M5 macbook pro vs M4 macbook pro

[throAU]

I’ll just note that in terms of wear items listed above, i have not had issues with them on any of my macbooks since 2011. The failures i have had include:

2011 MBP 15” GPU failure
2015 MBP 13” battery expansion
2015 MBP 13” screen coating delamination (staingate)


still have both machines, still both work and have zero of the above mentioned problems with sockets, fans, keyboards, etc.

i did skip the butterfly fiasco though.

 

[SDAVE]

M5 easily, theres +30% in GPU perf and +10% in CPU (at least) over M4.

However, if you find a better deal maybe on an M4 Pro or Max (higher storage/ram?) that's a refurb or whatever, might be a better option.

I don't like base M models because it lacks higher performance cores which I prefer and also ProRes/etc encoders/decoders.

 

[DIMEZ]

I dont usually do base M models either. I too was planning to go to the m4 pro but was able to get an m5 for sale for under $1800 and took a chance .o I was gonna upgrade to the pro chips when they come up and just sell the base but with how well this performs and handle my workload I dont see the point of upgrading to a pro chip for me. Im not gonna use thunderbolt 5 at the moment. the m5 is a powerful machine and those on the fence, trust me go for. I saved money instead of going with the pro chips. Those that are what for them know the power they need.

I dont think you can go wrong if you go with either machine.

Here's a good video to watch.

 

[m1maverick]

Performance wise you won't be missing out much if you go with the m5. if you plan on using external drive and want thunderbolt 5 go with the pro. Battery life on the m5 is great trade off.

Neither system under consideration has Thunderbolt 5.

M5 easily, theres +30% in GPU perf and +10% in CPU (at least) over M4.

The OP stated CPU is not the bottleneck, just RAM. Therefore the extra performance of the M5 over the M4 would apparently be wasted. If that's the case saving over $700 by going with the M4 (which is considerably faster than the M1 they're currently using) makes sense.

If the memory could be upgraded in the M1 that's all the OP would need to do in order to address the performance issue.

 

[SDAVE]

Neither system under consideration has Thunderbolt 5.


The OP stated CPU is not the bottleneck, just RAM. Therefore the extra performance of the M5 over the M4 would apparently be wasted. If that's the case saving over $700 by going with the M4 (which is considerably faster than the M1 they're currently using) makes sense.

If the memory could be upgraded in the M1 that's all the OP would need to do in order to address the performance issue.

In that case, as I said, I recommend a refurb/open box (mint?) M4 Pro

 

[m1maverick]

In that case, as I said, I recommend a refurb/open box (mint?) M4 Pro

OP is not looking at the M4 Pro or M4 Max. They're considering the base M4.

 

[Solarflares]

Your sarcasm is noted. You are indeed quite correct that over an extended time (measured in several years not weeks or months), the lid hinges, fans, keyboard and ports will certainly wear.

That was not sarcasm. Just me telling you that you have no idea.
A previous user could have been ham-fisted, subjected the unit to sudden temperature extremes. Benchmarked it until thermal-paste oozes out the fan ports - in just a few hours! If it can be done, rest assured they will do it.
If you personally think 10% off is worth that risk, then carry on - but don’t piss up my back and tell me it’s raining.

 

[m1maverick]

That was not sarcasm. Just me telling you that you have no idea.
A previous user could have been ham-fisted, subjected the unit to sudden temperature extremes. Benchmarked it until thermal-paste oozes out the fan ports - in just a few hours! If it can be done, rest assured they will do it.
If you personally think 10% off is worth that risk, then carry on - but don’t piss up my back and tell me it’s raining.

IME you're making a mountain out of a mole hill. I've purchased several refurbished items from Apple and they all look and function as new. I'm sure a bad one slips through from time to time but I would say they're the very rare exception. I have no hesitation buying or recommending a product that has been refurbished by Apple.

 

[TechnoMonk]

If you are going to keep it for 4-5 years , keep the M5. I would look at Micro center or other retailers for better deals on M5.