I'm looking to buy 15" MBP in the next month or so, what's the most important thing to upgrade? It's already set at 16GB RAM. Also, is it worth just getting the model that starts at $2,499?
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Most important thing to upgrade when buying 15" MacBook Pro
- Thread starter Aluminum213
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It depends on what you use it for. Do you want to play games? Are you routinely editing large photos and videos? For most users, the base 15" model will do more than fine. If you want to play games, you should think about the model with the dedicated GPU.
With respect to the dGPU, I've read here that it can cause a lot of issues so that there is some downside to adding one if you don't really have to have it.
My thought was to max out everything as a way of getting more longevity from a $2,500 purchase and the dGPU is only $100 more than the base model given the way I would spec the base model. After reading some of the posts here, I'm seriously considering not getting the dGPU because I think that the cons might outweigh the pros.
Also, I don't think you can "swap out" everything else. Apple says that the both the memory and SSD are fixed on these new machines so that what you buy at the outset is what you have for the life of the machine.
If you can afford the $2499 model, then go for it. It's got all the upgrades I would think are good to have for a 15" MBPr.
If not: then with RAM already out of the way, since you've decided on 16GB, I'd prioritize the rest like this:
1. SSD
2. dGPU vs integrated GPU
3. CPU.
Storage is something you'll most wish you had more of, the longer you keep your Mac. 512GB is a good size of SSD to have, as it's unlikely you'll run out of space unless you're really hoarding data. 1TB isn't worth paying an extra $500 for... UNLESS you know for a fact that you're going to use all that storage space.
Having a discrete GPU is necessary if you're gaming with this laptop. If that's not a priority, and you're not doing TONS of video or photo editing, then it might not be as important.
CPU speed is something you'll benefit the least from in most cases. Certain CPU intensive tasks will see small performance boosts from a faster/better CPU, but not by a very wide margin. All of the CPUs offered on current rMBPs are pretty capable.
If not: then with RAM already out of the way, since you've decided on 16GB, I'd prioritize the rest like this:
1. SSD
2. dGPU vs integrated GPU
3. CPU.
Storage is something you'll most wish you had more of, the longer you keep your Mac. 512GB is a good size of SSD to have, as it's unlikely you'll run out of space unless you're really hoarding data. 1TB isn't worth paying an extra $500 for... UNLESS you know for a fact that you're going to use all that storage space.
Having a discrete GPU is necessary if you're gaming with this laptop. If that's not a priority, and you're not doing TONS of video or photo editing, then it might not be as important.
CPU speed is something you'll benefit the least from in most cases. Certain CPU intensive tasks will see small performance boosts from a faster/better CPU, but not by a very wide margin. All of the CPUs offered on current rMBPs are pretty capable.
This is precisely what I did back in 2012. Maxed out everything in a way to future proof my investment. Almost 4 years later it is still running strong as it did on the date of purchase.
The dGPU issue...well...that's completely up to you, but I wouldn't hold that issue as a deal breaker. At the end of the day, the choice is yours.
In terms of swapping things out, that's what they've said about some of the rMBP models back a few years ago...apparently it's not entirely true. We'll just have to wait and see...unless there are breakdowns already for viewing.
Well said. Two thumbs up on the CPU comment....any of the ones available will be more than adequate for all your tasks.
It really depends on your needs, some people want to the dGPU, others want the largest SSD they can fit in the machine, others like the faster CPU.
If it were me, I'd probably opt for the storage
Definitely the dGPU, because when you opt for this variant, you automatically get a 512GB SSD and a slight processor bump.
Since you did not bother telling us what you use a computer for, I'll take a wild guess and say you could make do with an iPad.
Other than selecting CPU, ssd and memory options there is not alot to upgrade when it comes to a Macbook Pro. If discreet GPU is an option, I'd get that if it is a reliable one (honestly I've not followed the dGPU options in current Macbook Pros).
Perhaps a nice external IPS or PLS display and connectors. Backup soluitions (external HDD). Stuff like that I'd say.
Then a 15" would definitely be right for you.
If you're editing professionally, the M370X can speed up your work by a great deal in OpenCL (like FCP X, for instance).
Ah, much better.
I'd go with the 15" with ATI graphics card, with as much onboard storage as you need/can afford.
There isn't really an issue with adding a dGPU. The graphics are not switchable in Windows which is the majority of what I would call an "issue," the rest is mostly paranoia due to heat generated from it.
I don't know of any other issues regarding a dedicated GPU other than temperature related complaints - which isn't an issue most of the time. I'm not saying it can't have genuine, unintended heat related issues but most of the time it is just worrying.
I bought the 15" base model and couldn't be more impressed. I didn't expect the 13" to 15" jump to be so transformative. The SSD is insane and so far everything just flies. I'm doing a fair bit on it right now and it's barely over 50% RAM and the CPU is practically idol (see the dock attached).
