15" MBP Processor Comparison: i7-620m vs i5-540m

Hey all,

I am considering buying a 15" MacBook Pro in the sub-$2000 price range, pre-tax. I just spotted a few refurbs that have the anti-glare hi-res screen option with the i5-540m or the i7. The price difference is $170 between the two of them and they are identical computers in every other way than the processors.

I was wondering about a few things. First, is the performance increase all that great between the two? Is the i7 more like an i5 with higher clock speed?

Second, does the battery life take a major hit when the 620m is installed as opposed to the 540m? Is there a heat difference between the two?

And finally, are refurbs subject to the same applecare rules as a new computer (i.e. one year sign up period)?

Thanks.

 

Chances are you don't need the i7 but I'll answer your question.

In benchmarks, the i7 620 is at best 10% faster than the fastest i5. The downside is that the i7 runs hotter: Macbook Pro helps Core i7 hit 100 Degrees - News - PC Authority

Of course in that link they were running a stress benchmark Cinebench, but it does run considerably warmer than an i5 even under normal usage or gaming.

And yes battery life will take a hit, but by how much, I don't know. I'm guessing at most 20%, at least 10%? Someone would have to correct me on that.

Don't know about Apple Care and refurbs, can't help you there

 

If that's the case, I think that I'll go with the i5.

Heat is one of my major pet peeves in many laptops. I can't deal with hot-running laptops as I am rarely at a desk during usage.

Thanks for the info.

Also, I was able to look up the refurb information and it says that they are subject to the same policies as new computers regarding apple care. You have a year from the date of sale to enroll in the program.

 

Refurb is basically brand new. Minus the fancy box.

 

Umm, out of 5 Mac notebooks, i've never had a cool running one. I've been able to cook breakfast on 2 of them.
2 iBooks ( G3-700, G4-1.2)
3 MacBooks (2.4 Blk Macbook, 2.4 uMBP, current gen 13" 2.4)

 

We'll see what happens. I'll just return it or sell it on eBay if I have any problems.