MacBook Processors ? Whats the difference?

I was looking at the 15 inch MacBook Pro and see I have a choice of several different processor speeds. Can anyone tell

me if there us any real difference and is it worth the extra money?

I was going to max out the RAM, but unsure about processor speed needs to run LightRoom etc

<p>The difference in speed is directly correlated, i.e. a 2.53 GHz CPU is about 5% faster than a 2.4 GHz CPU of the same type, while 2.66 GHz is <11% faster than 2.4 GHz.</p>

<p>You'll get a lot more bang for the buck by upgrading the RAM to max.</p>

<p>- Leigh</p>

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<p>The difference in speed is directly correlated, i.e. a 2.53 GHz CPU is about 5% faster than a 2.4 GHz CPU of the same type, while 2.66 GHz is <11% faster than 2.4 GHz.</p>

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<p>That's true as regards the CPU itself, but overall system performance does not parallel that increase. There are too many other components (RAM, video, disk drives, network interfaces, etc.) that are essential to system performance but that are not directly correlated to CPU speed. In practice, an increase of 10% in CPU speed does not bring a 10% increase in overall performance; the benefit is much less than that.</p>

<p>I agree that getting more RAM will probably result in better overall performance than getting the fastest CPU, especially for memory-hungry graphics applications. RAM comes in different speeds too, though, so I would recommend checking the specs to see what type of RAM is supported by each model of computer. Generally speaking, a newer, higher-end computer will tend to support faster types of RAM, though that faster RAM may be a lot more expensive than somewhat slower RAM.</p>

<p>Hi Craig,</p>

<p>I've been designing microprocessor-based equipment since the 8080 was introduced in April 1974, so I have some familiarity with the technology.</p>

<p>In my experience small changes in CPU clock speed do translate pretty directly to through-put.</p>

<p>In the specific case under discussion, all CPU versions use the same 1066 DDR3 RAM, so there are no speed issues to be considered.</p>

<p>- Leigh</p>

 

<p>Yes, now that I've read Apple's specs on the current MacBooks, I see that they all use the same type of RAM, so that's not an issue.</p>

<p>As to throughput, well, the question is, throughput of what type. It should be obvious, for example, that if a given workload is not CPU-bound, increasing CPU speed will be less effective at improving performance than improving whatever aspect of the system is limiting performance. Even with CPU-bound workloads, software design, which is generally not under the end user's control, influences the observable benefits of improving the hardware. I don't know whether Lightroom's performance on a MacBook is limited more by CPU or by memory. If the latter, then differences in CPU speed won't matter much.</p>

<p>Anyway, we've already established that we agree that maxing out the RAM is a good idea in this case. That said, I think I'd reject the 2.4 GHz model because it costs an extra $100 to increase its 320 GB hard disk to 500 GB, whereas the 2.53 GHz model comes with the 500 GB disk by default. The larger hard disk is thus half the cost of the upgrade. I'd also pay another $50 to boost the 500 GB disk from 5400 RPM to 7200. Max out the memory as already stated. Moving up to the 2.66 GHz model would bring an upgrade from a Core i5 CPU to Core i7, but I'm not sure that's worth $200 in this usage scenario because the specific CPU models used are similar -- they're both dual-core Arrandales with hyperthreading. The larger L3 cache of the i7 seems to be the difference between them most likely to have a real-world impact, but if money were tight I'd stick with the 2.53 GHz model.</p>

<p>Also, you can saye some very decent money by buying 3rd party ram instead of Apples ram, which they sell at a premium.<br>

Look at OWC or Crucial, are two I've used with perfect success. Quality ram at significantly lower price, especially if you plan to max out your ram. Both companies have guides on their website to help ensure you get the correct ram for you MBP. This may mean swapping out all the ram on your machine in order to get the desired amount, so you will want to get the least amount initially from Apple.</p>

<p>Ditto on OWC for RAM. Max out the machine. And its easy to install in the MBP. Ditto on 7200RPM drive too. </p>

<p>What I would do is not worry about the HDD or the RAM, instead, max out the processor. Your buying a $2000 computer; spend money on the parts that are permanent. The RAM and HDD can easily and cheaply (comparatively) be swapped out later. I just upgraded my MBP that i bought in june from 4 to 8GB of ram and plan to put a SSD in it (check woot.com today). These upgrades cost me three hundred bucks total, whereas similar components installed at time of purchase from apple are $600. I didn't have the option of the 2.8GHz processor, but thats where you should put your money, because in the long run its the only thing of the three main computer components (HDD,RAM,CPU) that cant be upgraded easily on this machine. </p>

<p>Keep in mind that putting in 3rd party RAM may void your warranty.<br>

If you can afford it, SSD drives, while small, can give you a huge performance boost, especially compared to the 5200rpm drives that normally get sold with the computers.</p>

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<p>Keep in mind that putting in 3rd party RAM may void your warranty.</p>

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<p>Apple's policy is that if you damage your computer putting in third party RAM, it's your problem. However, putting in third party RAM does not void your warranty. </p>

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<p>What I would do is not worry about the HDD or the RAM, instead, max out the processor. Your buying a $2000 computer; spend money on the parts that are permanent.</p>

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<p>Well, it all depends on how much you're willing to spend for a relatively modest performance difference. In pure clock speed terms, 2.4 to 2.8 GHz is an increase of only 16%, for which Apple wants $600. It doesn't sound like that great a bargain to me. If I were convinced that the dual-core, hyperthreaded Core i7 CPUs used in the 2.66 and 2.8 GHz MacBooks would perform drastically better (for Lightroom, specifically) than the dual-core, hyperthreaded Core i5 CPU in the cheaper MacBooks, then maybe I'd agree that it was money well spent, but I'm not at all sure the observable difference would be all that great.</p>

Very interesting responses so far! Thanks you all. Although I am still confused lol.

There does seem to be some merit is not rushing to do the ram upgrade, maybe use it as is for a while and

later max out the ram with 3rd party ram.

I am still not convinced about the processor speed issue.

16% is hardly something that will be an issue for most.

And if its not going to help with Lightroom then I am not sure if its worth it or not

<p>The correct answer is none of the above. </p>

<p>Apple is overdue to update the MBP, so if you wait, probably by no later than April, you will either get a better one for the same money, or find a real deal on the current crop. </p>

<p>In terms of processors, you want the i7 chip, not the i5. The i7 has significant capabilities in terms of short term overclocking and overclocking some cores when they are not all used by the s/w - a real improvement over previous designs. </p>

<p>And yes to always maxing out ram - check the price difference between 3rd party and Apple, sometimes it is not clear which way to go without checking. Hard drive - I personally prefer to get a big enough drive that I don't have to worry about it these days. Back six or eight years ago I would have upgraded the drive myself, but not so much anymore. </p>

<p>Oh, always get applecare. It's worth it. They will usually fix ANY problem if you bring it in to a store. I mean any (although a smile helps.)</p>

<p>^ They refused to help me when they saw I had installed 3rd party RAM.... The guy told me that he wasn't going to mark down that I had voided the warranty by doing so, as if he was doing me a favor. That's where my misconception about the RAM voiding the warranty came from.<br>

Maybe I didn't smile enough?</p>

 

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<p>Apple's policy is that if you damage your computer putting in third party RAM, it's your problem. However, putting in third party RAM does not void your warranty.</p>

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<p>That is my understanding too, and experience. I’ve put 3rd party RAM in them for years and have had no issues getting service under AppleCare. </p>