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Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A
Published November 8, 2011
All Mac Q&As >> Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A | Also See: All MacBook Pro Specs
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How much faster are the "Late 2011" MacBook Pro models custom configured with faster processors than the stock models? Is the extra performance worth the extra cost?
Please note that all MacBook Pro models mentioned in this Q&A have been discontinued. However, this Q&A is up-to-date and quite useful for anyone considering one of these notebooks on the used market.
The 15-Inch and 17-Inch "Late 2011" MacBook Pro models -- the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.4 15-Inch and MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.4 17-Inch -- both can be custom configured with a 2.5 GHz Core i7 (I7-2860QM) for an extra US$250.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.
The 2.5 GHz Core i7 (I7-2860QM) processor has an 8 MB level 3 cache -- rather than the 6 MB level 3 cache provided by the 2.4 GHz processors -- and supports "Turbo Boost 2.0" up to 3.5 GHz as well as "Hyper Threading" with eight virtual cores or "threads."
For reader convenience, EveryMac.com also documents these custom configurations as their own models -- the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.5 15-Inch and MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.5 17-Inch.
Performance Overview
As the "Late 2011" MacBook Pro line is similar to the line replaced, the blogosphere did not provide reviews or performance testing for the standard models or the custom configurations.
However, for a solid general overview of the performance differences between the stock "Late 2011" MacBook Pro models and the BTO/CTO options as well as how these models compare to earlier MacBook Pro models, EveryMac.com's own Ultimate Mac Comparison makes it quick to compare side-by-side 32-bit-and 64-bit Geekbench benchmark averages with all other G3 and later Macs for thousands of possible performance comparisons.
The Geekbench benchmark shows that when custom configured with the 2.5 GHz Core i7 processor, the 15-Inch and 17-Inch models are both around 3% faster overall than the stock models.
Performance & Value Summary
For those who need as much performance as possible -- and to whom money is no object -- these custom configurations may make sense. Time is money, after all. What is a minor amount of money to one person may be substantial to another. Consequently, whether or not the extra performance of the custom processors is "worth it" likewise may be a decision based on personal finances as well as need.
Ultimately, however, as these custom processors provide roughly 3% more performance but are around 10% more expensive, the upgrade is unlikely to be financially worthwhile for most.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new MacBook Pro models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb MacBook Pro models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. On the other hand, if you need to sell a MacBook Pro, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older notebook with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used MacBook Pro models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
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