New rMBP

[saratoga172]

Looking at the new rMBP and having some trouble looking for some benchmarks. This is replacing a late 2011 17 inch MBP with the ATI 6770m card.

My question is this:
How does the Iris Pro in the base 15" rMBP compare to the ATI 6770m? The intended use is for Photoshop and other tools from the Creative Suite.

That is really the main question in which system we purchase. I've found some jumps in comparisons, but primarily in Window related environments or with bootcamp. The Iris Pro is comparable to the GT 650m which is ~20% faster than the ATI 6770m.

If the above is correct than we should see a slight jump in performance. The laptop is primarily used in conjunction with a 27" Apple display with 2560x1440 res. Just need to make sure we don't see a decrease in performance or issues with the system.

Thanks in advance.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

The "Graphics" card doesn't have much to do with "Graphics" applications like Photoshop or CS. Even if the Iris were slower than the 6770M, you wouldn't notice.

The 2.0 GHz Haswell quad core in the 15" rMBP should be slightly faster than the older i7 in the 17" MBP. Most of your benefit will be from moving to an SSD. The dual core in the 13" rMBP would be a step down, imo. (faster for some things, slower for others.)

Keep in mind that the new rMBP doesn't have upgradeable RAM, optical drive, or an ethernet port. What you buy, you have forever.

If you're using an external monitor with the thing anyway, there's no benefit from the retina display either.

I love my 15" rMBP, but I'm not sure why you're upgrading. Drop an SSD into the one you have and you'll be 75% of the way there for 10% the price.

 

[saratoga172]

Dave:
Thanks for the info. We have a fully specc'd 17" that is on the fritz. It's got an SSD currently and is a fast system. As this is a business system and it is now out of warranty we will be replacing it. So we really only need something comparable. The base 15" should mark off everything with the exception of stepping down to a 256gb SSD from the 512 we've got. Limited budget.

Appreciate your response and think the Iris Pro will be sufficient for our needs.

 

[Zaap]

The "Graphics" card doesn't have much to do with "Graphics" applications like Photoshop or CS. Even if the Iris were slower than the 6770M, you wouldn't notice.

This isn't universally true. Depends on how Photoshop is used, but with CS6 on, Photoshop does have features (3D and certain filters and effects) that utilize GPU acceleration.

http://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/photoshop-cs6-gpu-faq.html

Of course, if the OP isn't using Photoshop for those features then it doesn't make that much difference.

 

[Rakehellion]

The integrated graphics in the new MacBook Pro is about on par with the 6770M.

If price is a concern, always buy refurbished. You get the full warranty at a much better price. They even have the previous model with the 650M. http://store.apple.com/us/browse/hom...macbook_pro/15

 

[saratoga172]

Thanks for the info. Ended up just going with the base model 15" rMBP. Since it's for business had to be new Rakehellion. I tried the refurb route but they wanted nothing to do with them.

Again, thanks to everyone that replied.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I know it's a moot point, but refurbs are, from a business perspective (warranty, etc.) new.

They're just overstock, last gen models, and/or working returns that pass diagnostics.

But hey, if it's not your money, it's not your problem.

 

[C_A_S]

One way to think about refurbs is that its been put through the full suite of hardware and software tests before it goes out the door. I would treat refurbs from the apple store as new for all practical purposes

 

[ChairShot]

bought all my laptops refurbed from them... not a single issue!