Tools

These are some common tools used to work on this device. You might not need every tool for every procedure.

Troubleshooting

Track down a number of hardware problems using the MacBook Pro 15" Troubleshooting Guide.

Upgrades

There are a number of components in the MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo that can be cost effectively upgraded.

  • Memory: MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duos came with 1 or 2 GB 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 3 or 4 GB can be done very easily.
  • Hard Drive: 120, 160, 200, 250 or 320 GB hard drives came standard with the MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo. You can upgrade the drive up to 750 GB.
  • Battery: Replacing the battery requires no special tools to release the battery latch. The battery can be replaced in less than 30 seconds.
  • Optical Drive: The standard optical drive shipped with MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duos is either a 6x or 8x SuperDrive. The drive can easily be upgraded to an 8x SuperDrive.

Identification and Background

The MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo was the first of several MacBook Pro laptops to use Intel's Core 2 Duo processor. If your MacBook Pro turns on, you can verify that you have a Core 2 Duo version by checking the processor information through "About This Mac" in the Apple menu.

Use the laptop identification system to help you identify your machine. MacBook Pros tend to look very similar, and it's important to know which machine you have before ordering any replacement parts.

This laptop is an update of the Model A1150 MacBook Pro that was introduced nine months earlier. The Model A1211 improved on its predecessor by adding a faster processor, bigger stock hard drives, larger RAM maximum capacity, and an improved 802.11n Airport card.

Additional Information