MacBook Pro Retina Early 2013

The MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.8 15-Inch (Early 2013 Retina Display) was initially a "configure-to-order" option for both the 2.4 and 2.7 15-Inch models but later became a standard configuration. The main difference from the regular models is the processor and its larger L3 cache, though memory and storage could also be configured differently.

This model features a 22 nm "Ivy Bridge" 2.8 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (3840QM) with four independent cores, an 8 MB shared L3 cache, and 8 GB or 16 GB of non-upgradable onboard 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM. It includes 256 GB, 512 GB, or 768 GB of flash storage (the standard ME698LL/A configuration had 16 GB RAM and 768 GB storage) and dual graphics processors: a NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory and an integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000. It also has a 720p FaceTime HD webcam and a high-resolution 15.4-inch LED-backlit widescreen 2880x1800 (220 ppi) "retina" display in a sleek, thin case weighing just under 4.5 pounds (2.02 kg). It lacked an internal optical drive.

Connectivity includes 3-stream AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports, two "Thunderbolt" ports, an HDMI port, an audio in/out port, and an SDXC card slot. Gigabit Ethernet and Firewire "800" require extra-cost adapters. In addition, this model has a backlit keyboard, a "no button" glass "inertial" multi-touch trackpad, a "MagSafe 2" power adapter, and an internal, glued-in battery with an estimated 7-hour life.

As the ultimate custom configuration for the Early 2013 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro, this 2.8 GHz Core i7 model represented the absolute peak of Ivy Bridge performance in a notebook. It was a machine for professionals who needed the fastest possible CPU for intensive tasks. Paired with the dedicated NVIDIA graphics and the stunning Retina display, it was an incredibly powerful workstation. However, being an iterative update, it was quickly overshadowed by the Late 2013 models, which brought the significant battery life and storage speed improvements of the Haswell architecture. This made its reign as the top-tier option very brief, positioning it as a powerful but short-lived king.