Differences in MBP Core Speeds

[Mateo87]

So I am looking to buy my first mac, and definitely like the looks of the MBP 15" (17" is a bit too big/pricy for me)

Anywho, I am interested in the noticable differences between the 1.83ghz and the 2ghz (and even the 2.16ghz). I am guessing it is worth the money to jump to the 2ghz, but is the 2.16ghz really worth the extra cash? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[dmw007]

For most tasks, you will not be able to tell the difference between the different clocked chips. What type of uses do you have in mind for a MacBook Pro? That might be of better assistance in helping determine what cpu is best for your needs.


The 2GHz MacBook Pro is not only faster in terms of MHz's than the 1.83GHz model, but it also ships with a larger HDD, twice the VRAM, and double the amount of RAM. So there are other things to take into account besides the speed of the cpu in determining which MBP is best for you.

 

[fowler.]

purchase a refurb and you get all the good stuff for less than a stock 2.0.

Even comes with a 7200 rpm drive.

 

[Mateo87]

Thanks for the reply, that makes sense about the other factors that come with the upgrade.

I plan on using it for school (university level) mostly. Of course I plan on booting windows on it strictly for gaming, so that is mainly why I am interested in the differences. I also will be using it for movies/other media, so that is also a factor to consider.

It seems like the best thing to do is go with the 2ghz, seeing as the other upgrades also make sense for games/movies, espcially the RAM upgrade.

Heres a secondary question: does it makes sense to buy the extra ram from apple when buying the computer (preinstalled), or buying from a 3rd party and installing myself? I am pretty computer savvy, so the installation shouldnt be a problem.

Thanks

 

[dmw007]

I plan on using it for school (university level) mostly. Of course I plan on booting windows on it strictly for gaming, so that is mainly why I am interested in the differences. I also will be using it for movies/other media, so that is also a factor to consider.

It seems like the best thing to do is go with the 2ghz, seeing as the other upgrades also make sense for games/movies, espcially the RAM upgrade.

I say go for the 2GHz MacBook Pro- you will appreciate the faster cpu and extra VRAM when gaming (not that the 1.83GHz MBP would not do well for this task).

Heres a secondary question: does it makes sense to buy the extra ram from apple when buying the computer (preinstalled), or buying from a 3rd party and installing myself? I am pretty computer savvy, so the installation shouldnt be a problem.

No, don't buy the RAM from Apple. Buy extra RAM from a third party dealer such as www.datamem.com -you will save a lot of money this way.