8 Core VS 6 Core (Macbook De-valuing)

[lionfleet]

Hey guys,

I'm deciding between the new 6 and 8 core Macbook Pro 15".
I do a lot of video editing and Photoshop.

I'd love to get the new 8 core... but I heard that of all Macbooks the higher end model always devalues the most once you buy it. I upgrade and resell my Macbook Pro every 3 or so years so I want to get the model that will get me the best bang for the buck.

Would I be OK getting the 8 core and re-selling it later on? Or wiser to sacrificee some performance and get 6 core?

 

[chabig]

the higher end model always devalues the most once you buy it

That’s true of anything...cars, boats, appliances, etc. Generally, though, I don’t think you get much resale value from the non-standard upgrades. Just get what pleases you most and don’t worry about depreciation.

 

[Beau10]

I'd actually say something like this would be the exception to that rule.

The reason being is that usually upgrades are poor marginal value... ie. paying something like 20% more for like a 10% extra value that will just depreciate over time. In this case the performance improvement in speed alone, not to mention the other benefits, make the 8 core a better value than the 6 core, and I think that better relative value will translate to the used market even a few years from now.

 

[talmy]

The bang/buck calculation can actually be done mathematically. Using the Geekbench scores and the best list prices to compare (which requires 512GB SSD and Radeon Pro 560 graphics) we get:

So assuming you need the bang, the 2.3 i9 gives the most bang per buck.

I agree, though, that the i7 will give the least depreciation.

 

[alias99]

Maybe not the same thing but I am trying to sell an iMac now that I had custom ordered with extra RAM and an SSD.

I am selling it on a popular site where I live for Classifieds.

Every call I get, the people compare it to other iMacs on the site that have 1tb spinning drive and less RAM and couldn't care less that my machine had better upgrades and don't want to pay more.

Im expecting the same when my MBP goes on there soon.

 

[BornAgainMac]

I think the 8 core version is worth it even if you only plan to keep it for 3 years.

 

[Ries]

Storage and minimum 16GB RAM (and reputation af the model year) will determine resell value. People buying used are looking for a bargain, not power.