Thinking of buying 2015 MBP 15'' ...Iris or Radeon dGPU?

[spamnapara]

Hello everyone!

As topic says, i am looking on some good deals for MPB 2015 15'' model, almost ready to buy.
Main reasons that i look on this old model is that i used to own the 2011 model for almost 7 years and i am very happy with the design and functionality compared to all +2016 MBP models (Buttlerfly keyboard, trackpad etc).
The only concern i have is what model to choose between the iGPU or dGPU so i would need your help.

Mostly i use it for web design, many tabs open in broswer for testing , sometimes Photoshop and maybe sometimes play a mid game. Battery is also important for me cause very often i work on the road.
If i would choose i would go with the Radeon dGPU model but my concern is that it might use more battery, overheat and more noisy from the fans as others say that even from browsing they start spinning on high.
But looking on the past , Apple had always problems with dGPU models (including 2011 that i had to disable dGPU) so this is a huge risk again.
Or i there any way to enable Radeon only on demand?

What do you think from your experience, what model should i choose?

Thank you

 

[ryanmillercg]

Hello! The good news is that the 2012-2015 mbp-r models are mostly issue free in the discrete graphics department (unlike the unibody models before them). I've had a 2012 mbpr and am currently using a 2014 mbpr and had no issues with them. That being said, it is quite old now! Let's do a few quick benchmark comparisons to a newer laptop:

CPU - https://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i7-10750H-vs-Intel-Core-i7-4770HQ/m1053158vsm18784
Macbook Pro 2015's Intel i7-4870 vs the latest Intel i7-10750H shows that in 6 years intel has only improved speeds by about 30% - meaning this old laptop is still very capable in the CPU department. Good news!

Memory - I would suggest sticking with 16gb instead of 8gb. That being said, most laptops in 2021 ship with 16gb so you should be just fine in this department. The only thing you're missing out on with an older laptop is a little bit of RAM speed.

GPU - https://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compa...e-11-GHz-vs-Intel-Iris-Plus-G7/m8813vsm888370
The first Iris Pro compared to Intel's latest Iris G7 doesn't look quite as good, with the newer integrated graphics looking over 200% faster.

So, if your CPU and Memory are almost as good as a modern laptop, that leaves the GPU. The Radeon dGPU in the 2015 Macbook is only 9% slower than the latest Intel iGPU https://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/AMD-R9-M370X-vs-Intel-Iris-Plus-G7/m30774vsm888370 and for that reason alone, I'd say to go with the Radeon dGPU!

TLDR; 2015 Macbook Pro is still quite fast and comparable to modern laptops, except it's integrated GPU performance hasn't aged well. Get the dGPU!

 

[spamnapara]

@ryanmillercg thanks for your reply!Of course i will go with the 16GB version and at least 512GB SSD. I found a good deal and made an offer to the seller so waiting for response. The unit i found has the dGPU that i think also to choose cause sometimes i might need video editing or even play a game!

 

[pshufd]

I have a 2014 MacBook Pro with iGPU and a 2015 MacBook Pro with dGPU. If you expect to use high-resolution monitors, then go with the dGPU. I have not done video editing for a few years and I'm not a gamer. The 2.5 Ghz CPU upgrade is nice too. I wouldn't go out of my way to get a 2.8 as the ask on those is usually on the higher side.

These models have an SD card slot and there are devices that are flush with the laptop so a possible solution if you need more storage that isn't super-fast.

 

[spamnapara]

@pshufd yes this is what i think, at tje moment i have my eye on a 2015 15'' 512GB 2.5GHZ. Want to ask you about the SD Card as external storage is a think i will need as i use to have in my 2011 a 1TB disk to DVD with HD caddy adapter. Isn't this SD Card slow speed? or there is another way to attach something fast inside? Manually mounting external usb drives is just an option i would prefer something more permanent in case i need to travel with the laptop with less stuff on me.

 

[pshufd]

@pshufd yes this is what i think, at tje moment i have my eye on a 2015 15'' 512GB 2.5GHZ. Want to ask you about the SD Card as external storage is a think i will need as i use to have in my 2011 a 1TB disk to DVD with HD caddy adapter. Isn't this SD Card slow speed? or there is another way to attach something fast inside? Manually mounting external usb drives is just an option i would prefer something more permanent in case i need to travel with the laptop with less stuff on me.

SD cards are slow. Probably 100-300 MB/sec maximum. The solutions:

Sleeve for micro sd

BASEQI FBA iSDA504ASV Aluminum MicroSD Adapter for MacBook Pro 15" Retina (Late 2013 - Mid 2015)

* Perfectly match to MacBook Pro Retina 15" ! * Keep aesthetic of MacBook Pro Retina 15" and increase the storage! Plug-in-and-Forget BaseQi is a short / low profile Micro SD adapter designed exclusively for MacBook Pro Retina 15". Just insert Micro SD card and slide in to MacBook Pro Retina 15" ...

www.amazon.com

All in one solution

Transcend 256GB JetDrive Lite 360 Storage Expansion Card for 15-Inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display (TS256GJDL360),Black/silver

The Jet Drive Lite series is specifically designed for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with Retina display computers. Transcend's Jet Drive Lite expansion cards are a quick and easy way to gain the additional space you need without adding any bulk to your MacBook computer. Simply insert Jet Drive Lit...

www.amazon.com

 

[ryanmillercg]

If you think 512gb may not be enough in the long run, I'll direct you to another thread on this forum for how to upgrade the SSD! https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/upgrading-2013-2014-macbook-pro-ssd-to-m-2-nvme.2034976/ which is a better option than ever since high capacity SSDs are becoming so inexpensive.

 

[ryanmillercg]

I have a 2014 MacBook Pro with iGPU and a 2015 MacBook Pro with dGPU. If you expect to use high-resolution monitors, then go with the dGPU. I have not done video editing for a few years and I'm not a gamer. The 2.5 Ghz CPU upgrade is nice too. I wouldn't go out of my way to get a 2.8 as the ask on those is usually on the higher side.

These models have an SD card slot and there are devices that are flush with the laptop so a possible solution if you need more storage that isn't super-fast.

Great point! I tend to use my 2014 dGPU with a 4K monitor and it keeps up well. Just be sure to use Displayport for 4K instead of HDMI so that you get 4K 60FPS.

 

[_RAD_]

Be careful, all dgpu retina/non retina macs have huge risc of overheat gpu.
Its mean that you have good chance to buy mac with "little" problem

 

[pshufd]

Be careful, all dgpu retina/non retina macs have huge risc of overheat gpu.
Its mean that you have good chance to buy mac with "little" problem

I have both iGPU and dGPU and I'd say that there really isn't a difference for what I do as far as heat generation goes. I'm not a gamer but do use high-resolution monitor and, for me, the iGPU generates just as much heat.

 

[_RAD_]

I have both iGPU and dGPU and I'd say that there really isn't a difference for what I do as far as heat generation goes. I'm not a gamer but do use high-resolution monitor and, for me, the iGPU generates just as much heat.

Its not my opinion. Its fact. To much stistics from servise centers and private masters

 

[pshufd]

Its not my opinion. Its fact. To much stistics from servise centers and private masters

Please provide those statistics on the 2015 MacBook Pro 15 then as required by the MacRumors Terms of Service.

 

[_RAD_]

ok.... "you favorite search system"

i have no fun to dispute with you about this popular trouble. Im happy to open your eyes if didn't know about.
In simple words you can watch Louis Rossmann on youtube.

 

[pshufd]

ok.... "you favorite search system"

i have no fun to dispute with you about this popular trouble. Im happy to open your eyes if didn't know about.
In simple words you can watch Louis Rossmann on youtube.

MacRumors Terms of Service require you to back up your claims - not point to search engines.

Please provide specific repair data on 2015 MacBook Pro 15s with iGPU vs dGPU data.

 

[pshufd]

MacRumors Rules for Appropriate Debate

These rules and guidelines describe the acceptable and unacceptable ways to participate in a discussion in a MacRumors forum thread. These rules augment and clarify the general Forum Rules. Guideli...

macrumors.zendesk.com

 

[ryanmillercg]

It's not unreasonable to be concerned about heat. The thermal paste on a 6 year old laptop won't be as effective as on a brand new one. When I bought a used 2014 mbpr last year it was running 80 degrees or so under load. I followed this repair guide https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+15-Inch+Retina+Display+Mid+2015+Heat+Sink+Replacement/55922 to remove the old paste and replace with Noctua NT-H1 and now my temps rarely go over 70 degrees. If you don't want to open up the computer, you can also install SMC Fan Control (or similar) to reduce temperatures.

 

[pshufd]

It's not unreasonable to be concerned about heat. The thermal paste on a 6 year old laptop won't be as effective as on a brand new one. When I bought a used 2014 mbpr last year it was running 80 degrees or so under load. I followed this repair guide https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+15-Inch+Retina+Display+Mid+2015+Heat+Sink+Replacement/55922 to remove the old paste and replace with Noctua NT-H1 and now my temps rarely go over 70 degrees. If you don't want to open up the computer, you can also install SMC Fan Control (or similar) to reduce temperatures.

The only times I've had heat issues is when running one or two 4k displays. I have a dual AC-fan which can put out 160 CFM which is great for cooling laptops though it's loud. These days I just use laptops for mobile use. I run everything heavy on a custom desktop build. Maybe I'm just lucky with my systems though.

I used to hang out on the MBP forum a lot more so I got an idea as to the problems with the Retina MacBook Pros. I have never seen a report on dGPU problems on the 2015. I have seen a few on the 2014 but maybe that's why Apple ditched nVidia.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to redo the thermal paste but I'd guess that it would be beyond the skillset of the typical user.

I bought my 2015 MacBook Pro 15 in 2018 and it was quite banged up. It had bottom case scratches and a couple of corner dents - it looked like it had been dropped on the floor. It looks like hell but it works perfectly fine - and that's all I care about. If you need or want an Intel CPU, want a lot of ports, have a lot of legacy cables, don't mind the weight and subpar battery life, then the 2015 could be for you.

 

[_RAD_]

The only times I've had heat issues is when running one or two 4k displays. I have a dual AC-fan which can put out 160 CFM which is great for cooling laptops though it's loud. These days I just use laptops for mobile use. I run everything heavy on a custom desktop build. Maybe I'm just lucky with my systems though.

I used to hang out on the MBP forum a lot more so I got an idea as to the problems with the Retina MacBook Pros. I have never seen a report on dGPU problems on the 2015. I have seen a few on the 2014 but maybe that's why Apple ditched nVidia.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to redo the thermal paste but I'd guess that it would be beyond the skillset of the typical user.

I bought my 2015 MacBook Pro 15 in 2018 and it was quite banged up. It had bottom case scratches and a couple of corner dents - it looked like it had been dropped on the floor. It looks like hell but it works perfectly fine - and that's all I care about. If you need or want an Intel CPU, want a lot of ports, have a lot of legacy cables, don't mind the weight and subpar battery life, then the 2015 could be for you.

Problem in cooling system architecture.
Do you want to tell that didnt hear about radeon gpu problems on unibody and retina macs ?
When gpu crystal leave substrate

 

[_RAD_]

If you

Hello everyone!

As topic says, i am looking on some good deals for MPB 2015 15'' model, almost ready to buy.
Main reasons that i look on this old model is that i used to own the 2011 model for almost 7 years and i am very happy with the design and functionality compared to all +2016 MBP models (Buttlerfly keyboard, trackpad etc).
The only concern i have is what model to choose between the iGPU or dGPU so i would need your help.

Mostly i use it for web design, many tabs open in broswer for testing , sometimes Photoshop and maybe sometimes play a mid game. Battery is also important for me cause very often i work on the road.
If i would choose i would go with the Radeon dGPU model but my concern is that it might use more battery, overheat and more noisy from the fans as others say that even from browsing they start spinning on high.
But looking on the past , Apple had always problems with dGPU models (including 2011 that i had to disable dGPU) so this is a huge risk again.
Or i there any way to enable Radeon only on demand?

What do you think from your experience, what model should i choose?

Thank you

For Performance:
Buy dgpu
But ready for test

For simple tasks without brain **ck
Buy igpu

What is your budget for this purchase ?

 

[pshufd]

Problem in cooling system architecture.
Do you want to tell that didnt hear about radeon gpu problems on unibody and retina macs ?
When gpu crystal leave substrate

I've had about 6 MB replacements due to dGPU failures and one complete failure with a 2011. But they are all specific model years. If you have evidence about the 2015 MacBook Pro 15 dGPU, please present it as required by the MacRumors Terms of Service. I've never heard of a 2015 MacBook Pro 15 dGPU failure.