Updated Macbook pro 13 + egpu vs 16 inch base

[Timspr]

All,

I was a little disappointed to see the new macbook pro 13 inch i7 10 gen price come so close to a 16 inch macbook pro base model i7 with 2 more cores.

Now I was planning to get a 13 inch i7 10 gen + egpu to have power at my desk and sit comfortable on the sofa for browsing.
I am a regular mac user and office user with a 27 inch external monitor. I game from time to time for which i considered the egpu with a amd 5600 xt as example.

Looking at the price of the 16 inch base model im wondering if thats not a better choice as an 13 inch + egpu is simular priced as an 16 inch.
Especially in mind that the 16 inch has 6 cores vs 13 inch with 4 cores, where im concerned this will limit the egpu in games.

whats your thoughts?

tim

 

[leovilma]

From purely gaming standpoint I can't advise you since I haven't kept up with things lately. I guess it depends on games you play, some are far more processor heavy than others. If you have specific titles or genres you play you could look up what is their primary driving resource. Generally I feel that GPU is more important than CPU so 5300m in 16" base is barely enough for modern titles. If you go for 16" then upgrading to 5500m is a no brainer since it's only 200$ extra.

Going for 13" and eGPU could give you much more potential graphics power as you can use top end cards that even with this unideal solution outperform 5500m significantly. Then again as you said thermal limitations on CPU could become a factor in CPU heavy games. I haven't checked the numbers but 16" chassis should be able to maintain higher clock rates much longer compared to 13".

Another thing to remember is that 13" is much more portable, yes you can commute with 16" but it's not really ideal. I feel like waiting for 16" refresh would be smart but then again it's really questionable if they offer new significantly better graphics solution this year .

 

[tothemoonsands]

I am going the 13” route and potentially getting an eGPU in the near future.

As leovilma mentioned, with an eGPU you are getting desktop level graphics performance that can far exceed the 16”. And assuming you don’t get the blackmagic eGPU, then all the rest are actually upgradable, so you get a lot more bang for your buck since you can insert a new GPU when the time comes.

I’ve watched a number of YouTube videos testing out a 13” MBP with an eGPU and heavy hitter AAA games like GTA V etc were running flawlessly on top settings! And keep in mind these tests were run using a 2019 13”, the 2020 with 10th Gen i7 would be all the better.

I would definitely recommend getting the 10th Gen i7 if you go the 13” route! For me, it’s the best option because I get ultra portability when on the go, yet I can plug in to additional GPU power when at home, and this GPU power is upgradable over time.

 

[Timspr]

Hi both,

Many thanks for your thoughts.
I agree the portability of the 13 inch is a big plus as im on the road alot. Well when this crisis is over hopefully again...

Also the fact that an egpu can give strong performance plus upgradability makes it a solid choice.

An i7 13 inch comes very close to a base 16 inch which already has this so then the choice basically comes down to how important portability is for me.

Not an easy one but tend to go for 13” i7 + egpu even though 16” base + egpu is almost the same price.

 

[jaduffy007]

As an owner of a 16" MBP with 5500M / i9... I would strongly recommend going with the i7 13" + eGPU. The heat / fans issues with the 16" when used with an external monitor are hellish.

 

[ctjack]

Generally I feel that GPU is more important than CPU so 5300m in 16" base is barely enough for modern titles. If you go for 16" then upgrading to 5500m is a no brainer since it's only 200$ extra.

Difference between 5300m and 5500m in gaming is negligible and only around 2-5 FPS.
5500m only really shines in video editing though.

Especially in mind that the 16 inch has 6 cores vs 13 inch with 4 cores, where im concerned this will limit the egpu in games.

Games don't need 6 cores. They will be pretty fine even with speedy 2 cores. 4 cores is enough for it.
Also keep in mind that eGPU setup is not fully uncovering the power of the installed GPU due to bandwidth problems. It is no way close to dGPU inside of your laptop.
======================
Buy the 16 inch. It has much more bang for the buck.
Or buy any base Air/Pro for $1000-$1300 and you could also buy Win gaming laptop/Desktop PC for 1000-1400 if you are really into games and concerned about it.
All of this stuff with buying an eGPU or MBP 16 just for gaming is not worth it. So the choice #2 is really good.
Dell has really good Aurora Alienware Ryzen desktop PCs for $1000-$1300 with 8 cores and 5700XT. Top it with the Air or base Pro 13 which is $1000-$1300 and in total you have 2 different beast systems for $2000-$2600 which is far better than your options(MBP 13 + eGPU or MBP 16).

 

[richinaus]

buy a desktop gaming pc.
buy a standard model 13" pro or air [on a deal if you can].

best of both worlds.