<P> Since the RAM and the hard drive on some generations of MacBook Pro are user serviceable parts, there are aftermarket modifications to enhance the system with up to 16GB of DDR3 - 1600 RAM (maximum capacity and frequency depend on the hardware in question), 7200 - rpm hard drives or third party SSDs . </P> <P> Early and Late 2011 models reportedly suffer from manufacturing problems leading to overheating, graphical issues, and eventually complete GPU and logic board failure . A similar but nonidentical issue affected iMac GPUs which were later recalled by Apple . The problem was covered by many articles in Mac - focused magazines, starting late 2013 throughout 2014 . In August 2014 the law firm Whitfield Bryson & Mason LLP had begun investigating the problem to determine if any legal claim exists . On October 28, 2014, the firm announced that it has filed a class - action lawsuit in a California federal court against Apple . The lawsuit will cover residents residing in both California and Florida who have purchased a 2011 MacBook Pro notebook with an AMD graphics card . The firm is also investigating similar cases across the United States . On February 20, 2015, Apple instituted the "MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues". This "will repair affected MacBook Pro systems, free of charge". The program covered affected MacBook Pro models until December 31, 2016 or four years from original date of sale . </P> <P> On June 11, 2012 at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, Apple introduced the third generation MacBook Pro, marketed as the "MacBook Pro with Retina display" to differentiate it from the predecessor model . The new model includes Intel's third generation Core i7 processors (Ivy Bridge microarchitecture), USB 3.0, and a high - resolution 15.4" IPS 2880 × 1800 - pixel Retina Display . Other new or changed features include a second Thunderbolt port, a HDMI port, and a thinner MagSafe port, dubbed the "MagSafe 2". Apple introduced a 13 - inch version on October 23, 2012 with specifications similar but slightly inferior to the 15 - inch version's, such as less powerful processors . </P> <P> The new models omit Ethernet and FireWire 800 ports, though Apple offers Thunderbolt adapters for both interfaces . They also omit a SuperDrive, making the 15 - inch model Apple's first professional notebook since the PowerBook 2400c to ship without a built - in optical drive . Instead of a hard disk drive, the new models ship with a solid state drive housed in a proprietary flash module design rather than a 2.5" notebook drive . Apple also claims improved speakers and microphones and a new system for cooling the notebook with improved fans . The new case design does not have a Kensington lock slot, so alternative products are required to physically secure the computer . </P>

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