MacBook Pro Retina Early 2013

The MacBook Pro "Core i7" 3.0 13-Inch (Early 2013 Retina Display) is a custom-ordered version of the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.6 13-Inch model from the same period, but it is also documented separately for user convenience. The processor and its corresponding larger level 3 cache are the only differences between the two models.

This MacBook Pro is equipped with a 22 nm "Ivy Bridge" 3.0 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (3540M), featuring dual independent cores on a single chip, a 4 MB shared level 3 cache, and 8 GB of non-upgradable 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM. It has 256 GB of flash storage, an integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 processor that shares system memory, a built-in 720p FaceTime HD webcam, and a high-resolution 13.3" widescreen 2560x1600 (227 ppi) LED-backlit "retina" display. All of this is housed in a case that weighs a little over 3.5 pounds (1.62 kg). It does not have 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. It lacks Gigabit Ethernet and Firewire "800," but adapters were available for an extra cost.

Additionally, this model has a backlit keyboard, a "no button" glass "inertial" multi-touch trackpad, a "MagSafe 2" power adapter, and a sealed internal battery providing an Apple-estimated 7 hours of use.

As a custom-ordered upgrade, the Early 2013 13-inch MacBook Pro with a 3.0 GHz Core i7 'Ivy Bridge' processor provided a significant performance ceiling for the compact model. Users who opted for this build experienced faster processing speeds compared to the standard Core i5 configurations, making it a more capable machine for demanding applications. The Retina display remained a standout feature, delivering exceptional clarity and detail that was still a benchmark for the industry. While it sported a good selection of ports for its time, including two Thunderbolt ports and HDMI, its graphics performance relied on the integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000, which could be a bottleneck for graphically intensive tasks.