MBP for College: 2.3GHz i5 vs. 2.7GHz i7

[thomasdangit]

Hi all, I'm planning on getting my first MacBook Pro for college next year and so far, have decided on the 13" space gray model with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage (didn't think I'd need 1 TB).

I am deciding between the processor now:

• 2.3GHz quad‑core 8th‑generation Intel Core i5 processor, Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz
• 2.7GHz quad‑core 8th‑generation Intel Core i7 processor, Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz

It will cost me an additional $230 (education discount) to upgrade to the latter processor. I'll be a biochemistry major with little need for intensive (if any) photo/video editing and no gaming... is the 2.3GHz i5 going to be enough for my needs? It will be mostly academic stuff like research/Safari/writing papers as well as some entertainment like video streaming, etc.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Orien]

You do not need the upgraded CPU. Very few people do.

 

[Royksöpp]

You don't need the upgrade. It will only use more power and generate heat. Unless you plan on editing video or doing more intensive graphics then the base model should do just fine.

 

[leman]

You are overthinking this. These CPUs are very fast. Any of them is more than sufficient for your purpose.

 

[Sterkenburg]

The base CPU will be much more than enough for your needs. Don't worry about it and enjoy your first Mac!

 

[cambookpro]

I actually wonder if anyone would buy the i7 - just can't fathom a situation where a 10% performance improvement is required, but a 15" hexa-core is absolutely out of the question.

Either way, the base 13" now seems very powerful. Must be competitive with the 2017 15" models. Will definitely enjoy it when I upgrade my 2016 13" in a couple of years.

 

[Patcell]

The performance difference between the i5 and i7 in the 13” is pretty much negligible. In no way is it worth $230. If you absolutely need more power than the quad core i5 can give you, then you should be looking at the 15” with hexa core CPU’s. It doesn’t sound like you need that kind of performance though.

 

[maflynn]

Save your money and opt for the i5