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Apple MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.3 17" Early 2011 Specs

Identifiers: Early 2011 17" - BTO/CTO - MacBookPro8,3 - A1297 - 2352-1*

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Apple MacBook Pro 17-InchThe MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.3 17-Inch (Early 2011) technically is a "configure-to-order" configuration of the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.2 17-Inch (Early 2011), but also is documented as a separate model for reader convenience. Other than processor (and the corresponding larger level 3 cache), these two models are identical.

The MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.3 17-Inch (Early 2011/Thunderbolt) features a 32 nm "Sandy Bridge" 2.3 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (2820QM), with four independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip, an 8 MB shared level 3 cache, 4 GB of 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-10600) installed in pairs (two 2 GB modules), a 750 GB Serial ATA (5400 RPM) hard drive, an 8X DL "SuperDrive", dual graphics processors -- an AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 1 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory and an Intel HD Graphics 3000 graphics processor that shares 384 MB of memory with the system -- and an integrated FaceTime HD webcam.

The standard configuration of this model has an LED-backlit 17.0" widescreen TFT active-matrix "glossy" display (1920x1200 native resolution), but it also was available with an "anti-glare" (matte) display for US$50 more.

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 and out ports, an ExpressCard/34 expansion slot, and a new "Thunderbolt" port that is backwards compatible with Mini DisplayPort and, likewise, supports an external display at 2560x1600 and passes an audio signal. Thunderbolt also supports other peripherals that use the Thunderbolt standard which provides up to 10 Gbps of bandwidth in both directions.

This model uses a "Unibody" aluminum case design -- milled from a single piece of aluminum -- and has a backlit keyboard, a "no button" glass "inertial" multi-touch trackpad, and a non-swappable battery design that provides an Apple estimated 7 hours of battery life.

Compared to its predecessor, this model has a very similar external enclosure, apart from a higher-resolution webcam and the aforementioned Thunderbolt port. Internally, however, it has a significantly faster architecture, faster RAM, and improved graphics.

Also see:

  • What are the differences between the "Early 2011" 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models?
  • What are the differences between the "Early 2011" 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models and the "Mid-2010" MacBook Pro models that they replaced?

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  • Tech Specs
  • Ports
  • Global Original Prices
  • Popular Q&As

Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.


February 24, 2011 October 24, 2011
Details: The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.

Also see: All Macs introduced in 2011.
1 (4 Cores) 64-Bit
Details: Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.
10364 11135
Details: Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro8,3 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
2545 8897
Details: These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro8,3 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
2739 10056
Details: These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro8,3 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
3145 9749
Details: These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro8,3 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
582 2119
Details: These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro8,3 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
2.3 GHz Core i7 (I7-2820QM)
Details: This model is powered by a "Quad-Core" 32 nm, 64-bit Intel Mobile Core i7 "Sandy Bridge" (I7-2820QM) processor which includes four independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 8 MB of level 3 cache, and has an integrated memory controller (dual channel).

This system also supports "Turbo Boost 2.0" -- which "automatically increases the speed of the active cores" up to 3.4 GHz to improve performance when needed -- and "Hyper Threading" -- which allows the system to recognize eight total "cores" or "threads" (four real and four virtual).

Also see: How fast are the "Early 2011" 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models each replaced?
3.4 GHz N/A
Details: N/A
Soldered Integrated
Details: Also see: Can you upgrade the processor in the "Unibody" MacBook Pro?
5 GT/s* 2.3 GHz (Built-in)
Details: *This system has a "Direct Media Interface" (DMI) that "connects between the processor and chipset" in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 5 GT/s.
EFI 64-Bit
Details: N/A
32k/32k x4 256k x 4, 8 MB*
Details: *Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 8 MB of shared level 3 cache.
PC3-10600 DDR3 1333 MHz
Details: Supports 1333 MHz PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM.

Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the "Early 2011" 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models? How much RAM of what type do they support?
4 GB 16 GB*
Details: 4 GB of RAM is installed as two 2 GB modules, no slots free.

*Apple officially supports a maximum of 8 GB of RAM, but as first confirmed by site sponsor OWC, this model actually is capable of using up to 16 GB of RAM with two 8 GB memory modules.

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory -- as well as other upgrades -- for this MacBook Pro.

In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells memory and other upgrades for this MacBook Pro.

In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells memory and other upgrades for this MacBook Pro.

In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells memory and other upgrades for this MacBook Pro.

Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.
None 2
Details: N/A
Radeon HD 6750M* GDDR5
Details: *This system has dual graphics processors -- an AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics processor with 1 GB of dedicated GDDR5 SDRAM and Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 384 MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory. The system automatically switches between graphics systems based on use (when applications use OpenGL, Core Graphics or other graphically demanding technologies, the system will use the dedicated graphics card, otherwise it will use Intel HD Graphics to conserve battery life).

Also see: What type of video processor is provided by the "Unibody" MacBook Pro models? Is it upgradable? Which models have "dedicated" and "integrated" video memory?
1 GB* 1 GB*
Details: The AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics processor has 1 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory. On the other hand, the Intel HD Graphics 3000 graphics processor shares system memory. Apple reports that when using Intel HD Graphics, the "memory available to Mac OS X may vary depending on graphics needs. Minimum graphics memory usage is 384 MB". If the system is upgraded to 8 GB of RAM (or more), the amount of system memory used by the Intel HD Graphics 3000 is 512 MB.
17.0" Widescreen 1920x1200
Details: 17.0" color widescreen LED-backlit TFT active-matrix display with a 1920 by 1200 native resolution. By default, the display is "glossy", but Apple also offered this model configured with an "anti-glare" (matte) display for US$50 more (MD036LL/A).

In addition to the native resolution, Apple reports that it also supports "1680 by 1050, 1280 by 800, 1152 by 720, 1024 by 640, and 800 by 500 pixels at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1280 by 1024 pixels at 5:4 aspect ratio; 1280 by 1024 pixels at 5:4 aspect ratio stretched; 1600 by 1200, 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio; 1600 by 1200, 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio stretched; 720 by 480 pixels at 3:2 aspect ratio; 720 by 480 pixels at 3:2 aspect ratio stretched."

In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this MacBook Pro. No fix, no fee!

In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, battery, keyboard, motherboard, and more for this MacBook Pro.

In Hong Kong, site sponsor iCertified provides well-reviewed repair services for the display, logic board, battery, water damage, and more, all with a 180-day warranty; free diagnostics and estimates; and optional pickup and delivery for this MacBook Pro.
Dual/Mirroring 2560x1600
Details: The maximum resolution supported on an external display is 2560x1600.

Also see: Are there any adapters or "hacks" that make it possible to connect a second external display to a MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air model?
750 GB HDD 5400 RPM
Details: By custom configuration, this model could be equipped with a 750 GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA hard drive for the same price. It also could be configured with a 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB SSD for an additional US$100, US$500, or US$1100, respectively.

Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive in the "Early 2011" 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models? What type of hard drive do these models support? Can one replace the hard drive with an SSD?

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro.

In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro.

In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro.

Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs.
2.5" (9.5 mm) Serial ATA (6 Gb/s)
Details: This model supports a single SATA III (6 Gb/s) 2.5" hard drive or SSD that is up to 9.5 mm thick.
8X DL "SuperDrive" None
Details: Apple reports that this slot-loading "SuperDrive" (DVD�R DL/DVD�RW/CD-RW) has a maxium write speed of "8x DVD-R, DVD+R; 4x DVD-R DL (double layer), DVD+R DL (double layer), DVD-RW, DVD+RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW" and a maximum read speed of "8x DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-ROM; 6x DVD-ROM (double layer DVD-9), DVD-R DL (double layer), DVD+R DL (double layer), DVD-RW, and DVD+RW; 24x CD".

Site sponsor Other World Computing offers a "Data Doubler" mounting kit that may be of interest. It makes it simple to install a second hard drive or SSD in the optical drive bay of this MacBook.
None 10/100/1000Base-T
Details: N/A
802.11a/b/g/n (450 Mbit*) 2.1+EDR
Details: AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard. *This model unofficially supports 450 Mbit/sec 802.11n Wi-Fi using MIMO.

Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?
3 (2.0) 1 (800)
Details: Three 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports, one 800-Mbps Firewire "800" port.
ExpressCard/34 None
Details: One ExpressCard/34 expansion slot.

Also see: What is ExpressCard/34? Is it compatible with PC Cards?

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of ExpressCard/34 cards as well as external expansion options and accessories including docks, adapters, cables, input devices, cases, and more for this MacBook Pro.
Full-size Trackpad (Inertial)
Details: Apple reports that the backlit integrated keyboard has "78 (US) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement)."

The glass multi-touch trackpad supports "inertial scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, three-finger swipe, four-finger swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities".
Notebook MacBook Pro (Unibody)
Details: By default, this MacBook Pro uses a black and silver "unibody" case design milled from a single piece of aluminum with a "catchless" magnetic latch. However, if configured with an "anti-glare" (matte) display, it has a silver border framing the display rather than a black border.
BTO/CTO Early 2011 17"
Details: As this model technically is a custom configuration of the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.2 17" (Early 2011), it does not have its own order number.
A1297 (EMC 2352-1*) MacBookPro8,3
Details: *Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model. In this case, please also note that the EMC number is not externally listed on the notebook so it cannot be used readily for identification.

Also see: All Macs with the A1297 Model Number, the 2352-1* EMC Number, and the MacBookPro8,3 Model Identifier.

For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section.
95 W h Li-Poly 7 Hours
Details: Apple reports that this model has a "95-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery" that provides "up to 7 hours of wireless web" use.

Also see: What is the "real-world" battery life of the "Early 2011" 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models? How does the battery life of each compare to the model each replaced?

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells quality batteries for this MacBook Pro.

In the UK, site sponsor Flexx is a local distributor of OWC batteries for this MacBook Pro.
X 10.6.6 (10J3210) X 10.13.x*
Details: *This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion" as well as OS X 10.9 "Mavericks" with the exception of the "Power Nap" feature. It also supports the last version of OS X 10.10 "Yosemite" and OS X 10.11 "El Capitan" -- including Mac-to-Mac AirDrop and AirPlay Mirroring capability -- but other advanced features are not supported. It is capable of running macOS Sierra (10.12) as well, although it does not support the Universal Clipboard, Auto Unlock, or Apple Pay features. Finally, this model is capable of running macOS High Sierra (10.13), and it supports HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), but it does not support hardware accelerated HEVC. It is not compatible with macOS Mojave (10.14) or later versions of the operating system.

Additionally, please note that OS X "Lion" 10.7 and subsequent versions of OS X are not capable of running Mac OS X apps originally written for the PowerPC processor as these operating systems do not support the "Rosetta" environment. To run PowerPC applications on this Mac, it will be necessary to use Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard".

Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS High Sierra (10.13)? What are the system requirements? Which Macs support HEVC?
7 (32-Bit)* 8.1 (64-Bit)*
Details: *Apple's Boot Camp 4 supports the 32-bit of Windows 7 on this model. Boot Camp 5 supports the 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and Windows 8. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported.

Although Apple does not support Windows 10 via Boot Camp 5 (officially or otherwise), this system meets Microsoft's hardware requirements and it very well may be possible to boot Windows 10 on this Mac. If you have installed Windows 10 on this system (successfully or unsuccessfully), please share the results of your experiment. Thank you.
None Boot/Virtualization
Details: Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?

For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A.
0.98 x 15.47 x 10.51 6.6 lbs (2.99 kg)
Details: In inches while closed - height by width by depth, (2.50 cm, 39.3 cm, 26.7 cm).
US$2749 US$300-US$400
Details: Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.



Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.


1 (Thunderbolt) None
Details: This model is equipped with a Thunderbolt port in place of a Mini DisplayPort. It is backwards-compatible with Mini DisplayPort-equipped displays as well as adapters that are compatible with Mini DisplayPort (DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI and HDMI). It also can support other peripherals that use the Thunderbolt standard, which provides a maximum theoretical 10 Gbps of bandwidth in both directions.
None None
Details: N/A
None None
Details: N/A
3 (2.0) 1 (800)
Details: Three 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports, one 800-Mbps Firewire "800" port.
None 1 (RJ-45)
Details: No internal modem. Gigabit Ethernet, AirPort Extreme (802.11g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard.
None None
Details: N/A
1 (Internal) 1
Details: Internal omnidirectional microphone. Independent audio line in minijack (digital/analog) and audio line out/headphone minijack (digital/analog).
1 1
Details: Has an independent audio line in minijack (digital/analog) and audio line out/headphone minijack (digital/analog).
1 None
Details: N/A
N/A 1
Details: 100V-240V AC, 85W "MagSafe" power adapter. Also see: What is the "Magsafe" power connector? How does it work? How was it designed to not cause data loss?

Global original prices for the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.3 17" Early 2011 in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.

For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.

Original Prices - North & South America

C$2749 R$10.079
MXN $40,606 US$2749

Original Prices - Europe

€2749 €2749
DKK 20,924 €2749
€2749 €2749
€2749 €2749
€2612,69 €2749
NOK 22.540 €2749
€2749 SEK 25.270
CHF 3'199 £2299

Original Prices - Asia

RMB 20,913 HK$21,238
N/A N/A
¥237,780 KRW 3,514,500
RM 8,462 PHP 139,400
S$3,740 NT$87,985
THB 90,032 VND 65,783,900

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

A$3199 NZ$4699

If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.


Ten of the most popular Q&As about the MacBook Pro models follow.



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