Apple MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 15" (Unibody) Specs

Identifiers: Late 2008/Early 2009* - MC026LL/A - MacBookPro5,1 - A1286 - 2255

All MacBook Pro Models | All 2009 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others

Quietly unveiled without a press release, the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 15-Inch (Unibody/Early 2009) is officially the same as the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 15-Inch (Unibody/Late 2008) that it replaced -- and like all other "Unibody" models, has a case milled from a single block of aluminum -- but replaced the 2.53 GHz processor with a 2.66 GHz one (unofficially it also supports an additional 2 GB of RAM).

The Apple MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 15-Inch (Unibody - Early 2009) features a 45 nm "Penryn" 2.66 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" processor (T9550), with two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip, a 6 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache, a 1066 MHz frontside bus, 4 GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-8500) installed in pairs (two 2 GB modules), a 320 GB Serial ATA (5400 RPM) hard drive, an 8X DL "SuperDrive", dual graphics processors -- a NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT with 512 MB of dedicated GDDR3 SDRAM and a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M with 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory, and an LED-backlit 15.4" widescreen TFT active-matrix "glossy" display (1440x900 native resolution).

Connectivity includes an ExpressCard/34 slot, AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, two USB 2.0 ports, one Firewire "800" port, optical digital/analog audio in/out, and a "Mini DisplayPort" that supports an external display at 2560x1600.

Also see:

• What are the differences between the "Unibody" MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo models?
• What are the differences between the 15-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo models and the "Early 2008/Penryn" MacBook Pro notebooks that they replaced?

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• Tech Specs
• Ports
• Global Original Prices
• Popular Q&As

Tech Specs

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.

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Introduction Date:

March 3, 2009

Discontinued Date:

June 8, 2009

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 2009.

Processors:

1 (2 Cores)

Architecture:

64-Bit

Details:

Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.

Geekbench 2 (32):

3621

Geekbench 2 (64):

3996

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 MacBookPro5,1 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):

1432

Geekbench 3 (32):

2519

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 MacBookPro5,1 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):

1562

Geekbench 3 (64):

2763

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 MacBookPro5,1 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):

1728

Geekbench 4 (MC):

2905

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 MacBookPro5,1 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):

343

Geekbench 5 (MC):

633

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 MacBookPro5,1 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:

2.66 GHz

Processor Type:

Core 2 Duo (T9550)

Details:

*The Intel "Core 2 Duo" 45 nm "Penryn" (T9550) processor includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Also see: How much faster is the 15-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo than the "Early 2008 Penryn" MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo?

Turbo Boost:

N/A

Custom Speeds:

2.93 GHz

Details:

Apple additionally offered this model with a 2.93 GHz "Core 2 Duo" (T9800) processor via custom configuration for an additional US$300. As requested by readers, EveryMac.com also has documented this custom configuration as its own model.

Processor Upgrade:

Soldered

FPU:

Integrated

Details:

Also see: Can you upgrade the processor in the "Unibody" MacBook Pro?

System Bus Speed:

1066 MHz

Cache Bus Speed:

2.66 GHz (Built-in)

Details:

1066 MHz frontside bus.

ROM/Firmware Type:

EFI

EFI Architecture:

64-Bit

Details:

N/A

L1 Cache:

32k/32k

L2/L3 Cache:

6 MB (on chip)

Details:

Includes a 6 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache that runs at processor speed.

RAM Type:

PC3-8500 DDR3

Min. RAM Speed:

1066 MHz

Details:

Supports 1066 MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM. Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the 15-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro? How much RAM of what type does it support?

Standard RAM:

4 GB

Maximum RAM:

8 GB*

Details:

By default, 4 GB of RAM is installed as two 2 GB modules, no slots free. *Apple officially supports a maximum of 4 GB of RAM but third-parties have been able to upgrade the system to 8 GB of RAM using two 4 GB memory modules regardless of the installed operating system. 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. Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.

Motherboard RAM:

None

RAM Slots:

2

Details:

Apple recommends that one install RAM in matched pairs for optimum performance.

Video Card:

GeForce 9600M GT*

VRAM Type:

GDDR3

Details:

*This system has dual graphics processors -- a NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT with 512 MB of dedicated GDDR3 SDRAM and a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M with 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory. Also see: How much faster is the graphics performance of the "Unibody" MacBook Pro when using the NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT compared to the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M?

Standard VRAM:

512 MB*

Maximum VRAM:

512 MB*

Details:

The NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT has 512 MB of dedicated memory. The NVIDIA GeForce 9400M uses 256 MB of memory, but this is shared with system memory. Apple reports that when using the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, the "memory available to Mac OS X may vary depending on graphics needs. Minimum graphics memory usage is 256 MB".

Built-in Display:

15.4" Widescreen

Native Resolution:

1440x900

Details:

15.4" color widescreen LED-backlit TFT active-matrix "glossy" display with a 1440 by 900 native resolution. Apple reports that it 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.

Standard Storage:

320 GB HDD

Std. Storage Speed:

5400 RPM

Details:

Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive in the 15-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro? In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro. In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx 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 (3 Gb/s)

Details:

This model supports a single SATA II (3 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" drive (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

Details:

External Apple USB Modem (56.6k v.92) was offered for US$49.

Standard AirPort:

802.11a/b/g/n

Standard Bluetooth:

2.1+EDR

Details:

AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard. Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?

USB Ports:

2 (2.0)

Firewire Ports:

1 (800)

Details:

Two 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports, one 800-Mbps Firewire "800" port.

Expansion Slots:

ExpressCard/34

Expansion Bays:

None

Details:

One ExpressCard/34 expansion slot. Also see: What is ExpressCard/34? Is it compatible with PC Cards? In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of ExpressCard/34 cards as well as external expansion options and accessories including docks, adapters, cables, input devices, cases, and more for this MacBook Pro.

Incl. Keyboard:

Full-size

Incl. Input:

Trackpad (4 Finger)

Details:

Apple reports that the integrated backlit keyboard has "78 (US) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement)." It does not have an embedded numeric keypad. The glass "multi-touch" trackpad supports "supports two-finger scrolling, pinch, rotate, three-finger swipe, four-finger swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities".

Case Type:

Notebook

Form Factor:

MacBook Pro (Unibody)

Details:

This MacBook Pro uses a black and silver "unibody" case design milled from a single piece of aluminum with a "catchless" magnetic latch.

Apple Order No:

MC026LL/A

Apple Subfamily:

Late 2008/Early 2009*

Details:

The Apple order number should be unique to this system. *Please note that in some places, Apple formally refers to this model as a "Late 2008" system, but this is not technically correct and EveryMac.com prefers to document it as an "Early 2009" model, accordingly.

Apple Model No:

A1286 (EMC 2255)

Model ID:

MacBookPro5,1

Details:

Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model. Also see: All Macs with the A1286 Model Number, the 2255 EMC Number, and the MacBookPro5,1 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:

50 W h Li-Poly

Battery Life:

5 Hours

Details:

Apple reports that this model has a "50-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery" that provides "5 hours of wireless productivity". Also see: What is the 15-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro battery life in "real-world" tests? What is the difference in battery life when using the NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT compared to the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M? In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells quality batteries for this MacBook Pro. In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells quality batteries for this MacBook Pro.

Pre-Installed MacOS:

X 10.5.6 (9G2133)

Maximum MacOS:

X 10.11.6*

Details:

*This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion" and OS X 10.9 "Mavericks" except for "Power Nap" and "AirPlay Mirroring" (which also requires an Apple TV 2nd Gen or higher). It also supports the last version of OS X 10.10 "Yosemite" and OS X 10.11 "El Capitan" -- including Mac-to-Mac AirDrop capability -- but no other advanced features are supported. It is not supported running macOS Sierra (10.12) or subsequent versions of the macOS at all. Please note that OS X "Lion" 10.7 and subsequent versions of OS X are not capable of running Mac OS X apps originally written for the PowerPC processor as these operating systems do not support the "Rosetta" environment. To run PowerPC applications on this Mac, it will be necessary to use Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard" or earlier. Also see: Which Macs are compatible with OS X El Capitan (10.11)? What are the system requirements? Which Macs support which features?

Minimum Windows:

XP SP2 (32-Bit)*

Maximum Windows:

7 (64-Bit)*

Details:

*Apple's Boot Camp 4 formally supports the 32-bit version of Windows XP SP2 as well as the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7. However, the system does meet Microsoft's minimum requirements for Windows 8 and readers have reported successfully running the 32-Bit and 64-bit versions of this operating system with appropriate drivers.

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:

5.5 lbs (2.49 kg)

Details:

In inches while closed - height by width by depth, (2.41 cm, 36.4 cm, 24.9 cm).

Original Price (US):

US$2499*

Est. Current Retail:

US$150-US$200

Details:

*This was the price for the stock configuration with a 2.66 GHz processor. Apple also offered this model with a 2.93 GHz "Core 2 Duo" (T9800) processor via custom configuration for an additional US$300. Photo Credit: Apple Computer.

Ports

Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.

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Video (Monitor):

1 (Mini DisplayPort)

Floppy (Ext.):

None

Details:

Supports external display in dual display and mirroring modes. DVI, Dual-Link DVI, and VGA supported by optional Apple adapters (sold separately).

ADB:

None

SCSI:

None

Details:

N/A

Serial (Standard):

None

Serial (Geoport):

None

Details:

N/A

USB:

2 (2.0)

Firewire:

1 (800)

Details:

Two 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports, one 800-Mbps Firewire "800" port.

Modem:

None

Ethernet:

1 (RJ-45)

Details:

No internal modem. External Apple USB modem offered for US$49. Gigabit Ethernet, AirPort Extreme (802.11g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard.

S-Video Input:

None

S-Video Output:

None

Details:

N/A

Microphone:

1 (Internal)

Sound In:

1

Details:

Internal omnidirectional microphone. Optical digital audio input/analog line in (minijack).

Sound Out:

1

Headphone:

1

Details:

Single Optical digital audio output/analog line out (minijack) port doubles as a headphone jack.

Security (Lock):

1

Joystick (PC):

None

Details:

N/A

Power:

N/A

Power Adapter:

1

Details:

100V-240V AC, 85W "MagSafe" power adapter. Also see: What is the "Magsafe" power connector? How does it work? How was it designed to not cause data loss?

Global Original Prices

Global original prices for the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 15" (Unibody) 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$2699

Brazil:

R$8.599

Mexico:

N/A

United States:

US$2499*

Original Prices - Europe

Austria:

€2249

Belgium:

€2249

Denmark:

DKK 17,999

Finland:

€2249

France:

€2249

Germany:

€2249

Ireland:

€2249

Italy:

€2249

Luxembourg:

N/A

Netherlands:

€2249

Norway:

NOK 20.490

Portugal:

N/A

Spain:

€2199

Sweden:

SEK 22.995

Switzerland:

CHF 3'199

United Kingdom:

£1749

Original Prices - Asia

China:

RMB 20,898

Hong Kong:

HK$19,200

India:

N/A

Indonesia:

N/A

Japan:

¥288,800

Korea:

N/A

Malaysia:

N/A

The Philippines:

N/A

Singapore:

S$3,889

Taiwan:

NT$87,900

Thailand:

N/A

Vietnam:

N/A

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

Australia:

A$3999

New Zealand:

NZ$4599

If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.

Popular Q&As

Ten of the most popular Q&As about the MacBook Pro models follow.

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