Apple MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.7 15" Mid-2012 Specs
Identifiers: Mid-2012 15" - MD546LL/A* - MacBookPro9,1 - A1286 - 2556*
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The MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.7 15-Inch (Mid-2012/USB 3.0) technically is a "configure-to-order" configuration of the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.6 15-Inch (Mid-2012) or MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.3 15" Mid-2012, starting February 13, 2013, but also is documented as a separate model for reader convenience. Other than processor (and the corresponding larger level 3 cache), this model is identical to the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.6 15-Inch (Mid-2012).
The MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.7 15-Inch (Mid-2012/USB 3.0) features a 22 nm "Ivy Bridge" 2.7 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (3820QM), with four independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip, an 8 MB shared level 3 cache, 8 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM (PC3-12800) installed in pairs (two 4 GB modules), a 750 GB Serial ATA (5400 RPM) hard drive, an 8X DL "SuperDrive", dual graphics processors -- a NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory and an "integrated" Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics processor that shares system memory, as well as an integrated 720p FaceTime HD webcam.
The standard configuration of this model has an LED-backlit 15.4" widescreen TFT active-matrix "glossy" display (1440x900 native resolution), but also was available via custom configuration with a "high-res" glossy or antiglare 1680x1050 display for an additional US$100.
Connectivity includes AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0, Gigabit Ethernet, a Firewire "800" port, two USB 3.0 ports, a "Thunderbolt" port, separate audio in and out ports, and an SDXC card slot.
This model uses a "Unibody" aluminum case design -- milled from a single piece of aluminum -- and has a backlit keyboard, a "no button" glass "inertial" multi-touch trackpad, and a non-swappable battery design that provides an Apple estimated 7 hours of battery life.
Compared to its predecessor, this model essentially is identical externally with the exception of the aforementioned USB 3.0 ports. Internally, however, it has a faster processor, architecture, graphics, and RAM.
Also see:
- What are the differences between the "Mid-2012" 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models?
- What are the differences between the "Mid-2012" MacBook Pro models and the "Late 2011" MacBook Pro models that they replaced?
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- Tech Specs
- Ports
- Global Original Prices
- Popular Q&As
Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.
| Introduction Date: |
June 11, 2012 |
Discontinued Date: |
October 22, 2013 |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2012. |
| Processors: |
1 (4 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
12367 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
13477 |
| Details: |
Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro9,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (32): |
3048 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
11760 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro9,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (64): |
3350 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
13136 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro9,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 4 (SC): |
3594 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
12035 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro9,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 5 (SC): |
736 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
2859 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro9,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Processor Speed: |
2.7 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core i7 (I7-3820QM) |
| Details: |
This model is powered by a 22 nm, 64-bit Intel Mobile Core i7 "Ivy Bridge" (I7-3820QM) processor which includes four independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 8 MB of level 3 cache, and has an integrated memory controller (dual channel).
This system also supports "Turbo Boost 2.0" -- which "automatically increases the speed of the active cores" to improve performance when needed (up to 3.7 GHz for this model) -- and "Hyper Threading" -- which allows the system to recognize eight total "cores" or "threads" (four real and four virtual).
Also see: How fast are the "Mid-2012" 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models each replaced? |
| Turbo Boost: |
3.7 GHz |
Custom Speeds: |
N/A |
| Processor Upgrade: |
Soldered |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
Also see: Can you upgrade the processor in the "Unibody" MacBook Pro models? |
| System Bus Speed: |
5 GT/s* |
Cache Bus Speed: |
2.7 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
*This system has a "Direct Media Interface" (DMI) that "connects between the processor and chipset" in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 5 GT/s. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/32k x4 |
L2/L3 Cache: |
256k x 4, 8 MB* |
| Details: |
*Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 8 MB of shared level 3 cache. |
| RAM Type: |
PC3-12800 DDR3L |
Min. RAM Speed: |
1600 MHz |
| Details: |
Supports 1600 MHz PC3-12800 DDR3L SDRAM SO-DIMMs (204-pin).
Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the "Mid-2012" 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models? How much RAM of what type do they support? |
| Standard RAM: |
8 GB* |
Maximum RAM: |
16 GB** |
| Details: |
*As originally shipped, this model has 8 GB of RAM standard. Starting February 13, 2013, as a custom configuration of the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.3 15" Mid-2012 (MD103LL/A), it could have only 4 GB of RAM. RAM is installed as two matching modules, no slots are free.
*Apple officially supports a maximum of 8 GB of RAM, but third-parties have determined that this model actually is capable of using up to 16 GB of RAM with two 8 GB memory modules.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory -- as well as other upgrades -- for this MacBook Pro.
In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells memory and other upgrades for this MacBook Pro.
In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells memory and other upgrades for this MacBook Pro.
In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells memory and other upgrades for this MacBook Pro.
Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Motherboard RAM: |
None |
RAM Slots: |
2 |
| Video Card: |
GeForce GT 650M* |
VRAM Type: |
GDDR5 |
| Details: |
*This system has dual graphics processors -- a NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1 GB of dedicated GDDR5 SDRAM and Intel HD Graphics 4000 with memory shared with the system. The system automatically switches between graphics systems based on use (when applications use OpenGL, Core Graphics or other graphically demanding technologies, the system will use the dedicated graphics card, otherwise it will use Intel HD Graphics to conserve battery life).
Also see: What type of video processor is provided by the "Unibody" MacBook Pro models? Is it upgradable? Which models have "dedicated" and "integrated" video memory? |
| Standard VRAM: |
1 GB* |
Maximum VRAM: |
1 GB* |
| Details: |
The NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M graphics processor has 1 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory. The "integrated" Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics processor shares memory with the system (This graphics processor reserves 512 MB, 768 MB, or 1 GB of RAM for video function by with 4 GB, 8 GB or 16 GB of RAM installed, respectively). |
| Built-in Display: |
15.4" Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
1440x900 |
| Details: |
By default, this model has a 15.4" color widescreen LED-backlit TFT active-matrix "glossy" display with a 1440 by 900 native resolution. However, it also is available via custom configuration with a "high-resolution glossy" 1680x1050 display and a "high-resolution antiglare" 1680x1050 display each for an additional US$100.
In addition to the native resolution, Apple reports that the default display also supports "1280 by 800, 1152 by 720, 1024 by 640, and 800 by 500 pixels at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio; 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio stretched; 720 by 480 pixels at 3:2 aspect ratio; 720 by 480 pixels at 3:2 aspect ratio stretched."
In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this MacBook Pro. No fix, no fee!
In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, battery, keyboard, motherboard, and more for this MacBook Pro.
In Hong Kong, site sponsor iCertified provides well-reviewed repair services for the display, logic board, battery, water damage, and more, all with a 180-day warranty; free diagnostics and estimates; and optional pickup and delivery for this MacBook Pro. |
| 2nd Display Support: |
Dual/Mirroring |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
2560x1600 |
| Details: |
The maximum resolution supported on an external display is 2560x1600.
Also see: Are there any adapters or "hacks" that make it possible to connect a second external display to a MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air model? |
| Standard Storage: |
750 GB* HDD |
Std. Storage Speed: |
5400 RPM |
| Details: |
*As originally shipped, this model was configured with a 750 GB hard drive. Starting February 13, 2013, as a custom configuration of the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.3 15" Mid-2012 (MD103LL/A), it could have just a 500 GB hard drive.
As originally shipped, this model could be equipped with a 750 GB 7200 RPM hard drive for an additional US$50, a 1 TB hard drive or 128 GB SSD for an additional US$100, a 256 GB SSD for an additional US$400, or a 512 GB SSD for an additional US$900.
Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive or SSD in the "Mid-2012" 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models? What type of storage do these models support?
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro.
In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro.
In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro.
Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Storage Dimensions: |
2.5" (9.5 mm) |
Storage Interface: |
Serial ATA (6 Gb/s) |
| Details: |
This model supports a single SATA III (6 Gb/s) 2.5" hard drive or SSD that is up to 9.5 mm thick. |
| Standard Optical: |
8X DL "SuperDrive" |
Standard Disk: |
None |
| Details: |
Apple reports that this slot-loading "SuperDrive" (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) has a maxium write speed of "8x DVD-R, DVD+R; 4x DVD-R DL (double layer), DVD+R DL (double layer), DVD-RW, DVD+RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW" and a maximum read speed of "8x DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-ROM; 6x DVD-ROM (double layer DVD-9), DVD-R DL (double layer), DVD+R DL (double layer), DVD-RW, and DVD+RW; 24x CD".
Site sponsor Other World Computing offers a "Data Doubler" mounting kit that may be of interest. It makes it simple to install a second hard drive or SSD in the optical drive bay of this MacBook Pro. |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
10/100/1000Base-T |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11a/b/g/n (450 Mbit*) |
Standard Bluetooth: |
4.0 |
| Details: |
AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard. *This model unofficially supports 450 Mbit/sec 802.11n Wi-Fi using MIMO.
Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a? |
| USB Ports: |
2 (3.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
1 (800) |
| Details: |
Two USB 3.0 ports (up to 5 Gbps), one Firewire "800" (up to 800 Mbps) port. |
| Expansion Slots: |
SDXC Card Slot |
Expansion Bays: |
None |
| Details: |
This model has an SDXC card slot. No expansion bays are provided.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external expansion options and accessories, including docks, adapters, cables, input devices, cases, and more for this MacBook Pro.
Also see: Which SD Card storage solution is best for the Retina Display MacBook Pro? Which models are compatible? Is this type of storage safe? |
| Incl. Keyboard: |
Full-size |
Incl. Input: |
Trackpad (Inertial) |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the backlit integrated keyboard has "78 (US) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement)."
The glass multi-touch trackpad supports "inertial scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, three-finger swipe, four-finger swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities". |
| Case Type: |
Notebook |
Form Factor: |
MacBook Pro (Unibody) |
| Details: |
By default, this MacBook Pro uses a black and silver "unibody" case design milled from a single piece of aluminum with a "catchless" magnetic latch. However, if configured with an "anti-glare" (matte) display, it has a silver border framing the display rather than a black border. |
| Apple Order No: |
MD546LL/A* |
Apple Subfamily: |
Mid-2012 15" |
| Details: |
*Configured with both a 2.7 GHz processor and a matte anti-glare display is order number MD546LL/A. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1286 (EMC 2556*) |
Model ID: |
MacBookPro9,1 |
| Details: |
*Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model. In this case, please also note that the EMC number is not externally listed on the notebook so it cannot be used readily for identification.
Also see: All Macs with the A1286 Model Number, the 2556* EMC Number, and the MacBookPro9,1 Model Identifier.
For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section. |
| Battery Type: |
77.5 W h Li-Poly |
Battery Life: |
7 Hours |
| Details: |
Apple reports that this model has a "77.5-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery" that provides "up to 7 hours of wireless web" use.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells quality batteries for this MacBook Pro.
In the UK, site sponsor Flexx is a local distributor of OWC batteries for this MacBook Pro. |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: |
X 10.7.3 (11D2097) |
Maximum MacOS: |
X 10.15.x* |
| Details: |
*This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion." OS X 10.9 "Mavericks", and OS X 10.10 "Yosemite" as well as OS X 10.11 "El Capitan" with the exception of the "Power Nap" feature. It is capable of running macOS Sierra (10.12) as well, although it does not support the Auto Unlock feature. This model is capable of running macOS High Sierra (10.13), and it supports HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), but it does not support hardware accelerated HEVC.
This model is compatible with the final version of macOS Mojave (10.14) and the final version of macOS Catalina (10.15), as well. It does not support macOS Big Sur (macOS 11) or later versions of the macOS.
Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Catalina (10.15)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? Has anything been removed from previous versions of the macOS? |
| Minimum Windows: |
7 (32-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
10 (64-Bit)* |
| Details: |
*Apple's Boot Camp 4 supports the 32-bit of Windows 7, Boot Camp 5 supports the 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and Windows 8, and Boot Camp 6 supports the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported. |
| MacOS 9 Support: |
None |
Windows Support: |
Boot/Virtualization |
| Details: |
Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?
For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A. |
| Dimensions: |
0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82 |
Avg. Weight: |
5.6 lbs (2.56 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches while closed - height by width by depth, (2.41 cm, 36.4 cm, 24.9 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$2449* |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$300-US$400 |
| Details: |
*Originally, this model was a custom configuration of the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.6 15-Inch (Mid-2012) and was configured with 8 GB of RAM and a 750 GB hard drive for US$2449. Starting February 13, 2013, it was a custom configuration of the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.3 15" Mid-2012 (MD103LL/A). If configured with 8 GB of RAM and a 750 GB hard drive it remained the same price. If configured with 4 GB of RAM and a 500 GB hard drive it was only US$2249 with the RAM and hard drive upgrades both optional and US$100 each.
Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
Global original prices for the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.7 15" Mid-2012 in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.
For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Canada: |
C$2499 |
Brazil: |
R$10.474 |
| Mexico: |
MXN $41,999 |
United States: |
US$2449* |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€2529 |
Belgium: |
€2549 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 19,599 |
Finland: |
€2599 |
| France: |
€2549 |
Germany: |
€2549 |
| Ireland: |
€2599 |
Italy: |
€2579 |
| Luxembourg: |
€2422,60 |
Netherlands: |
€2549 |
| Norway: |
NOK 19.990 |
Portugal: |
€2599 |
| Spain: |
€2549 |
Sweden: |
SEK 23.945 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 2'729 |
United Kingdom: |
£2039 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 16,980 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$18,728 |
| India: |
N/A |
Indonesia: |
N/A |
| Japan: |
¥206,200 |
Korea: |
KRW 3,226,500 |
| Malaysia: |
RM 7,649 |
The Philippines: |
PHP 120,490 |
| Singapore: |
S$3,338 |
Taiwan: |
NT$78,050 |
| Thailand: |
THB 81,800 |
Vietnam: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$2759 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$3899 |
If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the MacBook Pro models follow.
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1 (Thunderbolt) 
None 
None 
None 
None
None
2 (3.0)
1 (800)
1 (RJ-45)
None
None
1 (Internal)
1
1
1
1
None
N/A
1