rMBP upgrades in order of importance

[gametime10]

Maybe this will be helpful for those looking to make a purchase. I know this is not absolute, but here's how I think about MacBook upgrades in order of importance:

1) Memory - (either from 4 to 8GB or 8 to 16GB) This is most important in terms of performance (virtual PCs, especially), future proofing, and resale value. And since you can't upgrade it later, I would put it first.
2) SSD - You can upgrade this later, but I would put this second, since 128 or 256GB can be quite limiting.
3) CPU - The 2-5% performance gains are nice, but I think would come in third compared to the other two.

Thoughts?

 

[lokster]

i got it on reverse,

max out your CPU when you buy, its the one that you can't upgrade.
RAM and SSD can always be upgraded. Unless the RAM are soldered on, are they?

 

[kappaknight]

For all intents and purposes, new RAM and SSD's are locked in.

The OP has it right - the first two upgrades are the most noticeable; and bigger SSD also means a faster read/write than the smaller versions.

The CPU gains will not be noticeable by most people doing day-to-day tasks. Unless you're compiling code or video, you probably don't need that upgrade.

 

[Meister]

It completely depends on what you are using your macbook for.
Anyone giving advice without knowing that is wrong.

 

[littlepud]

RAM first, then SSD (if needed), then CPU (but usually not worth it).

 

[maflynn]

Since the Ram is soldered and too little ram will cause overall system degradation, I'd say ram first, then depending on your needs, CPU and storage. That is if you have intensive apps, consider the CPU, then storage, if you are just surfing the web, then consider storage then CPU.

The moral of the story. There's no right or wrong way of doing it, as long as you configure the computer to your specific needs.

 

[Aniseedvan]

It completely depends on what you are using your macbook for.

Anyone giving advice without knowing that is wrong.

This... Peoples needs are vastly different, and even from one machine to another....

 

[yjchua95]

Maybe this will be helpful for those looking to make a purchase. I know this is not absolute, but here's how I think about MacBook upgrades in order of importance:

1) Memory - (either from 4 to 8GB or 8 to 16GB) This is most important in terms of performance (virtual PCs, especially), future proofing, and resale value. And since you can't upgrade it later, I would put it first.
2) SSD - You can upgrade this later, but I would put this second, since 128 or 256GB can be quite limiting.
3) CPU - The 2-5% performance gains are nice, but I think would come in third compared to the other two.

Thoughts?

IMO, I think it goes this way for me:

1. RAM
2. Discrete GPU
3. SSD
4. CPU

 

[mpe]

Since you can't get a new rMBP with 4 GB RAM any more I would say the only upgrade that makes sense is SSD.

 

[Qaanol]

1. Upgrade RAM from 4 GB to 8 GB
2. Upgrade SSD from 128 GB to 256 GB
3. Upgrade SSD from 256 GB to 512 GB
4. Upgrade RAM from 8 GB to 16 GB
5. Upgrade SSD from 512 GB to 1 TB
6. Hire a professional artist to paint a design on the case
7. Upgrade CPU

 

[Nguyhen4wd]

I think the best upgrade now remarkable is SSD, cause many rMBP have RAM soldered

 

[levifig]

1. Upgrade RAM from 4 GB to 8 GB

2. Upgrade SSD from 128 GB to 256 GB

3. Upgrade SSD from 256 GB to 512 GB

4. Upgrade RAM from 8 GB to 16 GB

5. Upgrade SSD from 512 GB to 1 TB

6. Hire a professional artist to paint a design on the case

7. Upgrade CPU

I'd put the 16Gb RAM upgrade before the 512Gb SSD, but other than that, this is pretty spot on!