In Macbook Pro 17", what's the difference between processors?

Question

What's the difference between processors here, other than 0.1GHz? Are there actual model numbers given for the processors so I can look them up on Intel's website? I'd like to see the real differences, and information seems sparse on the Apple store page. Is it worth $250 for the difference?

Answer 1

1. 2.5 GHz (2860QM)
   • 2.5GHz base clock, 3.6GHz max TurboBoost clock.
   • 8MB cache.
   • Bus/core ratio: 25.
2. 2.4 GHz (2760QM)
   • 2.4GHz base clock, 3.5GHz max TurboBoost clock.
   • 6MB cache.
   • Bus/core ratio: 24.

You can compare the features side-by-side here.

The actual difference is 4x0.1 GHz.

The links will tell you that there is no difference besides the clock speed, cache and bus/core ratio. Exactly the same specifications for advanced technologies, memory and expansions.

According to this source there is a 5.2% difference in performance. 7987 vs 7592 with PassMark.

Answer 2

The 2.4 GHz CPU only has 6 MB of L3 cache (in comparison to the 2.5 GHz' 8 MB) in addition to the infinitesimal clock speed increase. Is it worth an additional $250? I would say no, but for those looking to eek out as much speed as possible, perhaps.

I'm not aware of any benchmarks that compared these two processors, but I can't imagine anything above a 2-3% difference, but that is just an educated guess.