Apple MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 13" (Black-08) Specs

Identifiers: Early 2008 - MB404LL/A - MacBook4,1 - A1181 - 2242

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The Apple MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 13-Inch (Black - Early 2008/Penryn) features a 45 nm "Penryn" 2.4 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" processor (T8300), with two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip, a 3 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache, an 800 MHz frontside bus, 2 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) installed in pairs (two 1 GB modules), a 250 GB Serial ATA (5400 RPM) hard drive with "Sudden Motion Sensor" technology, an 8X dual-layer write DVD�RW/CD-RW SuperDrive, an Intel GMA X3100 integrated "graphics processor with 144 MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory", and a 13.3" widescreen TFT active-matrix "glossy" display (1280x800 native resolution).

The MacBook "Early 2008 Core 2 Duo/Penryn" series shares the same easy to upgrade case design as previous MacBook systems, and connectivity likewise includes AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, a FireWire "400" port, two USB 2.0 ports, optical digital audio in/out, and video out capabilities (mini-DVI) that supports an external display.

The MacBook "Early 2008 Core 2 Duo/Penryn" models also include the "scrolling Trackpad", built-in iSight video camera, "MagSafe" power connector, "flush against the bed" keyboard that does not touch the screen, and "no moving parts" magnetic latch that "catches without a catch". Like it's immediate predecessors in the "Late 2007" MacBook series, the keyboard lacks an integrated "numeric keypad", but unlike previous MacBook systems, the Apple Remote was a US$19 option rather than standard.

Compared to the models each replaced, the MacBook "Early 2008 Core 2 Duo/Penryn" models are powered by modestly faster and more energy-efficient 45 nm "Penryn" processors -- compared to 65 nm "Merom" processors in the "Late 2007" series -- albeit with smaller 3 MB level 2 caches (compared to 4 MB). The "Early 2008 Core 2 Duo/Penryn" models additionally shipped equipped with larger hard drives and twice the default RAM (in the 2.4 GHz models).

Also see:

• What are the differences between the "Early 2008 Penryn" MacBook Core 2 Duo models?
• What are the differences between the "Early 2008 Penryn" MacBook Core 2 Duo models and the "Late 2007 Santa Rosa" MacBook 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:

February 26, 2008

Discontinued Date:

October 14, 2008

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 2008.

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):

3182

Geekbench 2 (64):

3557

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 MacBook4,1 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):

1195

Geekbench 3 (32):

2053

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 MacBook4,1 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):

1412

Geekbench 3 (64):

2491

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 MacBook4,1 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):

1499

Geekbench 4 (MC):

2492

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 MacBook4,1 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):

321

Geekbench 5 (MC):

580

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 MacBook4,1 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:

2.4 GHz

Processor Type:

Core 2 Duo (T8300)

Details:

The Intel "Core 2 Duo" (T8300) 45 nm "Penryn" processor includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Also see: How much faster is the "Early 2008 Penryn" MacBook Core 2 Duo compared to the "Late 2007 Santa Rosa" MacBook Core 2 Duo?

Turbo Boost:

N/A

Custom Speeds:

N/A

Details:

N/A

Processor Upgrade:

Soldered

FPU:

Integrated

Details:

Also see: Can you upgrade the processor in the MacBook?

System Bus Speed:

800 MHz

Cache Bus Speed:

2.4 GHz (Built-in)

Details:

800 MHz frontside bus. The system bus in this model can be dynamically "downclocked" to conserve battery life.

ROM/Firmware Type:

EFI

EFI Architecture:

64-Bit

Details:

Also see: Does the MacBook have a ROM or BIOS?

L1 Cache:

32k/32k

L2/L3 Cache:

3 MB (on chip)

Details:

Includes a 3 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache that runs at processor speed.

RAM Type:

PC2-5300 DDR2

Min. RAM Speed:

667 MHz

Details:

Supports 667 MHz PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM. Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the MacBook? How much RAM of what type does it support?

Standard RAM:

2 GB

Maximum RAM:

6 GB*

Details:

2 GB of RAM is installed as two 1 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 6 GB of RAM using one 2 GB and one 4 GB memory module. In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory -- as well as other upgrades -- for this MacBook. In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells memory and other upgrades for this MacBook. In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells memory and other upgrades for this MacBook. In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells memory and other upgrades for this MacBook. 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:

Intel GMA X3100

VRAM Type:

Integrated

Details:

Also see: How much faster is the Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor in later MacBook models compared to the Intel GMA 950 in earlier models? Is gaming performance improved?

Standard VRAM:

144 MB

Maximum VRAM:

144 MB

Details:

Apple reports that "memory available to Mac OS X may vary depending on graphics needs. Minimum graphics memory usage is 144 MB (an additional 16 MB is required when using an external display). This results in 880 MB of system memory available" with the default 1 GB installed.

Built-in Display:

13.3" Widescreen

Native Resolution:

1280x800

Details:

13.3" color widescreen TFT active-matrix "glossy" display with a 1280 by 800 native resolution. Apple reports that it also supports "1152 by 720, 1024 by 768, 1024 by 640, 800 by 600, 800 by 500, 720 by 480, and 640 by 480 at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio; [and] 720 by 480 at 3:2 aspect ratio". Also see: What exactly is a glossy display? Is the glossy display used in the MacBook better or worse than the previous iBook display? In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this MacBook. 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.

2nd Display Support:

Dual/Mirroring

2nd Max. Resolution:

1920x1200

Details:

The maximum resolution supported on an external display is 1920x1200.

Standard Storage:

250 GB HDD

Std. Storage Speed:

5400 RPM

Details:

Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive in the MacBook? In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this MacBook. In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells storage upgrades for this MacBook. In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells storage upgrades for this MacBook. Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs.

Storage Dimensions:

2.5" (9.5 mm)

Storage Interface:

Serial ATA (1.5 Gb/s)

Details:

This model supports a single SATA I (1.5 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 8X dual-layer DVD+R DL/DVD�RW/CD-RW SuperDrive has a maximum 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 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." Also see: What are the capabilities of the optical drive provided by the MacBook models? Which can read and write dual-layer DVDs?

Standard Modem:

None

Standard Ethernet:

10/100/1000Base-T

Details:

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

Standard AirPort:

802.11a/b/g/n

Standard Bluetooth:

2.0+EDR

Details:

AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.0+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 (400)

Details:

Two 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports. One Firewire "400" port.

Expansion Slots:

None

Expansion Bays:

None

Details:

No expansion slots or bays 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, cables, adapters, input devices, cases, and more for this MacBook.

Incl. Keyboard:

Full-size

Incl. Input:

Trackpad

Details:

Apple reports that the integrated 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 trackpad supports "two-finger scrolling, tap, double-tap, and drag". Also see: How does the MacBook keyboard "feel"?

Case Type:

Notebook

Form Factor:

MacBook

Details:

This MacBook uses a black case design with a "catchless" magnetic latch.

Apple Order No:

MB404LL/A

Apple Subfamily:

Early 2008

Details:

The Apple order number should be unique to this system.

Apple Model No:

A1181 (EMC 2242)

Model ID:

MacBook4,1

Details:

Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model. Also see: All Macs with the A1181 Model Number, the 2242 EMC Number, and the MacBook4,1 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:

55 W h Li-Poly

Battery Life:

4.5 Hours

Details:

Apple reports that this model has a "55-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery". For previous MacBook models, Apple provided estimated battery life for usage without wireless, with wireless, and for DVD playback, but for the "Early 2008" models, Apple decided to report one number -- "4.5 hours of wireless productivity". Also see: What is the MacBook battery life in "real-world" tests? In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells quality batteries for this MacBook. In the UK, site sponsor Flexx is a local distributor of OWC batteries for this MacBook.

Pre-Installed MacOS:

X 10.5.2 (9C2015)

Maximum MacOS:

X 10.7.5*

Details:

*This system can run the last version of OS X 10.7 "Lion." It is not supported booting into 64-bit mode when running Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard." It does not support "OpenCL" either. Please also note that OS X Lion is not capable of running Mac OS X apps originally written for the PowerPC processor as it does not support the "Rosetta" environment.

Minimum Windows:

XP SP2 (32-Bit)*

Maximum Windows:

7 (32-Bit)*

Details:

*Apple's Boot Camp 4 formally supports the 32-bit versions of Windows XP SP2, 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 version of this operating system with appropriate drivers. Readers have reported successfully running the 64-bit version of Windows 7, as well.

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:

1.08 x 12.78 x 8.92

Avg. Weight:

5.0 lbs (2.27 kg)

Details:

In inches while closed - height by width by depth, (2.75 cm, 32.5 cm, 22.7 cm).

Original Price (US):

US$1499

Est. Current Retail:

US$75-US$125

Details:

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.

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-DVI)

Floppy (Ext.):

None

Details:

Supports external display in dual display and mirroring modes. VGA output supported by optional Apple DVI-to-VGA adapter (sold separately).

ADB:

None

SCSI:

None

Details:

N/A

Serial (Standard):

None

Serial (Geoport):

None

Details:

N/A

USB:

2 (2.0)

Firewire:

1 (400)

Details:

Two 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports. One Firewire "400" 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 2.0+EDR standard.

S-Video Input:

None

S-Video Output:

1

Details:

S-video Out provided by optional adapter (sold separately).

Microphone:

1 (Internal)

Sound In:

1

Details:

Internal omnidirectional microphone. Optical digital audio in.

Sound Out:

1

Headphone:

1

Details:

Single Optical digital audio out 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, 60W "MagSafe" power adapter. Also see: How does the MagSafe power connector on the MacBook work?

Global Original Prices

Global original prices for the MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 13" (Black-08) 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$1549

Brazil:

R$4.999

Mexico:

N/A

United States:

US$1499

Original Prices - Europe

Austria:

€1399

Belgium:

€1399

Denmark:

N/A

Finland:

N/A

France:

€1399

Germany:

€1399

Ireland:

€1399

Italy:

€1399

Luxembourg:

N/A

Netherlands:

€1399

Norway:

NOK 11.990

Portugal:

€1399

Spain:

€1349

Sweden:

SEK 13.495

Switzerland:

CHF 2'149

United Kingdom:

£949

Original Prices - Asia

China:

RMB 13,498

Hong Kong:

HK$11,700

India:

N/A

Indonesia:

N/A

Japan:

¥179,800

Korea:

N/A

Malaysia:

N/A

The Philippines:

N/A

Singapore:

S$2,288

Taiwan:

NT$52,900

Thailand:

N/A

Vietnam:

N/A

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

Australia:

A$2099

New Zealand:

NZ$2399

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 models follow.

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