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For most users, the processor will be the most significant factor in how fast your device feels. It’s important to note the newer a system is, the more current the processor is. More recent generations of processors are more powerful and efficient. Even the lower-range versions of processors can be quicker than the older but higher-range models. There are three core components to the naming scheme we use on our products.
Think of the processor as a treadmill which moves all the actions you make on it. The higher the clock speed, the faster the treadmill moves, and the higher the core count, the more treadmills you have.
The range is a little more complex with Intel following an i3, i5, i7 and i9 naming scheme. Apple Silicon has an M designation, with M1 being the first chips released and the performance models having the Pro or Max suffix. Intel’s flagship processor is the i9, and Apple has the M Max.
If you’re not looking for graphics performance, i.e. you don’t plan on gaming, you’re not a video professional, or you have no plan on working with video tools, then the graphics in your device are irrelevant to you. If you fall into that category, however, it would be wise to pick something with a dedicated graphics card.
When shopping around our site, you will see Intel HD, Intel Iris, Intel Iris Plus or other similar options. These are integrated graphics options and not something you should opt for.
The way we describe which graphics card is included in each model is as follows.
The range GeForce, Radeon is a brand name. Apple provided Nvidia graphics options until 2015, when they switched to AMD. The model name can be confusing, but when looking at an individual model, the higher the number in the model, the faster it is. The most straightforward part is the video memory which higher is better. The highest tier options generally have 8GB but hold a substantial price tag. For entry-level users, 2GB or 4GB should be plenty. For professionals, we recommend you get in touch and speak with our team about your exact requirements.
RAM, aka. Random Access Memory
If you want to use your computer casually – for example, to browse the internet, reply to emails and listen to music – We recommend a minimum of 4GB RAM.
For all other users, such as office workers looking for a used Apple computer, we recommend 8GB of RAM. At this size, internet browsing, emails, watching videos and listening to music is easy, and you can do many things simultaneously. You can also run word processing, flash games, and run simple graphics programs smoothly with this much RAM.
Suppose you work in a creative environment where you need to edit large files or photos and videos, especially if you’re accessing more than one file at a time. In that case, we recommend getting a computer with at least 16GB. 16GB of RAM gives you enough memory for video editing, music, design work, and running more intensive software such as the Adobe Suite.
There are three types of storage available to you, plus fusion drives which we will explain separately. All consumer storage drives come in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). One thousand gigabytes are equal to a terabyte.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Traditional disk-based hard drives are cheap in capacity but slow in speed.
Solid State Drive (SSD). Solid state drives contain no moving parts, are generally 2-3x faster than a hard drive, and offer a much better experience. They tend to be inexpensive for smaller capacities. Above 1TB, the price increases dramatically.
Flash Solid State Drive (Flash SSD). Flash SSDs are the latest version of the SSD. They can be 5x up to 30x faster than a hard drive. The higher their capacity, the faster they are. They are also the most expensive.
In the modern age of cloud storage and backups for most users, internal storage is becoming less critical. We recommend at least 256GB of storage for most users. Unless you have a specific need, such as keeping large files locally for quick access or an extensive collection of large apps, 512GB is more than enough for most.
Fusion drives are a combination of two storage devices. Typically a large 1-3TB HDD and a smaller 32-128GB SSD. Then using software, the drives are connected and automatically store your most used files on the SSD, archiving your lesser used data on the HDD. This sounds great; however, if you’re not a home user with a predictable usage pattern, you’ll find it mismanaging your data and your computer slowing down randomly.
Check out our extensive guide on cloud storage and backing up your device here.
The myth that you’re better off waiting a while before updating your macOS is a thing of the past. Apple has dramatically improved their initial releases. However, the stigma has still stuck with some users. Unless you have a specific need for an older version, for example, if you’re running legacy software that is no longer updated, you may need to choose a previous version. As default, we install the latest supported version with all the newest features and security updates.
How Long Is Our Warranty
What’s Covered By Our Warranty
Our standard warranty covers all items sold by MacFinder. The length of this warranty is typically one year; however, this will be stated on the product page. It will also be referenced in your email confirmations and delivery documentation for future reference.
Our standard warranty warrants the machine to the purchaser against defects in materials and workmanship for the length of your warranty.
What does this mean? It means that if you have a problem with your Mac during the warranty period, for example, it won’t turn on, you have a flicker on the screen, or a port isn’t working, then you can give us a call, send us your system, and we will find a solution.
Refurbished items can vary in condition, but we’ve tried to make things simple at MacFinder. We split items into three categories.
New (Unsealed)
On newer models, it’s more likely we will have items that come in their original box like they’re new. Sometimes these items have been used for days before we get them, and on some occasions, they are fresh from distributors. We say unsealed because nothing goes without testing, and we must be able to change the configuration for you if required.
Standard Condition
The product is in good condition and expected for its model and year. It may have a few scratches, minor dents or marks that show expected wear and tear. Our technicians have guidelines during preparation that separate any devices we consider to have cosmetic imperfections.
Cosmetic Imperfections
If you’re budget conscious, an item with cosmetic imperfections can be the ideal solution. We cannot stress enough that the defects are only cosmetic, and the systems are completely functional without damage to the internal components. All fair condition system components are meticulously inspected and listed on our website with photos in a separate category.
Shop For Macs With Cosmetic Imperfections
Traditionally, devices came in Silver, but in 2016 Apple started offering Space Grey, Gold or Rose Gold. Newer models can come in up to 7 different colours.
To keep our prices as competitive as possible, we sell items at the standard 20% VAT rate or under the Margin Scheme. This makes no difference to consumers. If you’re a UK VAT-registered business, there is no VAT claimable on Margin Scheme purchases.
Our team are available from 9 am till 5 pm, Monday to Friday and 10 am till 4 pm on a Saturday to assist with any query you may have. Please get in touch and we will do our utmost to ensure we respond quickly and correctly.
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Please note our technical team and repair centre is exclusive to MacFinder customers. We do not ‘repair’ or ‘refurbish’ systems as a service to customers. We only perform work on systems purchased from our store.
Please be aware our location is a distribution centre and we do not have a shop front. If you are interested in seeing our products further please contact us and photos can be provided.
