

This $300 (as of publication date) upgrade not only changes the processor family from an i5 to an i7, it adds the ability to run two threads concurrently on each core, giving it an 11.9 percent single-core performance advantage, and a 30% multi-core performance increase. the same iMac with a 4.2 GHz quad-core i7 processor. Once again, an example: a 27-inch Retina 5K iMac with a 3.5 GHz quad-core i5 processor vs. On the other hand, CPU upgrades that cross processor model families or add additional cores may be worthwhile, depending on how you use your Mac. This assumption is born out when comparing performance benchmarks with Geekbench scores that show only a bit more than a 3% increase in single-core results, and even less of an improvement in multi-core results. For $200.00 extra, a 3.1 GHz quad-core i7 processor is available as an upgrade.īecause they’re of the same processor family with the same number of cores, I wouldn’t expect much improvement in performance.
#Buy more memory for my mac pro#
As an example, consider a 15-inch MacBook Pro offered with a 2.9 GHz quad-core i7 processor. When the processor upgrade only involves a faster clocked processor of the same CPU family, I’m not impressed. Normally, I’m personally not inclined to spend upgrade money on processor speed. If you’re using one of the MacBook models, remember that increasing processor performance is likely to negatively affect overall battery runtime, while with desktop Macs, power usage isn’t as much of a concern. You’re going to hear that a lot, but really, it depends not only on which Mac model you’re considering, but how you will use it. ( See All Upgrades Compatible with Your Mac with OWC’s My Upgrades Tool.)ĭepends. And please add a comment or two at the bottom it’s always nice to hear what upgrades would be your most likely choices.

So, if you fall into any of these categories, read on. The answer depends on which Mac model you’re considering, and how you intend to use the Mac.īefore we get too far ahead of ourselves, I want to point out that although we’re talking about buying a new Mac, the same considerations can be in play for purchasing a used Mac, or for upgrading an existing Mac. Times being a little tight, you have your eye on one of the base models but you may be able to swing at least one upgrade to the Mac: a faster processor, more RAM, larger or faster (or both) storage, or a better GPU, but which upgrade should you choose? Or more likely, you’re considering buying a new Mac to replace an older model, or to give as a gift to a family member. It’s that time of year when visions of sugar plum fairies bringing us new Macs dance through our heads.
