Which MacBook Pro 15 to buy/keep

[imported_kidoman]

Hi guys,

I need some information from you guys so that I can make a smart and informed decision. Last weekend, I went and purchased a MacBook Pro 15 (the base model.)

I had gone to the apple store prepared to purchase the 2.8 Ghz model, but when I saw the 3 of them side by side, I noticed that the base model was considerably cooler to the touch (the left side of the palm rest was particularly warm in the 2.8 Ghz model.)

Is this normal? For the discreet graphics models to run hot?

I am really considering exchanging the MacBook Pro 15 base for the 2.66/320GB HDD/9600 GT model.

But it will only be worth the while (and £200 approximately) if:

* The desktop performance will be noticeably zippier and smoother because of the 9600 GT


* The higher models have 2 fans instead of the one in the base model (right?) which would result in a overall cooler running system.


Please help me decide friends.... Mac convert for life!

TIA!

Karan

 

[Parasitic]

It might be more due to the processor than the graphics card. You can go the middle ground and pick the 2.66GHz model that comes with the 9600M GT.

 

[imported_kidoman]

True... but Wikipedia indicates that both the 2.53 Ghz and the 2.66 Ghz models have the P series processor in them. I.e. 25W TDP. The higher models are T processors, i.e. 35W.

So that was definitely a difference there... but I want to go by the experience of current MacBook Pro owners.

Main question here is, if I run the laptop in better battery graphics setting, will the second fan be active... and does it result in a cool running laptop?

Also, if running in the 9600 GT mode, is the UI more responsive, smooth or generally better (I am not planning on gaming at all on the laptop.)

 

[jonesthewine]

The left side of the palm rest is where the battery is located; I have noticed on my MBP 13 that when the battery is charging it can get a bit warm. The CPU is almost dead center of the keyboard and all heat is vented out of the back of the laptop under the hinge.

 

[imported_kidoman]

I had though of that as well... that the 2.8 Ghz model might have been charging.

Can any MBP owner please confirm if the second fan runs in Better Battery mode?

 

[Tarrant64]

May want to try asking this person:
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2310223&enterthread=y

 

[PlasmaBomb]

Originally posted by: kidoman
True... but Wikipedia indicates that both the 2.53 Ghz and the 2.66 Ghz models have the P series processor in them. I.e. 25W TDP. The higher models are T processors, i.e. 35W.

So that was definitely a difference there... but I want to go by the experience of current MacBook Pro owners.

Main question here is, if I run the laptop in better battery graphics setting, will the second fan be active... and does it result in a cool running laptop?

Also, if running in the 9600 GT mode, is the UI more responsive, smooth or generally better (I am not planning on gaming at all on the laptop.)

Yeah the 2.8GHz chip is a T9600

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

Originally posted by: kidoman
True... but Wikipedia indicates that both the 2.53 Ghz and the 2.66 Ghz models have the P series processor in them. I.e. 25W TDP. The higher models are T processors, i.e. 35W.

So that was definitely a difference there... but I want to go by the experience of current MacBook Pro owners.

Main question here is, if I run the laptop in better battery graphics setting, will the second fan be active... and does it result in a cool running laptop?

Also, if running in the 9600 GT mode, is the UI more responsive, smooth or generally better (I am not planning on gaming at all on the laptop.)

Both fans are always on at lower RPMs. They will throttle up when the heat increases.

There is no noticeable UI difference between the 9400M and the 9600GT.

I have the 2.53 Ghz (t9400) 15" version (Late 2008) and it runs hot when it's just on the onboard graphics when I play games.