Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

UserM31

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 11, 2022
2
1
Hello, I would like to buy now a mbp 14 m3pro 1 tb 36 gb for office work and writing (word, latex, parallels), I would like to use two external monitors and I would like to keep the machine for 5-7 years. I would like to add that I do not intend to use the mbp for gaming, I would like to write papers (articles on legal questions), read pdf files, which are sometimes scans, and use video conference software like zoom.

Does it make sense to go for the m3 pro 12 c cpu/18 core gpu, given the two external monitors, or will the m3 pro 11 c cpu 14 gpu suffice? If I am not mistaken, the general consensus seems to be that the upgrade to the unbinned m3pro will often not be worth it, since the benefits associated with the unbinned m3pro will be marginal. I wonder whether this calculus changes when one factors the use of two external monitors in?

Thanks in advance!
 

Flowstates

macrumors 6502
Aug 5, 2023
333
397
Not worth it. M1 Pro here driving two 4k displays with no issues and similar workflow. Better budget that towards the ram / storage upgrade. Those are a biggest QoL/ Longevity improvement. Zotero is a memory HOG.
 
  • Like
Reactions: UserM31 and Basic75

FreakinEurekan

macrumors 604
Sep 8, 2011
6,623
3,486
Two monitors doesn't change your calculus. Upgrade RAM first, storage second, CPU only if you're not out of money yet ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: UserM31
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.