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Please help! Need advise!

T

tm0000

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jul 29, 2014
339
9
Hi everyone!

I want to buy a 15 inch MBP with 2.9GHz i9 processor, 32 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD storage. I am a professional photographer and I also edit 4K video with Final Cut Pro X.

I heard about the thermal throttling issue and I'm really worried! :(

Is apple going to release some kind of update to fix the issue? I've been waiting to buy a new MBP for the last four years! Should I wait for an update or do you think I should go ahead and buy it now?

Please help!
 
Since I presume you'd be putting up your capital (i.e. not spending your boss's money) - I would wait to see how this shakes out over the next few weeks. If this is your livelihood, then you got to make sure that the tool works as well if not better than to be commensurate with the capital you sunk in. Apple sometimes is remarkably stubborn in acknowledging a missed step, sometimes it does the right thing. So wait and see.
 
tm0000 said:
Should I wait for an update or do you think I should go ahead and buy it now?
Click to expand...

Can you let us know why you're fixed on the i9? You said you've been waiting for four years to buy a new MBP, but what computer and configuration (CPU, RAM, storage) are you currently using? It may be that a different choice other than the i9 is better. After all, if you're using even a maxed out 2014 15" MBP, you'll be going from a quad-core to hex-core computer, gaining a much faster SSD, and potentially more RAM.
 
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My advice. If you want me to advise you.

You are safe buying the i9. However you could also do well to save and get the i7.

The throttling of the i9 is an extreme case of load and duration. And it still did the task in a rather acceptable time. Doubtful that you will cause it to throttle, certainly not much if ever.

Added to which, a firmware or software update could address the issue and likely will if necessary. Don’t be fooled by internet sensations.

If you feel you must wait for more real world tests, do so. Your other option is to wait a year and see but next year is another Lake and not a lower nanometer. I don’t think we will see low power RAM back in the 15” for two years or any case/thermal redesign for two years either. 2019 will likely be the last version of the current machine with 2020 bringing a more significant change.
 
I'd wait another 4-6 weeks to see how things play out. More "reports from the field", etc.

Even then, I'd buy the i7 (instead of the i9).
The i9: "not yet ready for prime time"...
 
Thank you very much for your time and advice. :)

Here is a screenshot of the specs on my MBP.

I have a lot of trouble when using Lightroom, Photoshop, and Final cut pro to edit 4K videos. It gets really slow. What do you think will be my best option? i9 or i7 which I already have?

Thanks again! I appreciate your help!
mtneer said:
Since I presume you'd be putting up your capital (i.e. not spending your boss's money) - I would wait to see how this shakes out over the next few weeks. If this is your livelihood, then you got to make sure that the tool works as well if not better than to be commensurate with the capital you sunk in. Apple sometimes is remarkably stubborn in acknowledging a missed step, sometimes it does the right thing. So wait and see.
Click to expand...

jeremiah256 said:
Can you let us know why you're fixed on the i9? You said you've been waiting for four years to buy a new MBP, but what computer and configuration (CPU, RAM, storage) are you currently using? It may be that a different choice other than the i9 is better. After all, if you're using even a maxed out 2014 15" MBP, you'll be going from a quad-core to hex-core computer, gaining a much faster SSD, and potentially more RAM.
Click to expand...

roland.g said:
My advice. If you want me to advise you.

You are safe buying the i9. However you could also do well to save and get the i7.

The throttling of the i9 is an extreme case of load and duration. And it still did the task in a rather acceptable time. Doubtful that you will cause it to throttle, certainly not much if ever.

Added to which, a firmware or software update could address the issue and likely will if necessary. Don’t be fooled by internet sensations.

If you feel you must wait for more real world tests, do so. Your other option is to wait a year and see but next year is another Lake and not a lower nanometer. I don’t think we will see low power RAM back in the 15” for two years or any case/thermal redesign for two years either. 2019 will likely be the last version of the current machine with 2020 bringing a more significant change.
Click to expand...

Fishrrman said:
I'd wait another 4-6 weeks to see how things play out. More "reports from the field", etc.

Even then, I'd buy the i7 (instead of the i9).
The i9: "not yet ready for prime time"...
Click to expand...
 

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Even though you already have an i7, it is an older, quad-core cpu, whereas even the base 2018 i7 is the newer generation hex-core.

You’ll also be getting faster RAM and SSD speeds. Last, but not least, even with the base model, you’ll be getting Thunderbolt-3 and USB-C. The bad is that you’ll need to price in adapters for the equipment you currently use and don’t plan to update. The good is that, again, the base model will handle what you need now, plus you’ll be able to add high speed external storage and additional graphics processing if you need it.

If you can, give it another week or so. There are many people using the same apps you are, testing out each 2018 MBP as we speak. If you can’t wait, the i9, while seemingly overall faster than any other MBP, may not be living up to the stated specs and may have a power issue that could ultimately affect longevity. The i7s seem like the way to go if you absolutely need a new MBP.

Edit: Forgot that you can also go up to 32GBs on the new 15”.
 
Last edited:
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Thank you very much, everyone! :)

What would be the best place to sell my old MBP other than craigslist and ebay? Thanks in advance!
 
jeremiah256 said:
Even though you already have an i7, it is an older, quad-core cpu, whereas even the base 2018 i7 is the newer generation hex-core.

You’ll also be getting faster RAM and SSD speeds. Last, but not least, even with the base model, you’ll be getting Thunderbolt-3 and USB-C. The bad is that you’ll need to price in adapters for the equipment you currently use and don’t plan to update. The good is that, again, the base model will handle what you need now, plus you’ll be able to add high speed external storage and additional graphics processing if you need it.

If you can, give it another week or so. There are many people using the same apps you are, testing out each 2018 MBP as we speak. If you can’t wait, the i9, while seemingly overall faster than any other MBP, may not be living up to the stated specs and may have a power issue that could ultimately affect longevity. The i7s seem like the way to go if you absolutely need a new MBP.

Edit: Forgot that you can also go up to 32GBs on the new 15”.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry for the dumb question... But, what did you mean by "you’ll be able to add high speed external storage and additional graphics processing"?

Can you point me in the right direction, please? Do you mean the new "Blackmagic eGPU"? I'm sorry for the stupid question, again.
 
tm0000 said:
I'm sorry for the dumb question... But, what did you mean by "you’ll be able to add high speed external storage and additional graphics processing"?

Can you point me in the right direction, please? Do you mean the new "Blackmagic eGPU"? I'm sorry for the stupid question, again.
Click to expand...

Here is Apple’s explanation of Thunderbolt-3 and it’s capabilities:

https://www.apple.com/thunderbolt/

In short, yes, external graphics units like Blackmagic (but better) and very fast access to external storage.
 
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