Choosing the Right MacBook Pro 2018: i5 vs i7
When choosing between the i5 and i7 models of the MacBook Pro 2018, it's essential to consider your specific needs and the tasks you'll be performing. Both processors offer different performance characteristics, which can significantly impact your work or gaming experience. Let's dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.
CPU Considerations: Gaming and Application Work
For gaming and light application work, an i5 is generally a sufficient choice. The i5 is optimized for handling multiple tasks simultaneously, which makes it ideal for those who primarily work with light applications and do not require heavy-duty processing power.
For gaming and medium application work, an i7 is a more powerful option. The i7 offers better performance and can handle more intensive applications and gaming without experiencing lag or delays.
For the ultimate balance of gaming and work, consider an AMD Ryzen 7 370 or Ryzen 5 560. These processors offer excellent performance and are highly cost-effective, making them a strong contender for users who demand high performance in both gaming and productivity tasks.
Generation and Performance
Generally, the i7 series is superior to the i5 series. However, the performance gap can be influenced by the specific generation of the CPUs. For instance, Intel's 10th generation i5 processors are often faster than older 6th generation i7 processors.
It's crucial to compare CPUs within the same generation. In the same generation, the i5 and i7 will perform almost identically, unless the i7 reaches or exceeds the i5's core count. In such cases, the i7 may be overkill for most tasks.
Important Factors to Consider
The most important factor is not the CPU, but the RAM. Multitasking and browsing multiple tabs consume significant RAM, and since the MacBook Pro's RAM is not upgradable, 16GB is the minimum I recommend. This will ensure smooth performance even when handling multiple applications simultaneously.
For the CPU choice, an i5 would handle most tasks satisfactorily for the next few years. As for personal preference, I chose an i7, but I believe an i5 would provide sufficient performance for everyday tasks without the premium cost. The only significant difference an i7 offers is faster completion times for heavy workloads, particularly in tasks like video and audio rendering, where the performance difference is more noticeable.
If budget allows, go for the highest configuration possible. It's important to keep in mind that technology evolves, and what might seem like overkill now might be necessary in a few years' time.