Is the new Core i7 MacBook Pro as fast as my quad core Mac Pro?

Hello,
I'm wondering if someone could advise me about the relative power of my current Mac Pro (2 x 3 GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon 8GB RAM), and the new 17" MacBook Pro (2.66GHz Core i7 8GB RAM). Is there a website that details such comparisons?
The reason being that I'm thinking of exchanging my Mac Pro for a MacBook Pro, so that I would be able to have a more mobile system. If the processing speed, on tasks such as video encoding, was similar between these machines, then I am tempted.
Other than processing speed, I'm wondering if there would be any disadvantages to going ahead with this swap. One thing that comes to mind is that I would need to unplug a number of cables when taking the MacBook Pro on the road, but as I wouldn't be doing so a lot I don't see this as a particular issue. In terms of storage, I would be getting external enclosures to house the SATA drives currently in my Mac Pro and connecting them to the Macbook Pro through FireWire 800, which presumably means slower transfers between the drives, but again, this isn't a particular concern as transfer speeds would still be pretty fast.
My Mac Pro is connected to an Apple Cinema Display so obviously I would keep hold of that as a display for the MacBook Pro, and use my Apple keyboard/mouse as well.
Are there any other disadvantages that I haven't considered?
Thanks
Nick

OK. Here's some test results. The most intense process I use on my Macs is using Handbrake to encode either DVDs or mkv files to mp4 files which generally pushes all cores to the max. I am using the latest 64bit version of Handbrake on both Macs.
So I took a sample mkv file of 65 seconds length and ran it using the same settings on both the Mac Pro (2 x 3 GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon 8GB RAM) and the Macbook Pro (2.66 GHz Intel Core i7 4GB RAM), straight after starting up both Macs so that there was plenty of RAM to spare on both. I ran the test two times on each Mac and got similar results both times, with the best results on each machine being as follows:
Mac Pro: max RAM used: 380MB, Time for encode: 102 seconds
Macbook Pro: max RAM used: 495MB, Time for encode: 84 seconds
This was for a 2-pass encoding with Turbo first pass to 2200kbps MP4 file from 720p mkv file.
So the Macbook Pro is coming in considerably quicker for this particular task. I'm not sure why the Mac Pro used less RAM, and whether this is the main factor in the time difference. Like I said, there was plenty of unused RAM on both Macs when I ran the test. I am no expert on the inner workings of Macs!
Needless to say though, I am happy with the results and very happy with the new Macbook Pro.
Nick

Similar Messages

  • TS1501 transferring a small batch of photos from the new ipad to macbook pro (this way you can upload one album at a time, file them into a new album on macbook pro)  Pls. advise.

    How can I transfer a small batch of photos from the new ipad to macbook pro?  In theory, I should be able to keep my albums together this way (once uploaded to macbook pro, i can easily file them into a new album on macbook pro.)  Not working for me!  Macbook pro does include iphoto.  I had no problem uploading ALL photos (3 or 4,000.)  Help!  Goal is to keep albums together.

    Hi all,
    Goal:  Backing up photos!
    Hope:  Transfer ALBUMS from ipad to external drive (via macbook pro)
    Is this possible?  Or will I have to create a file name for each of my thousands of photos?
    UGH!
    HELP!
    Lee

  • Hello i just bought the new 15'' retina macbook pro and i also own logic pro9. how do i transfer logic to my new macbook?

    hello i just bought the new 15'' retina macbook pro and i also own logic pro9. how do i transfer logic to my new macbook?
    do i have to some how ask apple to send me a download link? will apple try to get me to buy another copy?
    thanks for your reply.

    openlampost wrote:
    ...  im thinking that i need to download it from apple ...
    The only way to do that is to Purchase it from the Mac App Store.
    openlampost wrote:
    ... i bought the boxed set logic 9 as an upgrade from logic express9 ... i simply installed logic using dvd drive. ...
    In that case... Install it on your New Mac using the Disc(s) and have all your Serial Numbers handy in case you are asked for them during the Install.
    After the successful install... run Software Update to get any and all Updates... Then Restart your Mac and you should be good to go.
    PS:
    Make sure your MBPr is connected to the Mains for this Long process...

  • Is it possible to upgrade from 500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm to ssd on the new 13" 2012 macbook pro?

    is it possible to upgrade from 500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm to ssd on the new 13" 2012 macbook pro?

    New non-retina 15" MBP, I just replaced the 500 gb HD with a Samsung 830 256 gb SSD from Amazon, $255 for the kit (includes a USB cable).  Wow.  What a difference.  Yes, there was a learning curve for some of it, but was so worth it.  Let me know if I can help.  I'm using the 500 gb in 2 partitions - one for a clone of the SSD, and one for Time Machine.

  • Can I connect my thunderbolt display's power cable to supply power to the new retina display macbook pro?

    I'm planning to buy a new retina display macbook pro, but I have a thunderbolt display and I use the display's power cable to supply the power to a macbook air. As the power connector on the new macbook pro is differet, It looks to me that I won't be able to connect it to the new computer. I'm I correct?

    You'll just need this adapter, which you can buy or order with the computer:
    http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD504ZM/A?fnode=MTY1NDEwMQ&s=topSellers

  • Difference between the 2012 Macbook Pro and the new Retina display Macbook Pro?

    Title says all!

    Well really all the specs are posted in black and white on the Apple store website. They even have a Compare feature on the site.
    I find it really odd that posts like your show up here every day. "Which Mac should I buy". I always want to reply "The one that fits your needs and you can afford".
    Just how does anyone on this forum know what YOU need from a computer and what computer is best for YOU. You would be the only one that knows that after you read all the specs of the models you are thinking about buying and also go to one of the many Apple stores or resellers and physically look at and use them.

  • Are both new 15-inch MacBook Pro models OK for Creative Cloud?

    The "cheaper" version of the new 15-inch MacBook Pro released 10/22/13 doesn't have discrete graphics, only Iris Pro. Is the integrated graphics card enough to run Creeative Cloud, or should I buy the more expensive one with discrete graphics

    I have the same question. With a fully maxed system (2.6GHz, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) there's no price difference. However the discrete graphics card seems like it will run down the battery quicker.
    It seems Photoshop will be able to use the IrisPro 5200 to offload certain processes. The previous versions of Intel HD Graphics chips are on the list of suported video cards.
    http://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/photoshop-cs6-gpu-faq.html
    I am leaning towards getting the onboard graphics (Iris Pro 5200)

  • I need feedback from anybody who has the 2011 baseline 15" MacBook Pro

    I need anyone who has the new baseline 15" MacBook Pro to give me feedback. Like, is it fast enough, is the resolution ok, is the hard drive fast enough at 5400 rpm or is it slow in transferring data, especially this point, does it require any upgrade, and all that other stuff.

    Perform a SMC Reset, it could be causing your battery problems.
    https://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

  • If i have Time Machine backed up on an external hard drive, do i just plug the drive into another macbook pro and all my stuff is in the new computer?  also, does it matter if the new computer is running Lion when the backed up info came from Snow Leopard

    If i have Time Machine backed up on an external hard drive, do i just plug the drive into another macbook pro and all my stuff is in the new computer?  Also, does it matter if the new computer is running Lion when the backed up info came from Snow Leopard 10.6.8?

    No and Yes
    Don't use TM for this purpose, clone your drive to an external, plug the external into another MBP and reboot from it. Please note that booting a machine that came with Lion may not be possible from a drive with Snow Leopard.

  • I just bought a new Retina Display macbook pro, and I plugged in my iPod touch (4th gen) into the new computer, but it will not show up, even after I typed in the passcode. How do I get my iTouch to sync with my new computer without restoring my itouch?

    I just bought a new Retina Display macbook pro, and I plugged in my iPod touch (4th gen) into the new computer, but it will not show up, even after I typed in the passcode. How do I get my iTouch to sync with my new computer without restoring my itouch?

    iOS: Device not recognized in iTunes for Mac OS X

  • Recent convert to Apple. Previously, I backed up my family pictures from PC to an external hard drive,  a WD MyBook 3T. I can view the pics on my Macbook Pro, but I can't add new pictures. I'm sure this is a format issue, any easy way to correct it?

    Recent convert to Apple. Previously, I backed up my family pictures from PC to an external hard drive,  a WD MyBook 3T. I can view the pics on my Macbook Pro, but I can't add new pictures. I'm sure this is a format issue, any easy way to correct it?

    Install NTFS 3G
    http://macntfs-3g.blogspot.com/
    If you were going to be reading and writing to a NTFS System Partition, you might have to worry about the instability messing up the operating system.  However, you are reading/writing from a non system, backup device so you don't have to worry about screwing up an operating system.
    I would still temporarily move my data to another device and reformat the drive for Mac OS X Extended.

  • As far as i know, the battery in my macbook pro is supposed to last 1000 cycles.  it's gone throught 700 in 1.7 years. i have apple care.  is a new battery covered under applecare???

    as far as i know, the battery in my macbook pro is supposed to last 1000 cycles.  it's gone throught 700 in 1.7 years. i have apple care.  is a new battery covered under applecare???

    Basically only for the first year and only if Apple deems it defective. It is seen as a consumable item and not covered under Applecare.

  • When I create a new folder on the desktop of my macbook pro, it is automatically populated with all of the files on the desktop, which I don't want.

    when I create a new folder on the desktop of my macbook pro, it is automatically populated with all of the files on the desktop, which I don't want.

    I got the problem solved. It was pretty simple but new to me. I had evidently inadvertently switched the setting in the "View" tab on the dropdown menu so that all of my desktop folders were populated by all folders/documents residing on the desktop.
    The solution was to open one of the folders, then go to the "View" tab and change the setting to "List." Presto, now all the folders include only the contents I had intentionally loaded into them.

  • When does apple integrate the new Core 2 Duo Processors into the MacBooks?!

    Does anyone know if apple decided to integrate the new Core 2 Duo processors from Intel into the Macbooks, yet?
    When does it happen?!?!?
    Thx
    backbeat

    In order to keep up with the core 2 duo processor enabled laptops, apple must sooner or later have the new processors in either the MB lineup or the MBP's...however, if you want to fully take advantage of the new core 2 duo processors, might as well wait 'til next spring..when they come out with the new logic boards for the core 2 duo's...the current core 2 duo's share the same pin lay-out with the core duo's, so they can be used in the same logic boards,....(the people who buy the MB's with the core 2 duo processors are gonna regret buying it if they buy it before spring....cuz of this..)
    wait 'til next spring so you'll be fully happy with your MB...or , like me, you can just wait for your order right now and be satisfied with it.....
    when you do wait 'til spring, they'll probably have another new technological advancement, so you'll wanna wait for that.....sooner or later....we'll get 3D computer screens!!!!~~~
    my point is, you must evaluate what you'll be using your MB for...if the current MB's can fully service you, don't wait...

  • Which is faster at rendering and compressing hd video... the new iMacs or the 8 core Mac Pro

    the new iMacs or the 8 core Mac Pro

    the 5770 is listed as 2010 only as well. The "anomolies" are with HDCP copy protected content:
    Mac Pro: Using ATI Radeon HD 5770 graphics card with Mac Pro released before 2010
    This may be the same story.

  • Can I swap the hard drive from MacBook Pro 17 (2009) to MacBook Pro 15 (2006)?

    My MacBook Pro 17 (2009) died. Pushing the power button gets no response. I had had problems with it for some time turning it on, it usually taking many many tries. Plus when I'd try to do a restart after updating software, instead of doing so it'd shut off super quick with a *pop* sound. There was never any of the typical hard drive going bad sounds I've read about and seen in videos. Since it has refused to turn on I've gone through every suggestion I can find to get it to turn back on. Unhook the battery and try starting from just the power cord; the shorting the power pads move; some thing undoing the battery, counting to 10, and then the next steps now escape my memory, but doing more counting to 10 inbetween; unplugging the battery and leaving it sit for 2 days with no power cord plugged in either, then hook it to a power cord and turn it back on; and so many more.
    Also the symptoms just before this fiasco were as follows: I had a CD in the internal drive and was browsing through the images on it via the handy previewer using the space bar. Then I decided to quite, tried ejecting the CD by dragging the icon to the trash, and nothing. I tried again. The same. Then I pushed on the eject key, with the ejct icon popping up on the screen momentarily, but still nothing. Then it appreared as though some things worked and other things were not working. In my frustration I went to the Apple menu and clicked restart with a wince knowing it was going to take forever to turn back on. It did the usual quickly off with a *pop* and made super short lame attempts to turn back on when using the power button. Of course the CD kept trying to spin for a split second and then the little indicator light on the front would go out, then no noise at all.
    Since I do not believe it is the hard drive (of course I could be wrong not being a Mac nerd at all), I was wondering if I can switch the hard drive to my Macbook Pro 15 (2006)?
    I tried this, but it would not read the hard drive. Just a blank grey screen. If it is possible to do this swap, what are the exact steps to do? Please answer like I'm completely illiterate on this, because I really am. I'm super scared of losing everything on the dead MacBook's hard drive. Yeah yeah, I know: then why have I not been backing things up? I had the week prior. Believe me I WILL be doing it daily from now on if I get this mess straightened out!
    Here are the specs for each MacBook Pro:
    Name: MacBook Pro 17 (info gained from the serial on the bottom and then looked up online)
    Model: A1297
    Model Code: mbp_17_early_09
    CPU Type: Intel Core 2 Duo
    CPU Speed: 2.8GHz
    RAM Type: DDR3 PC8500 SODIMM 1066MHz
    RAM Slots: 2
    Max RAM by Slot: 2 x 4GB
    Maximum RAM: 8GB
    RAM Pairing: Modules may be installed individually
    Hard Drive Connection: SATA 300
    Hard Drive Platter Size: 2.5"
    Device Connectivity: USB 2.0, FireWire 800
    Video Output (base graphics option): Mini DisplayPort
    Expansion Slots: ExpressCard/34
    Max Operating System Version: 10.6.8 (I believe that is what was last on the computer)
    Name:    MacBook Pro 15" (retrieved from the System Profiler on this Mac)
      Model Identifier:    MacBookPro2,2
      Processor Name:    Intel Core 2 Duo
      Processor Speed:    2.33 GHz
      Number Of Processors:    1
      Total Number Of Cores:    2
      L2 Cache:    4 MB
      Memory:    3 GB
      Bus Speed:    667 MHz
      Boot ROM Version:    MBP22.00A5.B07
      SMC Version (system):    1.12f5

    OGELTHORPE really sorry to keep bugging you, but it's obvious you know what you are talking about and I'm stuck on thin ice here getting this fixed, because there are no authorized Apple reps here. I would rather shoot myself for messing up, then to trust someone who "says" they can fix my Mac down here.
    I checked out a company owned by ebay that is the same down here, called MercadoLibre. There are quite a few adapters listed there. I'd like to give you links for some and was wondering if you minded taking a look to tell me if any seem to fit the bill. Some have specs in English, others don't. (Google translater is my friend!)
    #1.  http://articulo.mercadolibre.com.uy/MLU-415826915-adaptador-usb-a-ide-y-sata-con -cables-y-fuente-envio-gratis-_JM
    #2. http://articulo.mercadolibre.com.uy/MLU-416270876-usb-20-to-ide-sata-25-35-hard- drive-_JM#D[S:HOME,L:HISTORY,V:1]
    #3.  http://articulo.mercadolibre.com.uy/MLU-416384859-adaptador-usb-20-a-sataide-_JM
    #4.  http://articulo.mercadolibre.com.uy/MLU-415596152-adaptador-usb-20-para-sata-e-i de-manhattan-_JM
    #5.  http://articulo.mercadolibre.com.uy/MLU-416061182-adaptador-de-usb-a-sata-o-ide- 3525-con-fuente-externa-_JM
    #6. http://articulo.mercadolibre.com.uy/MLU-416061069-convertidor-usb-20-a-sata-hdd- 25-soporta-hasta-1tb-_JM
    These are all cost effective enough that I don't care the price - cheap, expensive - whichever will work the BEST!
    I've also looked for the 7200 rpm HDD, and although I found some, I'll be danged if they are not 3.0, instead of the 2.5 that I have. Grrrr! I was willing to spend the $90 for 1tb... or being the non-techie that I am, can this 3.0 go into my 2006 MBP??
    Just so you can see what all is listed right now:
    http://listado.mercadolibre.com.uy/7200-rpm-hdd-2.5-macbook-pro
    Another newbie question: How do I check what the amount if RAM is presently installed in it? (I might be a greenhorn, but I take pride in not being a dumbie and I learn when taught)
    Right now, I'm willing to spend almost anything. I want a few files that are on the HDD at the moment that I was stupid and did not backup on my external. One file I worked on all day due to the dimensions I had to design it at and each effect took a long time to render. I really don't want to do that one again!.. I'm also willing to spend anything that won't cost me the price of a new iMac. Figure that should be the next one I buy that is affordable, but won't be overworked like the MBP was.
    Once again, thanks much for all of your help!

Maybe you are looking for

  • Gradient disappears from pdf in Illustrator

    I created a logo graphic in Illustrator, placed that into an InDesign file for text formatting and exported as a pdf. When the customer sent it to get printed (silk screen) onto shirts, the gradient in the logo vanished.  The printer was opening and

  • Kensington Expert Mouse Pro (64213) with FCP 5

    I was looking into buying the Kensington Expert Mouse Pro to use with Final Cut Pro 5. Does anyone know if you are able to program the 6 buttons on the top of the mouse as hotkeys for different tools within FCP? Thanks for your help! -Curtis Power Ma

  • Create Tasks Due dates

    Hi All, I'm new to SharePoint, I'm having requirement of setting a Project Management tool in which the start date, end date of task to be calculated automatically based on few parameters. For example lets take a Project called Project A which has li

  • FRM-40732 ORA-06502 in when button pressed triger

    I Have a the code below in when button pressed If :block1.text_item is not null Then :control.title := :block1.text_item end if; go_block('block2); Here the when button-button-pressed unhandled exception Frm-40735 Ora-06502 appears. I know this may b

  • Date format error in loading Programme

    Hi all, I am getting the error as I_BLDAT invalid date (ORA-01840: input value not long enough for date format) but some how in loading program I am getting the date as . .0 instead of 00000000. can someone please help me where it went wrong.These ar