Stata on MacBook Pro with Intel 5 10th vs 8th Generation for processing data size of 12GB-13GB

[Tariq Abdullah]

Hello everyone,

First of all, apolgies if this question sounds naive but haven't found anything helpful online about this inquiry.

Right now, I have a 2020 MacBook pro with Intel 5 chip which is 8th generation CPU with a 1.40 GHz quad-core processor. I'm thinking of purchasing a new one since the current one is a borrowed laptop from my university ( which they are not going to allow me to borrow anymore). The current borrowed laptop works really smooth with 12GB to 13GB size data I'm working with daily. The other specification of the laptop is 256 GB SSD and 16GB ram

Even though Macbook with M1 chip and M2 chip sound very fancy but they exceed my budget limit by 250-300 dollars. But, a Macbook pro-2020 version with Intel 5 chip 10 th generation 2.0 GHz quad core processor with 512 GB SSD and 16 GB ram is just within my budget limit. ( The new laptop intel chip is the same as my current laptop but advanced by 2 generation, storage is better by an extra 256 GB and memory is the same as my current one)

Since, my current work is really important for me due to the data size being 12-13 GB. I just need the setup I'm enjoying with my current laptop ( intel I 5 chip , 256 GB storage and 16 GB Ram of 2020 MacBook pro version ), I think the new one gives me the same advantage with better storage and slightly better CPU.

Would anyone care to suggest me something to me or share their knowledge about it ? Because to upgrade to MacBook M1 or M2 will cost me extra 250$ - which at this point kind of exceeding my budget limit!

So, until and unless that's an absolute must for running 12-13GB data on my stata , I don't want to invest in M1 and M2 chip MacBook pro.

[Tiago Pereira]

Speaking from experience: buy the cheapest laptop you can get - provided it has at least 16GB ram and 512 GB SSD. That's it.

[Tariq Abdullah]

Thanks so much ! Given my budget that is my reality - that I can afford the cheaper one at best. But, definitely getting assurance expedites my decision! Thanks so much for such valuable feedback!

[Joro Kolev]

I would also recommend that you stick with the hardware that you are comfortable with. All my life I have worked on Windows machines, and then at some point I had the chance to try out Macs, and my experience was horrible.

On the other hand some of my colleagues work on Macs, and they insist that it is superior hardware.

If you feel comfortable with the Macs, stick with the Macs.

[Tariq Abdullah]

Thanks so much for the kind feedback! I will keep that in mind and much obliged for your time!

[Paul Dickman]

There's lots of good info in the Stata support FAQs.

https://www.stata.com/support/faqs/w...-to-run-stata/

https://www.stata.com/products/compa...ng-systems-mp/

https://www.stata.com/support/faqs/w...-requirements/

Unless you are using Stata/MP, you won't benefit much from a more expensive processor since you'll only be using one core. The thing that's important is processor clockspeed (and cache). All else equal, non-MP Stata will be faster on a machine with cheaper processor at a higher clockspeed than a more expensive processor at a lower clockspeed.

Quoting from the pages linked above:

Stata will show a near linear performance change with relative CPU clock differences.

1. You should install enough memory to load the entire dataset into physical RAM.
2. Most current CPUs are more than adequate to run Stata well.
3. File I/O performance can affect performance.

From a Stata perspective, invest your resources in more RAM and an SSD (especially if your work is I/O heavy).

[Tariq Abdullah]

Much appreciate this invaluable advice from statalist community! Great to know where I need to focus on to get the best out of stata! Thanks a ton.