Best Processor for a Laptop: Top Apple MacBook Pro Models Reviewed

Last Updated on December 17, 2025 by Cassie Moorhead

We’ve all been there—waiting minutes for a simple task to load on a slow laptop. It’s frustrating, and it steals your focus.

Whether you’re working, studying, or just browsing, a slow processor can make your day harder than it needs to be. But choosing the right laptop processor changes everything. It speeds up your work, keeps things smooth, and lets you enjoy your device without constant delays.

If you want a laptop that keeps up with your pace and helps you get more done, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best processors found in popular MacBook Pro models from 2017 and beyond. Keep reading to find the perfect fit for your needs and make your everyday laptop experience much better.

Apple Macbook Pro Laptop

The Apple 15.4in MacBook Pro Laptop is ideal for professionals, creatives, and power users who need a reliable and high-performance laptop for demanding tasks such as video editing, programming, and graphic design. Those who value a stunning Retina display, enhanced productivity features like the Touch Bar, and a sleek Space Gray design will find this model especially appealing. Additionally, users looking for a renewed device with excellent specs and build quality will appreciate this option.

Pros:

• Powerful 6-Core 2.2GHz Intel Core i7 processor for multitasking and fast performance
• High-quality 15.4-inch Retina display with vibrant colors and sharp detail
• Convenient and innovative Touch Bar for quick access to tools and shortcuts
• Ample 16GB RAM to handle demanding applications smoothly
• Fast and reliable 256GB SSD storage for quick boot times and file access
• Lightweight and slim design weighing only 4.0 pounds for portability

Cons:

• Renewed model may show minor signs of prior use
• 256GB SSD might be limiting for users requiring extensive local storage
• Older 2018 model may lack the latest hardware improvements

This Apple MacBook Pro (2018 Model) combines a powerful Intel Core i7 processor with an impressive Retina display, making it a standout device for professionals who demand both performance and visual clarity. The inclusion of the Touch Bar enhances workflow efficiency by providing context-sensitive controls that adapt to the user’s current tasks. Its lightweight yet durable design makes it easy to carry without sacrificing power.

Equipped with 16GB of RAM, this laptop can handle complex applications and multitasking seamlessly, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy workloads. The 256GB SSD provides fast read and write speeds, reducing wait times and improving overall responsiveness. While it’s a renewed model, it meets high standards of quality and functionality, offering a cost-effective solution for users seeking premium performance in a sleek package.

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Apple 15in Macbook Pro

The Apple 15in MacBook Pro with Retina display and Touch Bar is ideal for professionals and creatives who require a powerful and reliable laptop for demanding tasks. Whether you’re a graphic designer, video editor, software developer, or someone who values high performance and portability, this renewed MacBook Pro offers the perfect blend of speed, storage, and advanced features to boost productivity and creativity.

Pros:

• Powerful 2.9GHz Intel Core i7 Quad Core processor for seamless multitasking and fast performance
• Generous 16GB RAM to handle heavy applications and smooth workflows
• Spacious 512GB SSD for fast boot times and ample storage
• Vibrant Retina display providing crisp and clear visuals
• Innovative Touch Bar for intuitive control and shortcuts
• Sleek Space Gray design combining style and portability

Cons:

• Relatively heavy at 4.0 pounds, which may affect portability for some users
• Renewed model may not come with a full manufacturer warranty like a brand-new unit
• Limited upgrade options after purchase due to Apple’s hardware design

Featuring a stunning Retina display, the Apple 15in MacBook Pro delivers vibrant colors and sharp details, making it perfect for creative professionals who rely on accurate visuals. The powerful 2.9GHz Intel Core i7 Quad Core processor combined with 16GB of RAM ensures fast and efficient performance even when running resource-intensive software like video editing suites or 3D rendering programs. The 512GB SSD storage not only provides ample space but also significantly improves startup times and file access speeds, enhancing overall productivity.

Another key feature is the innovative Touch Bar, which offers dynamic and context-sensitive controls that adapt to different applications, streamlining workflows and making common tasks quicker and easier. The laptop’s sleek Space Gray finish and sturdy build make it both stylish and durable for professionals on the go. While it weighs 4.0 pounds, its powerful components and premium features justify the weight for users who prioritize performance and quality.

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Apple Macbook Pro

The Apple 2020 MacBook Pro with a 2.0GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 13-inch display, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage in Space Gray is ideal for professionals, students, and creatives who need a powerful yet portable laptop. This renewed model suits users seeking high performance for tasks such as video editing, programming, graphic design, or multitasking without compromising on sleek design and build quality.

Pros:

• Powerful Intel Core i5 processor ensures smooth performance for demanding applications
• 16GB RAM allows efficient multitasking and faster data processing
• 512GB SSD storage offers quick boot times and ample space for files and applications
• Compact 13-inch design makes it highly portable without sacrificing screen clarity
• Lightweight at 3.1 pounds, perfect for on-the-go use
• Renewed condition provides a cost-effective alternative with reliable functionality

Cons:

• Limited to Intel Core i5, which may not be sufficient for extremely heavy workloads
• Renewed product might show minor signs of previous use
• Only 13-inch display may feel small for users needing a larger screen for detailed work

The Apple 2020 MacBook Pro features a robust 2.0GHz Intel Core i5 processor paired with 16GB of RAM, delivering excellent performance for both everyday computing and more intensive tasks like video editing or software development. The 512GB SSD storage ensures that your files and applications load quickly, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity. Its compact 13-inch screen balances portability with a crisp display, making it ideal for professionals who travel or work remotely.

Additionally, the Space Gray finish and sleek design embody the premium aesthetic Apple is known for. Weighing just 3.1 pounds, this MacBook Pro is easy to carry around, fitting comfortably in backpacks or briefcases. Being a renewed product, it offers a budget-friendly option without sacrificing the reliability and performance expected from Apple devices, making it a smart choice for users who want a powerful laptop at a reduced price.

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Apple Macbook Pro With Retina Display

The Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display is ideal for professionals, students, and creatives who need a powerful yet portable laptop. Those seeking a reliable device for multitasking, graphic design, video editing, or everyday productivity will find this renewed 13-inch MacBook Pro a perfect fit. With its robust specifications and sleek design, it caters to users who value performance and style in one compact package.

Pros:

• Retina Display delivering stunning visuals and sharp image quality
• Powered by an efficient Intel Core i5 Dual Core 2.3GHz processor for smooth performance
• Generous 16GB RAM ensuring seamless multitasking capabilities
• Fast and reliable 256GB SSD storage for quick boot-up and file access
• Lightweight and compact design weighing only 3.0 pounds for easy portability
• Elegant Silver finish that complements a professional look

Cons:

• Limited to Intel Core i5 Dual Core, which may not suffice for heavy-duty tasks
• 256GB SSD might be insufficient for users with large storage needs
• Renewed condition may not appeal to those wanting a brand-new device

The Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display features a stunning 13-inch screen that produces crisp and vibrant images, making it perfect for creative professionals and media consumers alike. The combination of a 2.3GHz Intel Core i5 Dual Core processor and 16GB RAM allows for efficient multitasking, whether you’re running demanding applications or multiple browser tabs. This ensures users experience minimal lag and enhanced productivity during their work sessions.

Additionally, the inclusion of a 256GB SSD significantly improves boot times and file transfers, contributing to an overall faster and smoother user experience. The sleek and lightweight Silver chassis not only looks stylish but also makes the MacBook Pro highly portable, ideal for users who are frequently on the move. Despite being a renewed model, it delivers premium performance and design, making it a valuable investment for those needing a dependable laptop without the brand-new price tag.

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Apple Macbook Pro

The Apple MacBook Pro MGXA2LL/A 15-Inch Laptop with Retina Display is ideal for professionals, creatives, and tech enthusiasts who demand high performance and stunning visuals in a portable device. This renewed model suits users who require a powerful machine for tasks like video editing, graphic design, software development, or multitasking with demanding applications. If you value a sleek design combined with robust hardware, this laptop is an excellent choice.

Pros:

• Powerful 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7 Processor ensures smooth multitasking and fast performance.
• High-quality Retina Display offers vibrant colors and sharp image clarity for an immersive viewing experience.
• Generous 16GB RAM supports efficient handling of multiple applications and large files.
• Fast 256GB SSD provides quick boot times and rapid data access.
• Lightweight and portable design with a slim profile, weighing only 4.5 pounds.
• Elegant Silver finish adds a professional and stylish look.

Cons:

• Limited internal storage capacity with 256GB SSD may require external drives for extensive media libraries.
• Renewed product status might come with minor cosmetic imperfections.
• Relatively high price point compared to non-Apple laptops with similar specs.

Featuring a 15-inch Retina Display, this MacBook Pro delivers exceptional visual fidelity that benefits creatives by allowing precise color grading and detailed image work. The powerful Intel Core i7 Processor combined with 16GB of RAM ensures that demanding software runs efficiently, making it suitable for video editing, 3D rendering, and software development. The slim and lightweight design enhances portability without sacrificing performance, perfect for professionals on the go.

The inclusion of a 256GB SSD significantly reduces load times and boosts overall system responsiveness, allowing users to work faster and more efficiently. Although the storage might be limited for some, the speed and reliability of the SSD outweigh the capacity concerns for many users. Being a renewed product, this MacBook Pro provides a cost-effective way to own a high-performance Apple laptop with a balance of power, portability, and premium display quality.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Processor In 2017 Macbook Pro Models?

The 2017 MacBook Pro models feature Intel Core i7 processors with up to 2. 9GHz quad-core speed. These processors deliver strong performance for multitasking and creative work, balancing power efficiency and speed for professional users.

How Does The 2018 Macbook Pro’s 6-core I7 Perform?

The 2018 MacBook Pro’s 6-core Intel Core i7 runs at 2. 2GHz and offers excellent multitasking. It outperforms previous quad-core models in speed, ideal for video editing, coding, and demanding applications.

Is The Intel Core I5 In 2020 Macbook Pro Powerful Enough?

Yes, the 2020 MacBook Pro with a 2. 0GHz Intel Core i5 handles everyday tasks smoothly. It suits students and professionals needing reliable performance without heavy computing demands.

How Much Ram Is Optimal For Macbook Pro Laptops?

MacBook Pros typically come with 16GB RAM, which is optimal for smooth multitasking and running professional software. It ensures better performance for design, coding, and video editing.

What Ssd Storage Options Are Available In These Macbook Pros?

These MacBook Pros offer SSD storage ranging from 256GB to 512GB. SSDs provide faster boot times and quick file access, enhancing overall laptop responsiveness.

Are Renewed Macbook Pros Reliable For Professional Use?

Renewed MacBook Pros are tested and certified, making them reliable for professional tasks. They offer great value with quality performance similar to new models at lower prices.

Conclusion

Choosing the best processor for your laptop in 2017 depends on your needs and budget. Apple’s MacBook Pro models with Intel Core i5 and i7 processors offer strong performance for everyday tasks and creative work. The 6-core i7 is great for heavy multitasking and demanding software.

Dual-core i5 processors work well for basic use and moderate workloads. RAM and SSD size also impact speed and storage, so consider those alongside the processor. Renewed MacBook Pros provide a cost-effective way to get powerful laptops with reliable processors.

Overall, focusing on a balanced setup helps you get good performance without overspending. Whether for work, study, or entertainment, these Apple laptops from 2017 still hold value. Pick the right processor to match what you do most. Simple and smart choices lead to a better laptop experience.