Retina MacBook Pro 13" processor vs memory

[Ianwbz]

Hello,

I am getting ready to buy the 13" MacBook Pro and currently have:
256 gb, 2.4 ghz, 8 gb. Selected

I will be using it for:
Word processing
AirPlay video
Music
Light gaming

My question is which of the following would be the most useful/necessary to do ?

Keep those specs
Upgrade to 2.6 ghz
Upgrade to 16 gb

Thanks for any advice !

 

[sarakn]

Hello,

I am getting ready to buy the 13" MacBook Pro and currently have:
256 gb, 2.4 ghz, 8 gb. Selected

I will be using it for:
Word processing
AirPlay video
Music
Light gaming

My question is which of the following would be the most useful/necessary to do ?

Keep those specs
Upgrade to 2.6 ghz
Upgrade to 16 gb

Thanks for any advice !

Without a doubt, upgrade to 16GB.

 

[Hemlis]

If that's your usage, I don't believe an upgrade is in order. Your current ram and processor is sufficient. Unless you plan on running a few virtual machines while doing all of those tasks simultaneously. Of course, if you have money to burn, that's another issue all together.

 

[Animalk]

It doesn't matter what your usage is. 16GB.

 

[Ianwbz]

I could also upgrade to 512 GB or would that be overkill for what I need?

 

[simon48]

Another vote for 16GB!

 

[Scott7975]

Don't upgrade the processor.

RAM could go either way. You would probably be fine with 8 but 16 may be better in the future. Cant change it later.

----------

I could also upgrade to 512 GB or would that be overkill for what I need?

How much stuff do you plan to put on the computer? If you are going to dual boot windows and also store some games/music/videos/whatever... then I would go with a 512 yes.

 

[Meister]

with what u intend to do an upgrade is a waste of money.
a base version mba "13 4gb/128gb that u can get for 999,- in some places will completely satisfy your needs (without the retina)
if u need the retina u could go with the rmbp 4gb/128gb.

 

[ioannis2005gr]

Without a doubt, upgrade to 16GB.

I agree!

(MBA is a cheap choice but not for long...after 2-3 years, it will become completely obsolete!)

 

[Meister]

I agree!

(MBA is a cheap choice but not for long...after 2-3 years, it will become completely obsolete!)

thats a bold statement
i would disagree.

 

[sarakn]

Don't upgrade the processor.

RAM could go either way. You would probably be fine with 8 but 16 may be better in the future. Cant change it later.

----------



How much stuff do you plan to put on the computer? If you are going to dual boot windows and also store some games/music/videos/whatever... then I would go with a 512 yes.

OP: As new apps get released, they would likely require more ram and your MB would be able to handle it. Buy what you can afford to increase the longevity of your system. You can always add on storage or connect an external drive.

 

[Ianwbz]

Thanks everyone for your input.This is what I am leaning towards. I would get the air but after seeing the retina I don't think I could go back. My budget is 2k and anything under that would be great, that is why I was asking for processor vs memory. After looking with the student discount I can afford both, do you think it's worth it or just get the 16 GB ? What do you guys think ?

 

[leman]

Keep the original specs. I don't see a valid reason for spending $200 on extra RAM which most likely won't improve your experience in any way. Upgrading a CPU makes even less sense.

 

[smakdown61]

Forget the prices for upgrades for a second. Create a max budget in your head. As in, you WILL NOT go over this number. Then add upgrades in this order until you go over: RAM, HD space, CPU speed.