thing that would make a difference, especially for gaming, is the ram and the graphics card. As long as you get the 15" 2.3ghz MBP, you should be fine because it has 16gb or ram and the Nividia graphics card.

Pretty much any Dual core i5 or i7 is sufficient for gaming....I've rarely seen my CPU choke on games. GPU is a different story...not worth it for games alone. I mean if you can afford a maxed out rMBP do it...certainly not a massive price jump, and if your careful but you want the high end version hold your breath and click the buy button. Personally I would only stay in the 15" territory...with a fast machine you'll future proof it and yourself.

EDIT: I see you dropped the bomb...regardless of whether you spend closer to $2 or $3K just remember these computers last...many times I see professionals editing video on 3-4 year old macs and sometimes older...the Apple tax is worth it in my opinion.

 

[Starfyre]

Battery life isn't as important for me as the heat.

How is the heat between the two? Do you feel fans come on on one more often than the other?

 

[Windows&Apple]

how is the heat between the two? Do you feel fans come on on one more often than the other?

+1

 

[Windows&Apple]

I have both the 2.6 and the 2.3 with 1 TB SDD (2.6 was originally ordered but it was too late to change my order to 2.3).

I thought I would go with the 2.3 as the 2.6 is overkill for my needs (I received a couple of free accessories with the 2.3 order - and thought that was the universe's way of telling me to go with the 2.3).

Both screens are Samsung and perfect. However the 2.3 has the creaking issue

I am receiving 1% cashback on my order(s). I noticed that I received an "extra" 1% cashback on the 2.6. $180 - 200 is still a lot of money - but as others have stated, when you're already spending this much on a machine, the $180 - 200 seems small. Now the price difference between the 2 for me is $150 ...

Battery life isn't as important for me as the heat.

Do you notice a noticeable difference between your two machines when it comes to loading up applications and basic day to day tasks?

 

[Starfyre]

How is the heat between the two? Do you feel fans come on on one more often than the other?

I guess its probably about the same or no noticable difference since the OP said he likes the 2.6 and appears to have plans to keep it. (Let us know otherwise pat.micunnis!)

 

[Windows&Apple]

I guess its probably about the same or no noticable difference since the OP said he likes the 2.6 and appears to have plans to keep it. (Let us know otherwise pat.micunnis!)

Was the OP's only reason for keeping it because the 2.3 had the creaking issue?

 

[Starfyre]

Was the OP's only reason for keeping it because the 2.3 had the creaking issue?

Not sure if that was the exclusive reason, but he did post that he got some decent battery life, 7 hours? With a number of chrome tabs open, photoshop, outlook, 75% brightness etc. with the 2.6 model and it seems all his posts appear to be focused on the 2.6 rather than the 2.3.

Maybe the OP would like to answer that himself since he clearly shows up as online right now.

 

[pat.micunnis]

Was the OP's only reason for keeping it because the 2.3 had the creaking issue?

Sorry, I've been trying to get my 2.3 restored from Time Machine backups so the 2 truly mirror each other, and a totally new backup completed for the 2.6. And I've been on the phone with Microsoft Office support (issues with product keys).

I haven't had a much time to spend on the 2.3 - YET. But I am extremely curious what the battery life will be.

So far, impressions is 2.3 is cooler but so is 2.6. ugghhh The $180 - 200 (my case $150) might be better spent on peripheral goods for my new rMBP (like mstand 360) or making my incessant must-have 1 TB SSD not seem to cost as much.

I'll have more "real world" data tomorrow.

 

[mthos]

I'm considering buying a 15 inch MBP and I'm wondering if the 2.3Ghz is fine for 3D animating, Adobe suite (video, photo, web) and logic pro?

Also, would the 13 inch be able to handle that? I'll be running everything except a few thing on Windows.

I'll be doing the following:

- 3Ds Max + Maya
- Programming (C++/Javascript)
- Adobe Suite (Photo, Video, Web)
- Logic Pro
- Windows 7 (or 8.1)
- Accounting software (Sage 50 - On Windows)
- Gaming (On windows, I would love if this got atleast 60FPS on modern games like BF3 and such)

I'll need the following out of the machine:

- Atleast 5 years of solild work out of it with little to no issues
- Atleast 8 hours of battery life, some say the 2.6Ghz gets less than advertised and I'm not a fan of that.

I will also be building a custom PC with the broadwell chip next year, my budget for that is around $2,000 and I feel that will get me a very respectable machine. I only say this because it might impact your decision on recommending the 2.6 over the 2.3.

I'm a computer programmer so I use Visual Studio and Microsoft SQL Server a lot (duh), no issues with 2.3, 16, 512, 750M high-end unit with compiles, loading, or massive database queries, etc.

My brother does a lot of video editting and picked up the same model as me and says it works amazing, no hiccups at all on the 2.3GHz.

Gaming I've done a bunch of benchmarks you can see with the 2.3GHz, mind you games will mainly be decided by the GPU, unless it's like Starcraft II or a game that is more CPU bound. Gaming benchmarks: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1662765/

 

[Freyqq]

you are probably not going to get 8 hrs of battery life in windows. I'd go for a dell xps 15 instead, based on your usage model.

 

[Windows&Apple]

I'm a computer programmer so I use Visual Studio and Microsoft SQL Server a lot (duh), no issues with 2.3, 16, 512, 750M high-end unit with compiles, loading, or massive database queries, etc.

My brother does a lot of video editting and picked up the same model as me and says it works amazing, no hiccups at all on the 2.3GHz.

Gaming I've done a bunch of benchmarks you can see with the 2.3GHz, mind you games will mainly be decided by the GPU, unless it's like Starcraft II or a game that is more CPU bound. Gaming benchmarks: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1662765/

Dude, that's epic! I won't be playing anything on max res, medium to high is decent but I'm leaning towards the 2.3Ghz model because I can buy a Nexus 5 and not go over $3k

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you are probably not going to get 8 hrs of battery life in windows. I'd go for a dell xps 15 instead, based on your usage model.

I would, but I'll be honest. The only reason I'm switching to Mac was because I wanted a computer that felt premium. The Dell, although has very good materials will still be a Dell. It's shallow, I know, but... still.

 

[KeegM480]

My 2.2GHz is fine for me I do the same things you do.

EDIT:
My 2.26GHz C2D actually ran fine with Maya and Photoshop so dont worry Definetly go 15" too

 

[Windows&Apple]

My 2.2GHz is fine for me I do the same things you do.

EDIT:
My 2.26GHz C2D actually ran fine with Maya and Photoshop so dont worry Definetly go 15" too

Awesome man, that's good the hear

 

[Windows&Apple]

Hey guys, a quick update; I'm going to go for the 2.3Ghz model because I can pick it up in store and I'm sure it'll work for my needs

And I'll get the Apple Care, just incase the machine is screwy in a little while, I can probably get a newer machine with the Apple Care down the road.