Which CPU for Retina?

2.3/16/256 or 512

 

2.6ghz Retina MacBook Pro

I just ordered a Retina Mac Book Pro with the 2.6GHz processor and 16GB of RAM and the 512GB SSD. Can't wait. I have an i7 2011 27" iMac and my wife has a 13" Mac Book Pro - both of which have been great machines.

My question in addition to experience with processor performance is if anyone has ever used a Mac and run a virtual machine to run Windows. Not a dual boot - but a virtual machine.

I will be using this computer partially for work and will need windows. My IT department is going to set it up for me and said it will work without any issue - but wanted to see if anyone else has had experience.

Can't wait to see the performance of the SSD and 16GB of RAM. If this is as good as everyone says it is...then I will updating my wife to a 13" Retina Mac Book Pro when it comes out.

 

Just get the 2.3 and save $100. You can compare the 2.3 and 2.6 side-by-side and, in most apps, you won't even notice any difference. Unless you know what you'd need the 2.6 for, you probably don't need it.

 

Thanks!

Because $100 is worth 300mhz which will make 0 difference in almost anything unless its encoding/decoding. Oh and benchmarks.

 

Unless you really need it or plan on using it for 5+ years then dont get it. I would upgrade RAM/SSD before CPU.

 

I'd get the 800mhz option

 

I'd just get the base, honestly.

 

He means the 2.3/8/256

I got the 2.3/16/256 for future use.

 

2.3 by the time this CPU is pushed its highly likely that other aspects of the system will be struggling to keep up. The only people that will realistically benefit are those.that frequently run their systems at 100% CPU load and can potentially convert the time save into revenue.

300Hz on a quad core. I7 will add nothing to the day to day user experience, nor will it aid to future proof the system. If you do a lot of video encoding what it will do is save you a minute or two here and there or if you are running some of the very heavyweight statistical analysis software which can also be very CPU intensive.

 

8gb is plenty for most users. But if you plan on running vms or keeping the machine for 3-4 years I'd recommend the 16gb.

 

I meant the base processor - 2.3GHz i7-3615QM.

 

I got 2.6/16/256.
It's only $100 more. why not?

 

My words exactly.

 

For basic tasks it shouldn't. For intensive tasks it should but the difference would be minor that I wouldn't even worry about it and went with the 2.6.