MacBook Pro Early 2011 17"

The MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.3 17-Inch (Early 2011) is a "configure-to-order" version of the 2.2 17-Inch 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 features a 17.0-inch LED-backlit widescreen TFT active-matrix "glossy" display (1920x1200), with an "anti-glare" (matte) display available for an extra US$50.

Connectivity includes AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, a FireWire "800" port, three USB 2.0 ports, separate audio in/out ports, an ExpressCard/34 expansion 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 highest-performance custom configuration, the 2.3 GHz Core i7 17-inch MacBook Pro from Early 2011 was the absolute pinnacle of Apple's notebook line. It delivered maximum processing power for professionals who needed a true desktop replacement with a vast screen. The combination of the fastest available quad-core Sandy Bridge CPU, ample L3 cache, and the powerful AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics made it unrivaled for intensive tasks. Its extensive connectivity, including the new Thunderbolt port and a valuable ExpressCard/34 slot, was highly praised. However, like its siblings from that year, its otherwise stellar reputation was later overshadowed by the notorious and widespread graphics card failures, which became a significant issue for this ultimate mobile workstation.