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Apple MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.5 15" Mid-2014 (DG) Specs

Identifiers: Retina Mid-2014 15" - MGXC2LL/A - MacBookPro11,3 - A1398 - 2881

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Apple MacBook Pro Retina 15-Inch Mid-2014The MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.5 15-Inch (Dual Graphics - Mid-2014 Retina Display) features a 22 nm "Haswell/Crystalwell" 2.5 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (4870HQ), with four independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip, a 6 MB shared level 3 cache, 16 GB of onboard 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM (which cannot be upgraded later), 512 GB of PCIe-based flash storage, and dual graphics processors -- a NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 2 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory and an integrated Intel Iris 5200 Pro graphics processor with 128 MB of "Crystalwell" embedded DRAM (and shared system memory). It also has an integrated 720p FaceTime HD webcam and a high-resolution LED-backlit 15.4" widescreen 2880x1800 (220 ppi) "Retina" display in a case that weighs just less than 4.5 pounds (2.02 kg). It does not have an internal optical drive.

Connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports, two "Thunderbolt 2" ports, an HDMI port, an audio in/out port, and an SDXC card slot.

In addition, this model has a backlit keyboard, a "no button" glass "inertial" multi-touch trackpad, a "MagSafe 2" power adapter, and an internal, sealed battery that provides an Apple estimated 8 hours of battery life.

Compared to its predecessor, this model practically is identical, but it has a faster processor, some different identifiers, and a lower introductory price.

Also see:

  • What are all the differences between the 13-Inch and 15-Inch "Mid-2014" Retina Display MacBook Pro models?
  • What are all the differences between the "Mid-2014" Retina Display MacBook Pro models and the "Late 2013" models 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.


July 29, 2014 May 19, 2015
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 2014.
1 (4 Cores) 64-Bit
Details: Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.
12860 14835
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 MacBookPro11,3 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.
3237 12241
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 MacBookPro11,3 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.
3607 14074
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 MacBookPro11,3 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.
4080 13728
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 MacBookPro11,3 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.
863 3186
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 MacBookPro11,3 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.
2.5 GHz Core i7 (I7-4870HQ)
Details: This model is powered by a 22 nm, 64-bit "Fourth Generation" Intel Mobile Core i7 "Haswell/Crystalwell" (I7-4870HQ) processor which includes four independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 6 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 13-Inch and 15-Inch "Mid-2014" MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models replaced? How fast are they compared to the MacBook Air?
3.7 GHz 2.8 GHz*
Details: *This model also could be custom configured with a 2.8 GHz Core i7 (I7-4980HQ) for an extra US$200.

As requested by readers, EveryMac.com also has documented this custom configuration as its own model.
Soldered Integrated
Details: Also see: Can you upgrade the processor in the Retina Display MacBook Pro models?
5 GT/s (DMI2)* 2.5 GHz (Built-in)
Details: *This system has a "Direct Media Interface" -- specifically DMI2 -- that "connects between the processor and chipset" in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 5 GT/s.
EFI 64-Bit
Details: N/A
32k/32k x4 256k x4, 6 MB*
Details: *Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 6 MB of shared level 3 cache.
DDR3L SDRAM* 1600 MHz
Details: Shipped standard with 16 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM onboard.
16 GB 16 GB
Details: 16 GB of RAM is onboard and cannot be upgraded to a higher capacity at the initial time of system purchase or later.

Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.
16 GB None
Details: There are no RAM slots. 16 GB of RAM is onboard.
GeForce GT 750M* GDDR5
Details: *This model has dual graphics processors -- a NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 2 GB of dedicated GDDR5 SDRAM and an Intel Iris Pro 5200 with 128 MB of "Crystalwell" embedded DRAM (and shared system memory). 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 NVIDIA graphics, otherwise it will use the integrated Intel graphics to conserve battery life).

Also see: Is there a "hack" to switch between graphics processors on the Retina Display MacBook Pro models manually?
2 GB* 2 GB*
Details: *The NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M graphics processor has 2 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory. The "integrated" Intel Iris Pro 5200 graphics processor shares 1 GB of memory with the system for graphics function, but also has 128 MB of "Crystalwell" embedded DRAM on the CPU package to provide more memory bandwidth than earlier integrated graphics solutions.
15.4" Widescreen 2880x1800
Details: This model has a 15.4" color widescreen LED-backlit display with IPS technology with a 2880 by 1800 native resolution at 220 ppi (178-degree viewing angle). It also supports scaled resolutions of 1920 by 1200, 1680 by 1050, 1280 by 800, and 1024 by 640.

Also see: How can you "force" or "hack" the Retina Display MacBook Pro models to run at the native resolution or otherwise fit more on screen than by default?

In the US, site sponsor AppleParts.io offers mail-in repair services, as well as parts for do-it-yourself repair for this this MacBook Pro.

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.
Dual/Mirroring* 2560x1600 (x2*)
Details: *This model supports a simultaneous maximum resolution up to 2560x1600 on two external displays via Thunderbolt. Alternately, it can support a single display up to 2560x1600 via Thunderbolt and a single 1080p display at up to 60 Hz, 3840x2160 at 30 Hz, or 4096x2160 at 24 Hz via HDMI.

Also see: How many external displays can the Retina Display MacBook Pro models support? What is the maximum supported resolution of each? Are adapters required?
512 GB SSD 672/719 MB/s*
Details: At the time of purchase, this model also could be configured with 1 TB of flash storage for an additional US$500.

Apple does not intend for one to upgrade the storage after purchase, but it is quite possible.

Also see: How do you upgrade or replace the storage in the 15-Inch Retina Display "Late 2013" MacBook Pro? Is it the same storage and process as other Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Is it possible?

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.
Proprietary Proprietary* (PCIe 2.0 x4)
Details: *As first documented by site sponsor OWC, the default SSD in this model has a PCIe-based SSD (PCIe 2.0 x2). However, third-parties have subsequently determined that the underlying system supports a compatible, faster PCIe 2.0 x4 SSD.
None* None
Details: *This MacBook Pro does not have an internal optical drive. Site sponsor Adorama offers the external Apple USB SuperDrive for US$79. It writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL at 4X, DVD-R and DVD+R at 8X, DVD-RW at 6X, DVD+RW at 8X, reads DVD at 8X, writes CD-R at 24X, writes CD-RW at 16X, and reads CD at 24X.

Site sponsor Other World Computing also has a variety of compact external optical drive options that may be of interest, including some with Blu-ray capability.

Also see: What are the full capabilities of the external SuperDrive available for this MacBook Pro? Can it be used with other Macs?
None None*
Details: *This model does not have an internal Ethernet port. However, an Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet adapter is available.
802.11ac 4.0
Details: 802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n compatible) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard.

Also see: What is 802.11ac? How is it different from 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n?
2 (3.0) None
Details: Two USB 3.0 ports (up to 5 Gbps). It does not have a Firewire port although an Apple Thunderbolt to Firewire adapter is available.
SDXC Card Slot 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?
Full-size Trackpad (Inertial)
Details: Apple reports that the integrated keyboard has "78 (US) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement) with ambient light sensor."

The multi-touch trackpad supports "inertial scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, three-finger swipe, four-finger swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities."
Notebook MacBook Pro (Retina)
Details: This MacBook Pro uses a thin black and silver "unibody" case design milled from a single piece of aluminum with a "catchless" magnetic latch.
MGXC2LL/A Retina Mid-2014 15"
Details: The Apple order number should be unique to this system.
A1398 (EMC 2881) MacBookPro11,3
Details: Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.

Also see: All Macs with the A1398 Model Number, the 2881 EMC Number, and the MacBookPro11,3 Model Identifier.

For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section.
95 W h Li-Poly 8 Hours
Details: Apple reports that this model has a "95-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery" that provides "up to 8 hours of wireless web" use. It cannot be upgraded by an end-user.

Also see: How do you replace the battery in the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? Is it possible?

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.
X 10.9.4 (13E28) 11 (Big Sur)*
Details: *This system fully supports the final version of OS X 10.9 "Mavericks," OS X 10.10 "Yosemite," OS X 10.11 "El Capitan," macOS Sierra (10.12), and macOS High Sierra (10.13). Running macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later, it supports HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), but it does not support hardware accelerated HEVC.

This model also is compatible with the final version of macOS Mojave (10.14), macOS Catalina (10.15), and macOS Big Sur (macOS 11), as well. It is not compatible with macOS Monterey (macOS 12) or subsequent versions of the macOS.

Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Big Sur (macOS 11)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features?
7 (64-Bit)* 10 (64-Bit)*
Details: *The pre-installed version of Apple's Boot Camp BCA supports the 64-bit version of Windows 7 and Windows 8. Boot Camp 6 supports the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported.
None 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.
0.71 x 14.13 x 9.73 4.46 lbs (2.02 kg)
Details: In inches while closed - height by width by depth, (1.8 cm, 35.89 cm, 24.71 cm).
US$2499 US$300-US$450
Details: Photo Credit: Apple Computer.



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.


2 (Thunderbolt 2), 1 (HDMI) None
Details: This model has two Thunderbolt 2 ports as well as an HDMI port.

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells Thunderbolt docks and external drives compatible with this Mac and just about all others.

Also see: How many external displays can the Retina Display MacBook Pro models support? What is the maximum supported resolution of each? Are adapters required?
None None
Details: N/A
None None
Details: N/A
2 (3.0) None
Details: Two USB 3.0 ports (up to 5 Gbps). It does not have a Firewire port although an Apple Thunderbolt to Firewire adapter is available.
None None
Details: No internal modem or Ethernet, although an Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet adapter is available. 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 are standard.
None None
Details: N/A
2 (Internal) 1
Details: Dual internal microphones on the left hand side of the notebook. Has a single headphone jack that also supports audio line out (digital/analog) and the Apple iPhone headset with remote and microphone.
1 1
Details: Has a single headphone jack that also supports audio line out (digital/analog).
None None
Details: N/A
N/A 1
Details: 100V-240V AC, 85W "MagSafe 2" power adapter.

Global original prices for the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.5 15" Mid-2014 (DG) 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

C$2699 R$12.499
MXN $39,999 US$2499

Original Prices - Europe

€2499 €2529
DKK 18,999 €2549
€2499 €2499
€2549 €2529
€2403,59 €2529
NOK 20.990 €2549
€2529 SEK 23.495
CHF 2'699 £1999

Original Prices - Asia

RMB 17,988 HK$18,888
Rs 179,900 Rp 31,999,000
¥248,800 KRW 2,990,000
RM 7,899 PHP 124,990
S$3,288 NT$79,900
THB 84,900 VND 57,999,000

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

A$2999 NZ$3499

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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