I received my new Macbook Pro 15.4 today so I thought I’d run a simple benchmark test between the new one (version 5,3) and the first generation unibody (version 5,1).

For those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about. In October 2008, Apple released the new Unibody Macbook Pro 15.4″ – revision 5,1. Last month, June 2009, Apple released an updated version of the unibody – revision 5,3.

What are the difference between the Macbook Pro Unibody 5,1 and 5,3 (Late Fall 2008 vs. Late Summer 2009)?

Late Fall 2008 Macbook Pro 15.4 (rev 5,1)

• Supports up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM (Some say you can install 6GB, but this isn’t so according to Apple)
• Supports 2.88Ghz Dual Core Processor
• PCI Express Card Slot
• Up to 5 Hours Battery Life (haha)
• Easy access to Harddrive & Battery

Late Summer 2009 Macbook Pro 15.4 (rev 5,3)

• Supports up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM (Although that would cost about $1200 for the extra 4Gb)
• Supports 3.06 Ghz Dual Core Processor
• SD Card Slot (in lieu of the PCI slot)
• Up to 7 Hours Battery Life
• Bottom panel must be removed to access Harddrive and Battery

I ran Xbench on both machines. Both using the 9600 video card.

Performance wise, there is definitely an improvement even with a 5400 rpm drive. As far as defects go… The new machine doesn’t sit level on my desk. It’s like a teeter totter. Looks like I’m going to be replacing this one as well

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