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Question and which would you get

B

BNHabs

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jul 5, 2010
133
0
Buying a 13-inch RMBP.

Not sure whether to get refurbished or new.

Also: is the 2.6GHZ processor in the 2013 model the same one as the one in the base 2014 RMBP?

Basically in the refurb I would get 512GB storage vs 256GB and in the new model I get 2.8 vs the older? 2.6 i5.

Refurb model I would get:
Originally released October 2013
13.3-inch (diagonal) Retina display; 2560-by-1600 resolution at 227 pixels per inch
16GB of 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM
512GB Flash Storage1
720p FaceTime HD camera
Intel Iris Graphics

New model I would get:
2.8GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz
16GB 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM
256GB PCIe-based Flash Storage
Intel Iris Graphics
Backlit Keyboard (English) & User's Guide
 
The most significant difference is a 512GB SSD vs 256GB. It depends on how much storage you need. Other than that, you'll see very little difference, if any, in performance between the two. Also, other than the box, buying a refurb is pretty much like buying new.
 
GGJstudios said:
The most significant difference is a 512GB SSD vs 256GB. It depends on how much storage you need. Other than that, you'll see very little difference, if any, in performance between the two. Also, other than the box, buying a refurb is pretty much like buying new.
Click to expand...

Is the 2.6GHZ processor in the refurb the same one as the 2.6 base in the 2014?
 
BNHabs said:
Is the 2.6GHZ processor in the refurb the same one as the 2.6 base in the 2014?
Click to expand...

No, the 4278U(2.6GHz, released in 2014) is the low end processor in the group and the 4288U(2.6GHz, released in 2013) is a midrange processor in the group.

The older CPU has a slightly faster GPU clock.
 
T5BRICK said:
No, the 4278U(2.6GHz, released in 2014) is the low end processor in the group and the 4288U(2.6GHz, released in 2013) is a midrange processor in the group.

The older CPU has a slightly faster GPU clock.
Click to expand...

Which means it's slightly faster?

GPU clock? Isn't is the CPU?

Also, would this use more battery life?
 
BNHabs said:
Is the 2.6GHZ processor in the refurb the same one as the 2.6 base in the 2014?
Click to expand...
They are slightly different, with almost identical performance.
2014: Core i5 (I5-4278U) 2013:Core i5 (I5-4288U)

...............................2014...2013
Geekbench 2 32........7621...7546
Geekbench 2 64........8628...8625
Geekbench 3 SC 32...2820...2828
Geekbench 3 MC 32...5849...5842
Geekbench 3 SC 64...3127...3108
Geekbench 3 MC 64...6602...6535

BNHabs said:
Which means it's slightly faster?

GPU clock? Isn't is the CPU?

Also, would this use more battery life?
Click to expand...
The GPU is not the same as the CPU.

There would be zero difference in battery life or performance between the two in daily use.
 
BNHabs said:
Okay, and if I chose an i7 processor would there be a difference in battery life/heat?
Click to expand...
Battery life and heat are driven by the workload and settings you use. Which processor you have has little or no impact on battery life or heat. As I said, the only meaningful difference in the two models you posted is SSD capacity.

There are many factors that impact your battery life. See the BATTERY LIFE FROM A CHARGE section of the following link for details, including tips on how to maximize your battery life.
​
The link below should answer most, if not all, of your battery/charging questions. If you haven't already done so, I highly recommend you take the time to read it.
 
So it's down to the refurb or this new model (faster CPU, less storage). What would you guys do - I don't 'need' the extra storage.:

2.8GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz
16GB 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM
256GB PCIe-based Flash Storage
Intel Iris Graphics
Backlit Keyboard (English) & User's Guide
 
BNHabs said:
So it's down to the refurb or this new model (faster CPU, less storage). What would you guys do - I don't 'need' the extra storage.:

2.8GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz
16GB 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM
256GB PCIe-based Flash Storage
Intel Iris Graphics
Backlit Keyboard (English) & User's Guide
Click to expand...

Since everything else is almost identical, I'd personally get the refurb. Even though you don't need the extra storage, your needs may change in the future. I've always found a use for more storage, and never found myself wishing I had less. You seem to be focused on the CPU, but you haven't indicated what you plan to use your Mac for. With very few exceptions, any of the available processors can easily handle the average user's workload.
 
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