Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

MBP 2018 15 - 2.2 or 2.6?

S

Shredder-

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jan 4, 2012
161
16
Hello,

I'm considering upgrading from my 2011 13" MBP to a 2018 15" model - not really sure which one to get though. The most "intense" things I do on my current macbook is web development (Node.JS and JavaScript in general)

What machine would you guys suggest me getting? Will the the 2.2 Ghz "suffice"? I'm not that hardware-tech savvy to really know the difference between the two machines

I also don't plan on upgrading for at least 4 years
 
There are a ton of videos and articles comparing the 2 speeds up against even the i9. It seems That there really isn't a huge difference amongst the 3 speeds and that you are better served saving your money or putting that extra cost towards a larger SSD and faster graphics card.
 
Do you want 256GB space or 512GB space? As it isn't upgradable, I'd go for 512GB minimum - in which case the price difference between the two models once you upgrade the 2.2ghz to 512GB is around ~$100/£80, in which case you may as well get the 2.6ghz in my opinion.
 
  • Like
Reactions: macintoshmac
Ma2k5 said:
Do you want 256GB space or 512GB space? As it isn't upgradable, I'd go for 512GB minimum - in which case the price difference between the two models once you upgrade the 2.2ghz to 512GB is around ~$100/£80, in which case you may as well get the 2.6ghz in my opinion.
Click to expand...

this way my thinking too. Which is why ill be going for the 2.6/16/512/560x. Cant justify the extra for the 32gb. Makes more sense to save money now and if it becomes and issue in a few years ill sell and buy whatever is the current model.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jerryk
With the 2.6 model you get a faster CPU and GPU for $100 more than just upgrading the drive size. So IMHO it is good value for the money
 
The other thing I'm interested in knowing is the delta in battery life for the slightly increased speed. I haven't seen much info on this.
 
  • Like
Reactions: zoom25
Ma2k5 said:
Do you want 256GB space or 512GB space? As it isn't upgradable, I'd go for 512GB minimum - in which case the price difference between the two models once you upgrade the 2.2ghz to 512GB is around ~$100/£80, in which case you may as well get the 2.6ghz in my opinion.
Click to expand...

jerryk said:
With the 2.6 model you get a faster CPU and GPU for $100 more than just upgrading the drive size. So IMHO it is good value for the money
Click to expand...
Incorrect.

The 2.2 16GB 555X 512GB SSD is $2,599.

The 2.6 16GB 560X 512GB SSD which is the base 2.6 with no options bumped is $2,799.

$200 difference. You only get a $100 difference if you bring up the GPU to the 560X on the 2.2. Arguably anyone ordering the 2.2 is going to leave the 555X in place.

So it is a $200 price increase to get the higher end CPU and GPU at any same RAM and storage config from 512 up.

I am considering a 1TB 2.2 for $2,999. The same 2.6 would be $3,199.
 
  • Like
Reactions: macintoshmac
Given that the 2.2 can *easily* turbo past 2.9 ghz and the limiting factor of the chips is always heat, I’d stick with the 2.2. That’s what I’m doing, anyway.

I don’t plan on gaming or doing graphics work so upgrading the video card didn’t make much sense.
 
jerryk said:
With the 2.6 model you get a faster CPU and GPU for $100 more than just upgrading the drive size. So IMHO it is good value for the money
Click to expand...
Not what I'm seeing here. Need to upgrade both SSD and GPU to get to a $100 delta.

The 2.2/555x/256GB is $2399, 560x GPU is +$100, 512GB SSD is +200. 2.6/560x/512GB is $2799

Just posting this so folks don't forget to consider whether the GPU upgrade would be worthwhile to them. More complex question in 2018 than 2017 since both GPU options have 4GB memory instead of last year's 2GB vs 4GB decider.

EDIT - dang, I see someone else already covered the price part.

I'd be curious as to the real world differences in the GPUs for folks who don't do 3D modelling and who don't play games.
 
Just ordered the 2018 MB Pro 2.2 Ghz, 16 GB RAM, and 1 TB SSD. Should be here 8/14. I don't do heavy graphics or modeling, so an i9 won't do much for me. Took an Apple employee discount (a friend) and came out to $2759 with taxes. I'm stoked. Replaces my 7 year old MB Pro.
 
FWIW I had an i9 and sent it back in favor of a 2.2Ghz i7 that was running cooler and faster, not to mention with better battery life. I also stuck with the 555X. The base model pro this year is incredibly fast and the best value in a Macbook Pro in a long time. Love it.
 
roland.g said:
Incorrect.

The 2.2 16GB 555X 512GB SSD is $2,599.

The 2.6 16GB 560X 512GB SSD which is the base 2.6 with no options bumped is $2,799.

$200 difference. You only get a $100 difference if you bring up the GPU to the 560X on the 2.2. Arguably anyone ordering the 2.2 is going to leave the 555X in place.

So it is a $200 price increase to get the higher end CPU and GPU at any same RAM and storage config from 512 up.

I am considering a 1TB 2.2 for $2,999. The same 2.6 would be $3,199.
Click to expand...

Thanks for pointing out my error. I was rushing out the door to get my 2.6/ 560/ 512Gb and did not double check the numbers.
 
Just got my 2.2 today. Did the test (see benchmarks thread) and its as quick for many things as the 2.6 and I'm pretty sure the thermals long term are going to be a bit more friendly.
 
ghostface147 said:
Just ordered the 2018 MB Pro 2.2 Ghz, 16 GB RAM, and 1 TB SSD. Should be here 8/14. I don't do heavy graphics or modeling, so an i9 won't do much for me. Took an Apple employee discount (a friend) and came out to $2759 with taxes. I'm stoked. Replaces my 7 year old MB Pro.
Click to expand...
I’m looking at replacing my 2012 Air. That’s the config I am considering. Though knowing it will be a 5-7 year machine I don’t know if should also consider the 32GB. I don’t see needing it now, but 16 may be an issue in 3-5 years making me regret that. I just don’t want to spend another $400 if I can avoid it and I feel like the storage is really important.
 
roland.g said:
I’m looking at replacing my 2012 Air. That’s the config I am considering. Though knowing it will be a 5-7 year machine I don’t know if should also consider the 32GB. I don’t see needing it now, but 16 may be an issue in 3-5 years making me regret that. I just don’t want to spend another $400 if I can avoid it and I feel like the storage is really important.
Click to expand...

My sweet spot was 2.2/512/32. I figured that if i needed more storage then I could always use an external SSD such as Samsung T5 or Sandisk, memory on the other hand would be fixed for the life of the laptop. In anycase I use my internal drive mostly for applications and as transitory storage. Longer term storage is relegated to external drives. Your needs and priorities may be different so go with what works best for you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bwintx
I went ahead and got the 2.2 base and upgraded my storage to 512. Doing some video and photo editing. Stoked to get it in next week. I think those specs would be just enough for me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Newtons Apple
roland.g said:
I’m looking at replacing my 2012 Air. That’s the config I am considering. Though knowing it will be a 5-7 year machine I don’t know if should also consider the 32GB. I don’t see needing it now, but 16 may be an issue in 3-5 years making me regret that.
Click to expand...

What do you currently have, 4GB or 8GB RAM? How well is it working for you with what you do? Do you have reason to expect that your system usage will substantially change in the next 5-7 years?

Run Activity Monitor and look at memory pressure while doing your usual daily stuff. What do you see?

IMHO unless you have a specific reason today for the upgrade, it's improbable that 32GB RAM would do anything but make you $400 poorer.
 
Shredder- said:
What machine would you guys suggest me getting? Will the the 2.2 Ghz "suffice"? I'm not that hardware-tech savvy to really know the difference between the two machines
Click to expand...
Personally, I'd say any MBP would work well for your stated needs.

I don't think you could go wrong with the 2.2GHz, if you want a more powerful GPU, then upgrade to the 2.6 model, but I'm very pleased with my 2.2GHz
 
  • Like
Reactions: macintoshmac and Petetastic
Starlights said:
My sweet spot was 2.2/512/32. I figured that if i needed more storage then I could always use an external SSD such as Samsung T5 or Sandisk, memory on the other hand would be fixed for the life of the laptop.
Click to expand...

My view is the opposite: RAM isn't strictly limited since computers use virtual memory. Generally speaking, if a specific workload of various applications exceeds the physical memory the computer pages to swap (on disk). As the physical memory fills up performance will reduce a bit due to moving stuff to/from disk. The actual performance degradation today with our super-fast SSDs is far less than it was back in the spindle-HDD days. Plus you can close a couple apps you're not really using, though they'd likely be swapped and quiescent anyway.

In contrast, when you fill up the SSD, you have to start carrying around an external.

I'd encourage anyone considering a memory upgrade to look at their current actual use during their typical workload and also during their heaviest workload. Run Activity Monitor and watch the memory pressure.

While RAM utilization will typically go up over time, I don't anticipate any sea-changes in system/app needs in the next few years like we had going from 32bit to 64bit. Most folks, IMHO, simply won't realize any discernible difference from a memory upgrade.
[doublepost=1533296906][/doublepost]
maflynn said:
I don't think you could go wrong with the 2.2GHz, if you want a more powerful GPU, then upgrade to the 2.6 model, but I'm very pleased with my 2.2GHz
Click to expand...

The 2.2 can get the 560x GPU for $100 if one wants.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 88Keys
maflynn said:
I know, but then if you upgrade the storage, you have a slower processor but the same configuration as the 2.6, so why not just upgrade to that model :)
Click to expand...

$100 here, $100 there, pretty soon you're talking real money! :D

I'm still pondering where I stand in the want vs need regarding buying a MBP15. In all honesty the 2.2 would be plenty of CPU for my needs, but I will definitely go to 1TB SSD despite the high cost. Logically I don't see that 2.6/560x would bring me $200 in benefit over 2.2/555x, but there's that nagging "It's only $200..." voice in the back of my head... :cool:
 
  • Like
Reactions: macintoshmac, Patcell and Csayno
maflynn said:
I'm not a gamer, and my task list doesn't really push the GPU, but I hear the 560X is a better GPU.
Click to expand...
Which of course begs the eternal question: What does better mean to those saying it is, and does that apply to my usage?

I really haven't looked at the differences in the GPUs -- the above is just a rhetorical question/comment.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back