MacBook Pro Early 2011 15"

The MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.3 15-Inch (Early 2011) is a "configure-to-order" version of the 2.2 15-Inch (Early 2011) model, also documented separately for clarity. Apart from the processor and its larger L3 cache, these two models are identical.

This MacBook Pro is powered by a 32 nm "Sandy Bridge" 2.3 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (2820QM), with four independent cores on a single chip and an 8 MB shared L3 cache. It comes with 4 GB of 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-10600) in pairs, a 750 GB Serial ATA (5400 RPM) hard drive, an 8X DL "SuperDrive," and dual graphics processors: an AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 1 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory and an Intel HD Graphics 3000 sharing 384 MB of system memory. It also has an integrated FaceTime HD webcam.

The standard configuration has an LED-backlit 15.4-inch widescreen TFT active-matrix "glossy" display (1440x900), with custom options for a "high-resolution glossy" 1680x1050 or "high-resolution antiglare" 1680x1050 display for an extra US$100 and US$150, respectively.

Connectivity includes AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, a FireWire "800" port, two USB 2.0 ports, separate audio in/out ports, an SDXC card slot, and a new "Thunderbolt" port. This port is backward compatible with Mini DisplayPort, supports external displays up to 2560x1600, passes audio, and works with other Thunderbolt peripherals at up to 10 Gbps.

This model uses a "Unibody" aluminum case, a backlit keyboard, a "no button" glass "inertial" multi-touch trackpad, and a non-swappable battery with an estimated 7-hour life. Compared to its predecessor, it has a similar exterior but adds a higher-resolution webcam and the Thunderbolt port. Internally, it boasts a significantly faster architecture, quicker RAM, and improved graphics.

As the top-tier build-to-order option for the Early 2011 15-inch MacBook Pro, this 2.3 GHz Core i7 model represented the pinnacle of performance at the time. The faster quad-core Sandy Bridge processor and larger L3 cache provided an extra edge for the most demanding professional workflows. It shared the same powerful AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics and the forward-thinking Thunderbolt port as the standard high-end model. This machine was the definitive choice for users who required maximum CPU power in a portable form factor. However, its long-term reliability was unfortunately compromised by the same widespread graphics card issues that plagued the entire 2011 15-inch and 17-inch lineup, casting a shadow over what was otherwise an exceptionally powerful computer.