Apple MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.8 15" Mid-2014 (DG) Specs
Identifiers: Retina Mid-2014 15" - MGXG2LL/A - MacBookPro11,3 - A1398 - 2881
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The MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.8 15-Inch (Dual Graphics - Mid-2014 Retina Display) originally was offered as a "configure-to-order" configuration of the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.5 15-Inch (Dual Graphics - Mid-2014 Retina Display), but it later was sold as a standard configuration, as well. Other than the processor, these models are identical.
The MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.8 15-Inch (Dual Graphics - Mid-2014 Retina Display) features a 22 nm "Haswell/Crystalwell" 2.8 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (4980HQ), 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 (or 1 TB of flash storage for the standard MGXG2LL/A configuration), 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.
| Introduction Date: |
July 29, 2014 |
Discontinued Date: |
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. |
| Processors: |
1 (4 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
14032 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
15875 |
| 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. |
| Geekbench 3 (32): |
3517 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
13188 |
| 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. |
| Geekbench 3 (64): |
3931 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
14701 |
| 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. |
| Geekbench 4 (SC): |
4327 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
14325 |
| 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. |
| Geekbench 5 (SC): |
919 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
3261 |
| 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. |
| Processor Speed: |
2.8 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core i7 (I7-4980HQ) |
| Details: |
This model is powered by a 22 nm, 64-bit "Fourth Generation" Intel Mobile Core i7 "Haswell/Crystalwell" (I7-4980HQ) 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 4.0 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? |
| Turbo Boost: |
4.0 GHz |
Custom Speeds: |
N/A |
| Processor Upgrade: |
Soldered |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
Also see: Can you upgrade the processor in the Retina Display MacBook Pro models? |
| System Bus Speed: |
5 GT/s (DMI2)* |
Cache Bus Speed: |
2.8 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. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/32k x4 |
L2/L3 Cache: |
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. |
| RAM Type: |
DDR3L SDRAM* |
Min. RAM Speed: |
1600 MHz |
| Details: |
Shipped standard with 16 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM onboard. |
| Standard RAM: |
16 GB |
Maximum RAM: |
16 GB |
| Motherboard RAM: |
16 GB |
RAM Slots: |
None |
| Details: |
There are no RAM slots. 16 GB of RAM is onboard. |
| Video Card: |
GeForce GT 750M* |
VRAM Type: |
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? |
| Standard VRAM: |
2 GB* |
Maximum VRAM: |
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. |
| Built-in Display: |
15.4" Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
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. |
| 2nd Display Support: |
Dual/Mirroring* |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
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? |
| Standard Storage: |
512 GB SSD* |
Std. Storage Speed: |
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. The standard MGXG2LL/A configuration shipped with 1 TB of flash storage by default.
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. |
| Storage Dimensions: |
Proprietary |
Storage Interface: |
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. |
| Standard Optical: |
None* |
Standard Disk: |
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? |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
None* |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11ac |
Standard Bluetooth: |
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? |
| USB Ports: |
2 (3.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
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. |
| Expansion Slots: |
SDXC Card Slot |
Expansion Bays: |
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? |
| Incl. Keyboard: |
Full-size |
Incl. Input: |
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." |
| Case Type: |
Notebook |
Form Factor: |
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. |
| Apple Order No: |
MGXG2LL/A |
Apple Subfamily: |
Retina Mid-2014 15" |
| Details: |
This Apple order number should be unique to this model. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1398 (EMC 2881) |
Model ID: |
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. |
| Battery Type: |
95 W h Li-Poly |
Battery Life: |
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. |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: |
X 10.9.4 (13E28) |
Maximum MacOS: |
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? |
| Minimum Windows: |
7 (64-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
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. |
| 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: |
0.71 x 14.13 x 9.73 |
Avg. Weight: |
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). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$2699* |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$300-US$450 |
Global original prices for the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.8 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
| Canada: |
C$2899 |
Brazil: |
R$13.649 |
| Mexico: |
MXN $42,999 |
United States: |
US$2699* |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€2699 |
Belgium: |
€2729 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 20,519 |
Finland: |
€2749 |
| France: |
€2699 |
Germany: |
€2699 |
| Ireland: |
€2749 |
Italy: |
€2729 |
| Luxembourg: |
€2593,68 |
Netherlands: |
€2729 |
| Norway: |
NOK 22.710 |
Portugal: |
€2749 |
| Spain: |
€2729 |
Sweden: |
SEK 25.295 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 2'919 |
United Kingdom: |
£2149 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 19,488 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$20,388 |
| India: |
N/A |
Indonesia: |
N/A |
| Japan: |
¥269,800 |
Korea: |
KRW 3,259,200 |
| Malaysia: |
RM 8,579 |
The Philippines: |
PHP 134,990 |
| Singapore: |
S$3,568 |
Taiwan: |
NT$86,420 |
| Thailand: |
THB 91,460 |
Vietnam: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$3249 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$3819 |
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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2 (Thunderbolt 2), 1 (HDMI) 
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2 (3.0)
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2 (Internal)
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