MBPr 2.7 vs 2.8

[UnixMac]

Simple question...

what's different? is it literally just the .1 faster cpu? or is there underlying architectural differences or other component improvements? i.e. faster SSD, etc..

 

[abc123]

Yes I don't know why they still offer 0.1 speed bumps like that. The boost is so minor that if you regret not getting it, you'd also be disappointed with the speed if you did get it.

I'm sure there are some reasons for getting it but I personally would never bother. If you are buying today I'd also look at the 2.6 models on the refurb store as they are also very little different and much better value if you can find the config you are after.

 

[duervo]

Bump in cache from 6MB to 8MB. It's not just a 100MHz bump in clock speed.

 

[johnnnw]

Unnoticeable difference.

2mb cache increase and .1 ghz is not noticeable.

 

[yusukeaoki]

You would want to spend you cash on something else.
That is so unnoticeable you would basically waste money.

 

[alphaod]

It's higher binned usually. So technically the 2.8GHz would be more stable. That's just my non-expert opinion on the matter. It also comes with more cache.

I don't think it's worth it really. That also said, I have the older 2.7GHz upgrade model (basically 100MHz over the older 2.6GHz model).

 

[Quu]

The 100MHz increase is not worth the price they ask for it. You will never ever notice that difference under any circumstances. I have a 3930K in my desktop. It's an unlocked chip meaning I can increase or decrease its clockrate to anything I want.

If I increase it from 3.2GHz (which it ships at) to 3.3GHz there is no noticeable difference in performance. Even encoding MP3's using dbpoweramp (A well known transcoder) we are talking an album conversion from FLAC to 320 CBR MP3's going from 1 minute 32.5 seconds to 1 minute 32.1 seconds. The difference is that insignificant.

So in my opinion if you intend to get an extra BTO option restrict it to the SSD, Memory or Accessories. The CPU upgrade, for an extra 100MHz? totally not worth it.

 

[fskywalker]

That also said, I have the older 2.7GHz upgrade model (basically 100MHz over the older 2.6GHz model).

It also gave you a 8mb cache versus the standard 6mb cache.

 

[darksnake]

i read there were minimal internal changes to. Can't find the teardown tho