History
This 17" version of Apple's Intel Core Duo powered MacBook Pro was released in April 2006, three months after the debut of the 15.4" MacBook Pro.
A very similar machine to the 15.4" model, it uses the same Intel Core Duo CPU, has a 2.5" SATA hard drive and has an ExpressCard expansion socket.
The major differences are that this 17" model has FireWire 800, while the early 15.4" does not (it was added to the Core 2 Duo 15.4" model). This 17" also has 3 USB 2.0 ports as opposed to 2 on the smaller model.
Apple specs for the original 17" MacBook Pro can be found here.
In October 2006 the line was updated to use the Intel Core 2 Duo CPU and take up to 3GB of RAM (as opposed to 2GB on the original model). Apple specs here.
In June 2007, a further revision bumped the speed up to 2.4GHz, updated the Airport card to use the 802.11n draft specification, and allowed up to 4GB of RAM to be installed. Apple specs here. There was a minor refresh in November 2007, Apple specs here.
In February 2008 the MacBook Pro moved to the Penryn processor running at 2.5 or 2.6GHz and introduced a multi-touch track pad. Compatibility for upgrades was unchanged. Apple specs here.
In January 2009 the 17" MacBook Pro was updated to match the update to the MacBook and 15" MacBook Pro that had happened in October 2008. Like the 15" MacBook Pro, the 17" model got a redesigned case, upgraded graphics card, upgraded memory bus, a move to a SATA optical drive and the loss of the FireWire 400 port (FireWire 800 still present). It also, unlike the 15", got the capability to use up to 8GB of RAM in 2 x 4GB modules. Apple specs here.
In June 2009 the line was refreshed again with a minor update, Apple specs here.
In April 2010 there was another upgrade to the processors and graphics
card. The CPU moved from the Core 2 Duo chip, to the new Core
i5 and i7. This model had the options of a 2.53GHz Core i5, or
a 2.66GHz Core i7. Upgrade compatibility remains the same. Apple
specs here.
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How to Identify these Machines
The MacBook Pro looks similar to the 17" PowerBook G4 Aluminium - it is the same colour, although slightly thinner and with a slightly larger screen.
The best way to identify this machine is to check System Profiler for the CPU type (Intel Core Duo or Core 2 Duo), although it can also be easily identified by Apple's new MagSafe power connector - the power cable is held on magnetically when attached, eliminating the possibility of damaging the machine by tripping on the power lead.
There is also 15.4" version of the MacBook Pro, which has its own page here. Compatibility between the two machines is very similar, apart from the lack of FireWire 800 on early 15.4" models, and an extra USB 2.0 port on the 17".
There are 5 revisions of the MacBook Pro 17", and while compatibility is similar there is a difference in the amount and type of RAM they can use.
To tell the difference between revisions, check the CPU type and speed in System Profile, and compare to the below.
1st Revision: Released Jan 2006 with a 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo CPU. Maximum RAM 2GB (either 2 x 1GB modules or 1 x 2GB). Apple specs here.
2nd Revision: Released Oct 2006 with a 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU. Maximum RAM 3GB (1x 1GB + 1 x 2GB modules). Apple specs here.
3rd Revision: Released June 2007 with a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU. Maximum RAM 4GB (2 x 2GB modules). Apple specs here. And for the November 2007 refresh, here.
4th Revision: Released February 2008 with a 2.5GHz or 2.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (Penryn) CPU. Maximum RAM 4GB (2 x 2GB modules). Apple specs here.
5th Revision: Released January 2009 with the new "unibody" case with a 2.66GHz or 2.93GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU. This was a major revision with a new case, upgraded memory type, and memory capacity to 8GB , a SATA optical drive and no FireWire 400 port. This MacBook Pro has the SuperDrive slot on the right-hand side, all previous models have the SuperDrive slot in the front. Apple specs here.
6th Revision: Released June 2009 with a 2.8GHz or 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU. Maximum RAM 8GB (2 x 4GB modules). Apple specs here.
7th Revision: Released April 2010 with a 2.53GHz Core i5, or
a 2.66GHz Core i7 CPU. Maximum RAM 8GB (2 x 4GB modules). Apple
specs here.
The other Intel Core Duo based Apple laptop is the MacBook, but as well as having a smaller screen, the MacBook comes in white or black, rather than the silver of the MacBook Pro.
If you are still unsure you can contact us on 01223 833 412, or by email for confirmation. If you want to upgrade but aren't happy to install your upgrades then we can help. Simply ask our engineers for further details.
Looking for a case for this Laptop? Order securely online from our sister site, LaptopEssentials.co.uk.
Memory Upgrades
The MacBook Pro 17" has two memory sockets. The original Core Duo machines can accept up to 2GB in RAM in two 1GB chips.
The first Core 2 Duo machines introduced in October 2006 can support up to 3GB of RAM by using 1 x 2GB module and 1 x 1GB module.
The later Core 2 Duo MacBook Pros (June 2007 and Feb 2008) can use 4GB of RAM. All machines use PC2-5300 SODIMMs.
The "unibody" MacBook Pro 17" (models from January 2009)
uses PC8500 RAM, and take up to a maximum of 8GB in 2 x 4GB modules.
See the How To Identify this Mac section above for details on how to tell the difference between these revisions.
There is no need to install RAM in pairs in this machine.
| 1 | Suitable for MacBook Pro 17" machines released after January 2009. SuperDrive slot should be on the right-hand side, not the front. |
| 2 | Only suitable for MacBook Pros released before January 2009 (SuperDrive slot in the front, not on the right-hand side). |
| 3 | Not suitable for first revision MacBook Pros, or those released after January 2009. Compatible machines have a Core 2 Duo processor (not Core Duo) and the SuperDrive slot in the front (not right-hand side). |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 3 / 5 - Reasonably easy.
Turn off the machine and remove the power cable and battery.
The RAM is accessed via a cover on the bottom of the machine secured by three screws. Remove the holding screws and install the new RAM.
Apple's memory installation guides can be found here for
the pre-Unibody (before Jan 2009) MacBook Pro 17" and here for
the later Unibody models.
CD & DVD Drive Upgrades
All MacBook Pros come with a SuperDrive at as standard.
It is also possible to use an external device via FireWire or USB 2.0.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 1 / 5 Easy
Install any supplied software, restart the machine and connect the new device.
Internal Hard Drive Upgrades
The MacBook Pro 17" uses a 2.5" SATA hard drive. All of the following drives are compatible with the MacBook Pro.
If you don't want to fit a new hard drive yourself, you can take advantage of the MacUpgrades Installation Service. Add the installation service from the list below to your cart along with your chosen hard drive. We can also clone your existing hard drive onto the new one, simply add the Clone Original Hard Drive service below to your cart.
Once you have booked the service, send your machine to us, we will carry out the work and return it to you. Alternatively, we do offer a Collection Service with our courier, please see here for details.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 4 / 5 Difficult
For the pre-Unibody (prior to Jan 2009) MacBook Pros, the internal hard
drive is difficult to get to, and is not classified by Apple
as a user installable part. Installing a replacement drive
during warranty will void any remaining warranty. Mac Upgrades
does sell drives for user installation, but we cannot offer
instructions or support for the install.
We do offer a drive fitting service, but this is for out of warranty machines only. To preserve warranty, a drive must be fitted by an Apple Authorised Service Centre.
Later Unibody MacBook Pro 17" machines are much easier, and Apple provides
a guide here.
Graphics Card Upgrades
The graphics card in the MacBook Pro is part of the main logic board, and is therefore not replaceable.
There are no graphics card upgrades available for these Macs
Expansion Card Upgrades
Your MacBook Pro has an ExpressCard/34 slot for expansion. This is a modern, high bandwidth slot, considerably superior to the old PCMCIA found on the PowerBook range.
There is also an internal slot for the Airport Extreme card, which can be replaced or upgraded.
| 1 | Designed for 1st revision MacBook/MacBook Pro models (Core Duo not Core 2 Duo). Later models shipped with either a fully functioning 802.11n card, or one that could be upgraded to 802.11n with a software patch. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 1 / 5 - Very Easy (Express34 slot only).
Install any supplied software, turn off the machine and insert the ExpressCard into the socket on the machine.
Restart machine and away you go.
Keyboards & Mice
The following keyboards and mice are compatible with this Mac.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 1 / 5 - Very Easy
Keyboards plug into the relevant port on your Mac. Mice can either be plugged into your keyboard, or they can be plugged directly into your Mac.
Power Supplies & Batteries
Listed below are power supplies, batteries and related products
we supply for this Mac.
Cables & Tools
Listed below are power cables, tools and related products
we supply for this Mac.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
External Hard Drive Upgrades
The 17" version of the Macbook Pro has FireWire 800, FireWire 400 (until January 2009, when this port was dropped) and USB 2.0 connectivity. The laptop also has an ExpressCard slot which is a high bandwidth expansion port, suitable for adding connectivity suitable for fast external storage.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 1 / 5 - Very Easy
Install any supplied software and connect the new device.
You will need to format the drive before use. This is done with the "Drive Setup" utility, which can be found in Applications > Utilities.
