Apple MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.5 17" (08) Specs
Identifiers: Early/Late 2008 - MB166LL/A* - MacBookPro4,1 - A1261 - 2199
All MacBook Pro Models | All 2008 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
The Apple MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.5 17-Inch (Early 2008/Penryn) features a 45 nm "Penryn" 2.5 GHz "Core 2 Duo" processor (T9300), with two independent processor "cores", a 6 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache, an 800 MHz frontside bus, 2 GB of 667 MHz PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM (4 GB starting October 14, 2008) , a 250 GB (5400 RPM) hard drive with "Sudden Motion Sensor" technology (320 GB starting October 14, 2008), and an 8X dual-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW SuperDrive. It also includes a NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor with 512 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM and dual-link DVI functionality, and an antiglare CCFL-backlit 17" widescreen 1680x1050 active-matrix display (a glossy display was offered via build-to-order at no extra cost, and a higher resolution LED-backlit 1920x1200 display also was offered for an extra US$100).
With the exception of the keyboard -- which retains the "ambient lighting" capability but eliminates the "embedded numeric keypad", replaces the "enter" key next to the right-hand "command" key with a second option key, and has a different function key mapping -- and the trackpad -- which adds support for "multi-touch gesturing" (two finger scroll, pinch, rotate, swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag) -- the 17-Inch "Early 2008/Penryn" MacBook Pro effectively is externally identical compared to the previously released "MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 17-Inch (Mid-2007/Santa Rosa) that it replaced. The "MagSafe" power connector and integrated iSight video camera also remain (the previously bundled Apple Remote is a US$19 extra).
Connectivity likewise includes the same ExpressCard/34 slot, AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire "400" port, Firewire "800" port, three USB 2.0 ports, optical digital audio in/out, and DVI out (Bluetooth has been upgraded to the 2.1+EDR standard).
Internally, however, the "Early 2008/Penryn" models use modestly faster and more energy-efficient 45 nm "Penryn" processors -- compared to 65 nm "Merom" processors in the "Mid-2007 Santa Rosa" series -- larger 6 MB level 2 caches (on the 2.5 GHz and faster models, compared to 4 MB caches on their predecessors, albeit the 2.4 GHz model has a 3 MB cache), more video memory (256 MB or 512 MB, compared to 128 MB or 256 MB), and larger stock hard drives.
Apple also offered this model with a 2.6 GHz "Core 2 Duo" (T9500) processor via custom configuration for an additional US$250.
Also see:
- What are the differences between the MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo "Early 2008/Penryn" models?
- What is the difference between the MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo "Early 2008/Penryn" models and the previous MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo "Mid-2007/Santa Rosa" 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: |
February 26, 2008* |
Discontinued Date: |
January 6, 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.
*On October 14, 2008, Apple boosted the standard RAM to 4 GB and the hard drive to 320 GB, but kept the same Order Number for this model.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2008. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
3287 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
3712 |
| 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 MacBookPro4,1 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): |
1291 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
2244 |
| 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 MacBookPro4,1 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): |
1323 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
2318 |
| 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 MacBookPro4,1 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): |
1633 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
2758 |
| 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 MacBookPro4,1 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): |
279 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
494 |
| 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 MacBookPro4,1 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: |
2.5 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core 2 Duo (T9300) |
| Details: |
The Intel "Core 2 Duo" (T9300) 45 nm "Penryn" processor includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip.
Also see: How much faster are the MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo "Early 2008/Penryn" models compared to the "Mid-2007/Santa Rosa" models that they replaced? |
| Turbo Boost: |
N/A |
Custom Speeds: |
2.6 GHz |
| Details: |
Apple additionally offered this model with a 2.6 GHz "Core 2 Duo" (T9500) processor via custom configuration for an additional US$250.
As requested by readers, EveryMac.com also has documented this custom configuration as its own model. |
| Processor Upgrade: |
Soldered |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
Also see: Is the CPU on the MacBook Pro upgradable? |
| System Bus Speed: |
800 MHz |
Cache Bus Speed: |
2.5 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 Pro have a ROM or BIOS? |
| 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: |
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 Pro? How much RAM of what type does it support? |
| Standard RAM: |
2 GB, 4 GB* |
Maximum RAM: |
6 GB** |
| Motherboard RAM: |
None |
RAM Slots: |
2 |
| Video Card: |
GeForce 8600M GT |
VRAM Type: |
GDDR3 SDRAM |
| Details: |
The NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 512 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM uses a 16 lane PCI Express bus. |
| Standard VRAM: |
512 MB |
Maximum VRAM: |
512 MB |
| Built-in Display: |
17.0" Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
1680x1050* |
| Details: |
17.0" color "antiglare widescreen TFT display" with a 1680 by 1050 native resolution. Apple reports that the default display also supports "1280 by 800, 1152 by 720, 1024 by 640, and 800 by 500 at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1280 by 1024 at 5:4 aspect ratio; 1280 by 1024 at 5:4 aspect ratio stretched; 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 at 4:3 aspect ratio; 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 at 4:3 aspect ratio stretched; 720 by 480 at 3:2 aspect ratio; 720 by 480 at 3:2 aspect ratio stretched".
*A higher-resolution 1920x1200 LED-backlit "antiglare" or "glossy" display is available by custom order. Apple reports that this display additionally supports "1680 by 1050, 1280 by 800, 1152 by 720, 1024 by 640, and 800 by 500 at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1280 by 1024 at 5:4 aspect ratio; 1280 by 1024 at 5:4 aspect ratio stretched; 1600 by 1200, 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 at 4:3 aspect ratio; 1600 by 1200, 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 at 4:3 aspect ratio stretched; 720 by 480 at 3:2 aspect ratio; 720 by 480 at 3:2 aspect ratio stretched".
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|
| 2nd Display Support: |
Dual/Mirroring |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
2560x1600 |
| Details: |
Simultaneously supports native resolution on the internal display and a maximum of 2560x1600 on an external display. |
| Standard Storage: |
250, 320 GB* HDD |
Std. Storage Speed: |
5400 RPM |
| 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 the 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, DVD+RW; 24x CD." |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
10/100/1000Base-T |
| Details: |
An 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: |
3 (2.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
1 (400), 1 (800) |
| Details: |
Three 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports. One Firewire "400" port, one 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 |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the integrated keyboard has "78 (US) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement)." It also includes a fiber-optic-based "ambient light sensor" that automatically "measures ambient light and works with integrated software to adjust keyboard illumination and screen brightness based on user preferences".
The trackpad features "multi-touch gesture support for precise cursor control; [and] supports two-finger scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities."
Also see: What is the difference between the "multi-touch gesture" trackpad and the trackpad used in earlier Apple notebooks? |
| Case Type: |
Notebook |
Form Factor: |
MacBook Pro 17" |
| Apple Order No: |
MB166LL/A* |
Apple Subfamily: |
Early/Late 2008 |
| Details: |
MB166LL/A refers to the original configuration with 2 GB of RAM and a 250 GB hard drive. On October 14, 2008, Apple boosted the RAM to 4 GB and the hard drive to 320 GB and assigned the new order number MB766LL/A. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1261 (EMC 2199) |
Model ID: |
MacBookPro4,1 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A1261 Model Number, the 2199 EMC Number, and the MacBookPro4,1 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: |
68 W h Li-Poly |
Battery Life: |
4.5 Hours |
| Details: |
For previous MacBook Pro models, Apple provided estimated battery life for usage without wireless, but for the "Early 2008/Penryn" models the company decided to report battery life in terms of "wireless productivity". The company notes that battery life "depends on configuration and use" and the "wireless productivity test measured battery life by wirelessly browsing various websites and editing text in a word processing document with display brightness set to 50%".
Also see: How long is the battery life of the MacBook Pro in real-world tests?
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 10.5.2 (9C2018) |
Maximum MacOS: |
X 10.11.6* |
| Details: |
*This system can run the last version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion" and OS X 10.9 "Mavericks" although it does not support the AirDrop, AirPlay Mirroring, or Power Nap features. It also supports the last version of OS X 10.10 "Yosemite" and OS X 10.11 "El Capitan," but no advanced features are supported. It is not supported booting into 64-bit mode when running Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard," either. It does support "OpenCL" and Grand Central Dispatch, though. It is not supported running macOS Sierra (10.12) or subsequent versions of the macOS at all.
Please also 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: |
1.0 x 15.4 x 10.4 |
Avg. Weight: |
6.8 lbs. (3.08 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches while closed - height by width by depth, (2.59 cm, 39.2 cm, 26.5 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$2799* |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$150-US$200 |
| Details: |
*Apple also offered this model with a 2.6 GHz "Core 2 Duo" (T9500) processor via custom configuration for an additional US$250. On October 14, 2008, Apple boosted the standard configuration to include 4 GB of RAM and a 320 GB hard drive.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
Global original prices for the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.5 17" (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$2899 |
Brazil: |
R$9.999 |
| Mexico: |
N/A |
United States: |
US$2799* |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€2499 |
Belgium: |
€2499 |
| Denmark: |
N/A |
Finland: |
€2499 |
| France: |
€2499 |
Germany: |
€2499 |
| Ireland: |
€2499 |
Italy: |
€2499 |
| Luxembourg: |
N/A |
Netherlands: |
€2499 |
| Norway: |
NOK 21.490 |
Portugal: |
€2499 |
| Spain: |
€2399 |
Sweden: |
SEK 24.495 |
| Switzerland: |
N/A |
United Kingdom: |
£1799 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 24,998 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$21,500 |
| India: |
N/A |
Indonesia: |
N/A |
| Japan: |
¥329,800 |
Korea: |
N/A |
| Malaysia: |
N/A |
The Philippines: |
N/A |
| Singapore: |
S$4,388 |
Taiwan: |
NT$97,900 |
| Thailand: |
N/A |
Vietnam: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$3799 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$4499 |
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 (DVI) 
None 
None 
None 
None
None
3 (2.0)
1 (400), 1 (800)
1 (RJ-45)
None
1
1 (Internal)
1
1
1
1
None
N/A
1