MacBook Pro 17" Core Duo

Background

The MacBook Pro 17" Core Duo features an Intel processor and large widescreen display

The MacBook Pro 17" Core Duo's case was composed of aluminum, just like the PowerBook G4 before it. However, some precedents were set by the MacBook Pro 17" Core Duo. Apple included a built-in web camera called iSight, and the laptops included MagSafe power connectors.

The MacBook Pro 17" Core Duo was replaced six months later by the MacBook Pro 17" Core 2 Duo, which offered a better processor, improved Airport, and a larger RAM maximum capacity.

Identification

The MacBook Pro 17" Core Duo is the only MacBook Pro 17" with a Core Duo processor (later MacBook Pros use Core 2 Duo processors). If your MacBook Pro turns on, you can verify that you have a Core Duo version by checking the processor information through "About This Mac" in the Apple menu. If your MacBook Pro no longer boots, the laptop identification system will help you identify your machine.

Featured Guides

These commonly performed installations are all relatively easy:

• Airport Extreme card
• Hard drive replacement
• Optical drive replacement

Guides

A

Airport Extreme

B

Battery

Battery Connector

D

Display

E

ExpressCard Cage

H

Hard Drive Replacement

Heat Sink

K

Keyboard

L...

Left Fan

...L

Left I/O Board

Left I/O Board Cable

Left Speaker

Logic Board

Logic Board Replacement

Lower Case

O

Optical Drive

Optical Drive Replacement

P

PRAM Battery

R

RAM

RAM Shield

Right Fan

Right Speaker

Right Thermal Sensor

U

Upper Case

Upper Case Replacement

Troubleshooting

You can troubleshoot many common hardware problems using the MacBook Pro 17" Troubleshooting Guide.

Upgrades

There are a number of components in the MacBook Pro 17" Core Duo that can be cost effectively upgraded.

• Memory: MacBook Pro 17" Core Duos came with 1 GB of RAM standard. If your MacBook Pro is still running with only the stock RAM, upgrading will provide a dramatic performance boost. Upgrading to the maximum of 2 GB can be done very easily.
• Hard Drive: 100 or 120 GB hard drives came standard with the MacBook Pro 17" Core Duo. You can upgrade the drive up to 500 GB.
• Battery: Replacing the battery requires no special tools to release the battery latch. The battery can be replaced in less than 30 seconds.
• Airport: The MacBook Pro 17" Core Duo shipped with an 802.11g Airport card, but the stock card can be replaced with an different card, giving you 802.11n capability.

Additional Information

• iFixit: List of Troubleshooting Guides
• iFixit: DIY Laptop Upgrades
• Wikipedia: MacBook Pro Page
• Mactracker: Application with Apple Product Specs
• EveryMac: MacBook Pro Product Specs
• Apple: MacBook Pro