Cheapest option for a 15" MBP with 16 GB of RAM.

Hi all,

I'm trying to weigh my options for a 15" MBP with 16 GB of RAM and the smallest SSD possible (to try to save some money). The reason is I'll be running multiple but small virtual machines. Given that MBP after 2012 do not have user-upgradeable RAM (AFAIU), I believe my option currently are:

1. A refurbished June 2012 w/ 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD ($1600) with a 3rd-party 16GB RAM upgrade upgrade ($200) for a total of $1800.
2. A refurbished October 2013 w/ 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD for $2119.
3. A new model with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB SSD ($1999) with a factory upgrade to 16 GB of RAM ($200) for a total of $2199.

Is that assessment of my options correct? Have I overlooked any other avenue? Thanks.

GhostlyGhost said:

Is that assessment of my options correct? Have I overlooked any other avenue?

Click to expand...

Yes...you could purchase a used computer...and save yourself a bundle. Early and Late 2011 MBP's can be upgraded to 16gig of ram. And you could install your own SSD.

- Nick

If you go for the lowest configuration 15in Non-retina MBP for $1449 (before tax) you can upgrade to M500 480Gb SSD and 16Gb Crucial RAM from Amazon for $370 USD.

I installed this upgrade in my MBP a few months ago and works great. Total is $1820 + tax

Thanks for the answers guys! Much appreciated.