What should I get when purchasing my Macbook Pro?

[Florry]

I am looking to buy a 2012 Macbook pro, but I am unsure if I should upgrade the processor from 2.5 to 2.9 or the RAM from 4GB to 8GB or both because I am not too familiar with computers. I will be using it for internet browsing, listening to music, some gaming, school work (word and powerpoint) and I also plan to use it for recording/editing music and videos as well.

I appreciate any suggestions that are thrown my way!!

 

[cruisin]

The 2012 Retina model cannot change the included ram. Both the retina and non-retina model cannot change the included processor.

Editing music/videos and games are the demanding parts of your needs. For light use you should be fine with 4 GB but if you have the budget 8 GB is useful if you have big editing needs. Gaming will be limited by the 2012 graphics, so I doubt you will see a benefit to 8 GB.

 

[davidg4781]

Is this the non-retina model? I believe the RAM is upgradable. If it's not, definitely get 8 GB. If it is and you're good to do the upgrade yourself do that.

I have a mini with 2.5 and it came with 4 GB. Performance was lacking until I upgraded the RAM. I went to 16 but everything's a lot smoother. I think having an SSD will help with everything else.

 

[Meister]

I assume you are talking about the still sold 2012 macbook.

The cpu is non-upgradeable, it has to be configured at purchase.

The ram can be easily and cheaper upgraded by yourself.

You should also swap the hdd for an ssd yourself.

The air and retina models are non-upgradable.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Don't buy the 2012 New buy a second hand or refurbished don't pay more than $500 for one with a standard spec. 8gb is always nice going forward and the processor will make very little difference to you, a second hand machine with an SSD upgrade will be a faster better machine than a brand new machine with a spinning hard drive.