MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Teardown

http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/idqWIlSS1oa46CYg Luke Soules Very easy MacBook Pro 17" Unibody

Our MacBook Pro 17" Unibody arrived on February 17. We immediately got to work disassembling it and posting teardown photos here. We comment on interesting changes and show some comparisons with other MacBook parts.

Tools

Phillips 00 Screwdriver Spudger T6 Torx Screwdriver Tri-wing Screwdriver We have it! Our patience has been severely tested by the month-long wait for this MacBook Pro 17". We have it! Our patience has been severely tested by the month-long wait for this MacBook Pro 17". We'll post updates on <a href="http://twitter.com/ifixit" rel="nofollow">twitter</a> about interesting things that we discover as we go. We'll also post interesting notes in our <a href="/blog">blog</a> over the next few days. We'll post updates on [http://twitter.com/ifixit|twitter] about interesting things that we discover as we go. We'll also post interesting notes in our [link|/blog|blog] over the next few days. Feel free to comment on specific steps as we go. If you have requests to see specific parts, we'll do our best to accommodate. There's also a <a href="http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Discuss/thread/34">discussion going</a> in our forum. Feel free to comment on specific steps as we go. If you have requests to see specific parts, we'll do our best to accommodate. There's also a [http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Discuss/thread/34|discussion going] in our forum. <a href="http://digg.com/apple/New_17_MacBook_Pro_Disassembly_in_Pictures" rel="nofollow">Digg this</a>. [link|http://digg.com/apple/New_17_MacBook_Pro_Disassembly_in_Pictures|Digg this]. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/idqWIlSS1oa46CYg http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/FWvkHcKb2T4jMoDY http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/dN41EryNHtwXuHjH Look at all the accessories you get for $2799! Look at all the accessories you get for $2799! An 85-watt power adapter An 85-watt power adapter An 87 page user's manual An 87 page user's manual Two software restore DVDs Two software restore DVDs One small black cleaning cloth One small black cleaning cloth We were half-expecting Tim Cook to jump out of the box. Didn't happen. We were half-expecting Tim Cook to jump out of the box. Didn't happen. There is NO Mini DisplayPort adapter included. That'll be $29, please. There is NO Mini DisplayPort adapter included. That'll be $29, please. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/GuRKoVBApQ6EAVh3 Physical dimensions: 0.98 x 15.47 x 10.51 inches and 6.6 pounds. Physical dimensions: 0.98 x 15.47 x 10.51 inches and 6.6 pounds. For comparison, the 15" model measures 0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82 inches and 5.5 pounds. For comparison, the 15" model measures 0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82 inches and 5.5 pounds. There's something almost <em>spiritual</em> about the blackness of that screen. Much to our dismay, it is not full of stars and David Bowman is nowhere to be found. There's something almost ''spiritual'' about the blackness of that screen. Much to our dismay, it is not full of stars and David Bowman is nowhere to be found. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/BmMwDJIMJuOrOrcv Tidbits from Apple System profiler: Tidbits from Apple System profiler: 12,820 mAh capacity. Yes, that's 12.8 AMP HOURS. Let's hope it actually lasts the 1,000 discharge cycles that Apple claims. 12,820 mAh capacity. Yes, that's 12.8 AMP HOURS. Let's hope it actually lasts the 1,000 discharge cycles that Apple claims. Our battery already had 3 cycles on it! I wonder if the famous <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5041901/phew-cute-iphone-factory-girl-didnt-get-fired" rel="nofollow">factory girl</a> tested ours. Our battery already had 3 cycles on it! I wonder if the famous [http://gizmodo.com/5041901/phew-cute-iphone-factory-girl-didnt-get-fired|factory girl] tested ours. A 2 GB DDR3 1067 MHz RAM chip is installed in each slot, as expected. A 2 GB DDR3 1067 MHz RAM chip is installed in each slot, as expected. The hard drive is a 320 GB Hitachi HTS543232L95A02 SATA drive using the NVIDIA MCP79 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Host_Controller_Interface">AHCI controller</a>. The hard drive is a 320 GB Hitachi HTS543232L95A02 SATA drive using the NVIDIA MCP79 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Host_Controller_Interface|AHCI controller]. The model that we bought has the 'low-end', 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 6MB on-chip shared L2 cache. The model that we bought has the 'low-end', 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 6MB on-chip shared L2 cache. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/pY2ODX3BpFvQDWiN The lower case. Apple's using wide, thin black rubber feet on the Unibody Pros, a departure from the small stubby bumpers on the Aluminum revisions. The lower case. Apple's using wide, thin black rubber feet on the Unibody Pros, a departure from the small stubby bumpers on the Aluminum revisions. There are ten Phillips screws around the perimeter of the lower case to remove: There are ten Phillips screws around the perimeter of the lower case to remove: Seven 3 mm screws Seven 3 mm screws Three 14 mm screws Three 14 mm screws Apple's user manual for this computer has instructions to remove the lower case. But they got the length of one of the screws wrong. We promise to get them right in our repair guide. Apple's user manual for this computer has instructions to remove the lower case. But they got the length of one of the screws wrong. We promise to get them right in our repair guide. The computer's serial number is engraved in the aluminum lower case, not the upper case like the other Unibody machines. The computer's serial number is engraved in the aluminum lower case, not the upper case like the other Unibody machines. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/4JHEKYQAyQ2VUWOO http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/fFtBgyOQ1odeAIW3 We removed the screws, and we're rotating off the lower case now. We removed the screws, and we're rotating off the lower case now. The second picture reveals the beautiful internals. Look how huge that battery is! The second picture reveals the beautiful internals. Look how huge that battery is! http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/jiRJP14xxwlSsMIq http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/sxKMnVcUksMysUGM Disconnecting the battery connector. Disconnecting the battery connector. It's probably a good idea to disconnect this cable before continuing to disassemble the machine. It's probably a good idea to disconnect this cable before continuing to disassemble the machine. The second photo is removing a 2 GB DDR3 RAM chip. The second photo is removing a 2 GB DDR3 RAM chip. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/HfK3TmaYNCCcKTl3 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/QVA1JQIPKswTHXwR To remove the hard drive, unscrew the two small Phillips screws holding the black plastic hard drive bracket to the chassis. Pull up on the white plastic tab and lift the hard drive out of the case, being careful not to strain the SATA cable. To remove the hard drive, unscrew the two small Phillips screws holding the black plastic hard drive bracket to the chassis. Pull up on the white plastic tab and lift the hard drive out of the case, being careful not to strain the SATA cable. Carefully disconnect the Serial ATA cable. Carefully disconnect the Serial ATA cable. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/bclBCAqpd4MJoBRX http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/uZHSEJMGLMDCBwMF http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Q5UxmmyaAFUuQ6D2 Ignoring all manufacturer warnings, we are removing the non-removable battery. Hold your breath! Ignoring all manufacturer warnings, we are removing the non-removable battery. Hold your breath! There are three tri-wing screws holding the battery to the Unibody case. There are three tri-wing screws holding the battery to the Unibody case. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Fm61BvJlShBSZqqO http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/MATQBRGei3w5YuWY Removed the battery! That was pretty easy. Removed the battery! That was pretty easy. It's only a matter of time until you'll be able to buy this battery online from companies like us. It's only a matter of time until you'll be able to buy this battery online from companies like us. Removing the battery in the 17" is reminiscent of the MacBook Air-- several screws to remove the lower case, a few screws on the battery, and it's free. Removing the battery in the 17" is reminiscent of the MacBook Air-- several screws to remove the lower case, a few screws on the battery, and it's free. The battery is Apple model #A1309, 7.3V 95Wh (12820 mAh). The battery is Apple model #A1309, 7.3V 95Wh (12820 mAh). Tree huggers everywhere will be relieved to know that it "contains no Mercury (Hg)." Tree huggers everywhere will be relieved to know that it "contains no Mercury (Hg)." The battery weighs 20.1 ounces (1.25 pounds or 570 grams). That's 20% of the computer's weight! The battery weighs 20.1 ounces (1.25 pounds or 570 grams). That's 20% of the computer's weight! http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Gf2GPJlfKvbLJLDZ The Bluetooth board is right behind the optical drive, next to the hinge. The Bluetooth board is right behind the optical drive, next to the hinge. It's very nice that Apple moved this out of the display assembly (where it is located in the MacBook Unibody and 15" MacBook Pro Unibody). No longer does a Unibody owner need to replace their entire display assembly ($$$) when their Bluetooth goes out. It's very nice that Apple moved this out of the display assembly (where it is located in the MacBook Unibody and 15" MacBook Pro Unibody). No longer does a Unibody owner need to replace their entire display assembly ($$$) when their Bluetooth goes out. It has an Anatel logo on it: BCM93046MD MINI 003WWA080264 FCC iD:QDS-BRCM1037. It has an Anatel logo on it: BCM93046MD MINI 003WWA080264 FCC iD:QDS-BRCM1037. Like the other Unibody machines, the Airport card is in the display assembly clutch cover. Like the other Unibody machines, the Airport card is in the display assembly clutch cover. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/hUIlcBPgPf1QNyKL http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/5bWUHjpbhEeatIDH http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/tLJISDX13WEOCFhl The 8x slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW). The 8x slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW). The internal design of this machine is pretty consistent with the 15" MacBook Pro. We'll be posting some part comparison shots later to show relative sizing. The internal design of this machine is pretty consistent with the 15" MacBook Pro. We'll be posting some part comparison shots later to show relative sizing. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/uhPMFjPcxcNrFiiq http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/1BZbolu4oQXKrMtL http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/BBSGlQoVkXKkqNnr The bottom of the logic board. The bottom of the logic board. The component density is amazing. Here's a <a href="http://s2.guide-images.ifixit.com/igi/RWkyciKuAxIHJCTb.huge">large version</a>. The component density is amazing. Here's a [link|http://s2.guide-images.ifixit.com/igi/RWkyciKuAxIHJCTb.huge|large version]. There are four Samsung K4J10324QD-HC12 chips, likely video RAM for the NVidia 9600 chipset. There are four Samsung K4J10324QD-HC12 chips, likely video RAM for the NVidia 9600 chipset. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/RWkyciKuAxIHJCTb On left: 15" Unibody fan. On right: 17" Unibody fan. Below: A North Carolina 'first-flight' quarter. On left: 15" Unibody fan. On right: 17" Unibody fan. Below: A North Carolina 'first-flight' quarter. The Sunon manufactured fan says 'MagLev' on it. That's interesting! Part #: <a href="http://www.tuvdotcom.com/pi/web/ProductCertificate.xml?strUrlId=1&strUserId=&strLevel=-1&LanguageSelected=en-us&gqm=&productid=870759&certificateid=424342&option=productcertificate&pageno=713998&certpageindex=713998" rel="nofollow">MG45070V1</a> The Sunon manufactured fan says 'MagLev' on it. That's interesting! Part #: [link|http://www.tuvdotcom.com/pi/web/ProductCertificate.xml?strUrlId=1&strUserId=&strLevel=-1&LanguageSelected=en-us&gqm=&productid=870759&certificateid=424342&option=productcertificate&pageno=713998&certpageindex=713998|MG45070V1] <a href="http://www.sunonusa.com/index2.asp?f=technology&p=maglev" rel="nofollow">Sunon's site</a> says, "By using magnetic levitation force (MagLev), these fans feature zero friction with no contact between shaft and bearing. With excellent rotational stability, the MagLev fan eliminates vibration and typical wobble and shaking typically experienced in fan motors. MagLev also provides excellent high temperature endurance that results in long life." [link|http://www.sunonusa.com/index2.asp?f=technology&p=maglev|Sunon's site] says, "By using magnetic levitation force (MagLev), these fans feature zero friction with no contact between shaft and bearing. With excellent rotational stability, the MagLev fan eliminates vibration and typical wobble and shaking typically experienced in fan motors. MagLev also provides excellent high temperature endurance that results in long life." Apple's used similar fans in MacBooks in the past. Apple's used similar fans in MacBooks in the past. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/bulyWdfBYQGYScq5 Removing the Phillips screws securing the perforated metal covers to the Unibody. These covers seem to protect the ribbon cable connections for the trackpad, keyboard, express card, and the serial ATA hard drive. Apple hasn't used metal shields like this before. Removing the Phillips screws securing the perforated metal covers to the Unibody. These covers seem to protect the ribbon cable connections for the trackpad, keyboard, express card, and the serial ATA hard drive. Apple hasn't used metal shields like this before. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/FHnxFQv1TuQoS2AO Bottom of logic board with fans removed. Bottom of logic board with fans removed. Disconnecting a number of connector cables: Disconnecting a number of connector cables: LVDS, keyboard backlight, iSight, speaker, IR/sleep sensor, trackpad, keyboard, Express card, hard drive, and battery indicator light LVDS, keyboard backlight, iSight, speaker, IR/sleep sensor, trackpad, keyboard, Express card, hard drive, and battery indicator light http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/LORASLqIJLwppjSG The logic board with all connectors removed. The logic board with all connectors removed. Remove the following eight screws: Remove the following eight screws: Six 3 mm Phillips from the logic board Six 3 mm Phillips from the logic board Two 7.2 mm Phillips from the MagSafe board Two 7.2 mm Phillips from the MagSafe board Second image: removing logic board. Second image: removing logic board. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/RPp1iG1B3ZJNeMJy http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/EaAk4GRdFoTUFXpO Top of logic board. Top of logic board. The speakers are mounted on the left next to the ports. The speakers are mounted on the left next to the ports. The heat sink covers the two NVidia chipsets and the processor. The heat sink covers the two NVidia chipsets and the processor. This machine has 512 MB video memory for the NVidia 9600M. The 9400M chipset shares 256 MB of system memory. You have to log out to switch between graphics chipsets. This machine has 512 MB video memory for the NVidia 9600M. The 9400M chipset shares 256 MB of system memory. You have to log out to switch between graphics chipsets. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/EUIg5lTMuYN1iMPB Removing the black heat sink and heat conduit. Removing the black heat sink and heat conduit. Second image: The processor and two NVidia chipsets revealed! Second image: The processor and two NVidia chipsets revealed! Intel processor: Intel 5831C024 SLGEL AV80576T9550 2.66 / 6M / 1066 Intel processor: Intel 5831C024 SLGEL AV80576T9550 2.66 / 6M / 1066 No surprises there: 2.66 GHz, 6 MB L2 Cache, 1066 MHz bus, just as advertised. No surprises there: 2.66 GHz, 6 MB L2 Cache, 1066 MHz bus, just as advertised. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Enu4eCwTE6XmjV4G http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/krJyXcDLIeqvsYyC http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ZDuUES214NosasiF We removed the heat sink thermal compound so you can see the die markings. We removed the heat sink thermal compound so you can see the die markings. Left image: Intel processor. No die markings! Left image: Intel processor. No die markings! Middle image: NVidia L901B138 0902B3 PB9487.000 MCP79MXT-B3 Middle image: NVidia L901B138 0902B3 PB9487.000 MCP79MXT-B3 Right Image: NVidia 50N3BF 0850C1 NK6791.S1W NB9P-GS-W2-C1 Right Image: NVidia 50N3BF 0850C1 NK6791.S1W NB9P-GS-W2-C1 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Ga5tosqmymnIOFI5 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/SSLSgODWYbiIuTLL http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/eXjuI1QFH6YMHkWK Left: 15" Unibody logic board Left: 15" Unibody logic board Right: 17" Unibody logic board Right: 17" Unibody logic board What's different? The biggest difference to you is the additional USB port. Oh, and $800. What's different? The biggest difference to you is the additional USB port. Oh, and $800. The <a href="/Guide/First-Look/MacBook-Pro-Unibody/590/1">low-end 15" board</a> that we took apart in October only has 256 MB video memory (Samsung RAM soldered onto the board). The high-end 15" and this 17" have 512 MB video RAM. The [link|/Guide/First-Look/MacBook-Pro-Unibody/590/1|low-end 15" board] that we took apart in October only has 256 MB video memory (Samsung RAM soldered onto the board). The high-end 15" and this 17" have 512 MB video RAM. <a href="http://s1.guide-images.ifixit.com/igi/KTWAXRyRKDVrjjFH.huge">High-resolution photo</a> of the logic board. [link|http://s1.guide-images.ifixit.com/igi/KTWAXRyRKDVrjjFH.huge|High-resolution photo] of the logic board. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/osGFJ1muZIiyeefn http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/KTWAXRyRKDVrjjFH http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/FYKA5ThOyHTNilUY The most famous upper case in the world, Apple's 'brick' CNC-manufactured Unibody case. The most famous upper case in the world, Apple's 'brick' CNC-manufactured Unibody case. The second shot shows the speaker placement. We took the speakers out and put them on top of the case in the same position and orientation that they are internally. The second shot shows the speaker placement. We took the speakers out and put them on top of the case in the same position and orientation that they are internally. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/XpHrp5S2cKhwwLZD http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/nFIvZPoV2wW6GjN1 We removed the display assembly. We removed the display assembly. This photo is the 13", 15", and 17" MacBook displays stacked together. <a href="http://s2.guide-images.ifixit.com/igi/pusIEoyW4NsTLBIX.huge">High resolution</a>. This photo is the 13", 15", and 17" MacBook displays stacked together. [link|http://s2.guide-images.ifixit.com/igi/pusIEoyW4NsTLBIX.huge|High resolution]. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/pusIEoyW4NsTLBIX http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Rmy4DCQhurpv6JZ4 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/MHqxOLJF5Ce21CEP Clockwise from top left: Logic board, heat sink, display, unibody upper case, battery, hard drive, speakers. Fans, RAM, and optical drive are in the center. Clockwise from top left: Logic board, heat sink, display, unibody upper case, battery, hard drive, speakers. Fans, RAM, and optical drive are in the center. There you have it! Be sure to check back often for more first looks, guides, and quality parts! There you have it! Be sure to check back often for more first looks, guides, and quality parts! http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/UsoEtUHULZeQKMkI

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.