Apple MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 15" (Unibody) Specs
Identifiers: Late 2008 - MB471LL/A - MacBookPro5,1 - A1286 - 2255
All MacBook Pro Models | All 2008 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
With a black and silver design reminiscent of the Aluminum iMac models, the "Unibody" MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" (Late 2008) models have an all new case design milled from a single block of aluminum that provides greater strength and a superior finish than previous systems.
The Apple MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 15-Inch (Unibody - Late 2008) features a 45 nm "Penryn" 2.53 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" processor (T9400), 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.
In addition to the new case design, compared to the "Early 2008/Penryn" models that these replaced, the "Unibody" line offers a new "no button" glass "multi-touch" trackpad with support for new "four finger" gestures and programmable "zones", a faster architecture with a faster system bus, faster memory, and perhaps most notably, faster and dual graphics processors.
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
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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: |
October 14, 2008 |
Discontinued Date: |
March 3, 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 2008. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
3411 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
3832 |
| 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): |
1376 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
2412 |
| 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): |
1495 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
2580 |
| 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): |
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 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): |
312 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
541 |
| 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: |
2.53 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core 2 Duo (T9400) |
| Details: |
*The Intel "Core 2 Duo" 45 nm "Penryn" (T9400) 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: |
2.8 GHz |
| Details: |
Apple additionally offered this model with a 2.8 GHz "Core 2 Duo" (T9600) 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: |
2.53 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
1066 MHz frontside bus. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| 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 "Late 2008/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 was installed as two 2 GB modules, no slots free.
*Apple officially supports a maximum of 4 GB of RAM. Originally, this model was only unofficially capable of stably supporting 6 GB of RAM, but as confirmed by site sponsor OWC, it is capable of supporting 8 GB of RAM if updated to Boot ROM Version MBP51.007E.B05 and running MacOS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard" or higher.
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 |
| 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: |
An external Apple USB Modem (56.6k v.92) was available 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 " 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: |
MB471LL/A |
Apple Subfamily: |
Late 2008 |
| Details: |
The Apple order number should be unique to this system. |
| 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 10.5.5 (9F2114) |
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 2.53 GHz processor. Apple also offered this model with a 2.8 GHz "Core 2 Duo" (T9600) processor via custom configuration for an additional US$300.
Photo Credit: Apple Computer. |
Global original prices for the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 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.
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the MacBook Pro models follow.
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1 (Mini DisplayPort) 
None 
None 
None 
None
None
2 (2.0)
1 (800)
1 (RJ-45)
None
None
1 (Internal)
1
1
1
1
None
N/A
1