The First Core 2 Duo MacBook Pros Arrive [Updated x 2]

The first of the just released Core 2 Duo MacBook Pros appear to be getting into customer hands and as with any new release, many people have questions.

One forum member, bcavanau, posted some early experiences from a 2.33GHz MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo. Of interest:

Case has not changed, with only exception being new FW800 Port.
No screen whine, mooing, excessive fan noise. (even DVD drive seems quiter).
Hard drive (120GB) is Fujitsu MHW2120BH
DVD Drive (6X-DVD-DL) is Matshita UJ-857D
Airport reception seems to be consistent with previous model
ATI X1600 Core clock is 418.50 and Memory clock is 450.00
Screenshots of the About Window and the Hardware Overview in Mac OS X.

Another forum member, tekmoe, posted unpacking pictures in the forum (external gallery) of his 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro.

Update: The wireless card in the Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro is identified as a Atheros AR5008 802.11n chipset which is another "draft 802.11n" card which is described as "Up to 650% Faster & 5X Farther than 802.11g".

Another draft 802.11n card was discovered in the recently released Core 2 Duo iMacs as well. There is speculation that the upcoming iTV from Apple will support the unfinished 802.11n protocol which promises faster speeds and greater range than the current 802.11g standard.

Update 2: bcavanau has consolidated benchmarks and answers on this page.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro 3 4ths Perspective Aluminum Camera Module 1

New iPhone 17 Pro Details: Brighter Display, Best Battery Life, and More

Wednesday September 3, 2025 5:33 am PDT by
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models will feature a number of significant display, thermal, and battery improvements, according to new late-stage rumors. According to the Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital," the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature displays with higher brightness, making it more suitable for use in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. The iPhone 16 Pro and...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Prices Estimated Ahead of Apple Event Next Week

Tuesday September 2, 2025 1:50 pm PDT by
Just one week before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series, an analyst has shared new price estimates for the devices. Here are J.P. Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee's price estimates for the iPhone 17 series in the United States, according to 9to5Mac: Model Starting Price Model Starting Price Change iPhone 16 $799 iPhone 17 ...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Complications

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Coming Next Week: Eight Reasons to Upgrade

Thursday September 4, 2025 7:38 am PDT by
We're only days away from Apple's "Awe dropping" fall event scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 9 – and along with the new iPhone 17 series, we're going to get a new version of the Apple Watch Ultra for the first time since 2023. By the time the Ultra 3 is unveiled, it will have been two years since the previous model arrived. The intervening period has left plenty of room for...