MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2014): Refurbished, Specs & Repairs

A quad-core 15-inch MacBook Pro with the old-style keyboard

The MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2014) is popular with people who want a large-screen older Mac with a proper set of ports: two Thunderbolt 2, two USB-A, HDMI, an SD card slot and a MagSafe 2 charger. Every model has a quad-core Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of memory, and its traditional scissor-switch keyboard is far more reliable than the butterfly keyboards that followed.

It suits writing, browsing, email, office work and compatible creative software, but it is now an older machine. It no longer runs the latest versions of macOS, so check your apps before buying, and expect the battery to need replacing on many examples.

Every refurbished MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2014) we sell is checked by our technicians and comes with a 12-month warranty. Browse our refurbished MacBook Pro range, or book a repair if you already own one.

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About This Model

The MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2014) combines a large, sharp display, quad-core performance and useful built-in ports in an aluminium laptop that still feels solid today. It can be worth considering for compatible software and steady everyday work, or repairing if you already own one and it still meets your needs.

Complete Mac Solutions supplies refurbished Apple Macs in Bristol for home users, students and businesses. We also offer MacBook repairs and can help you compare the cost of repairing an older Pro with a suitable replacement.

Which 2014 MacBook Pro does this cover?

This guide covers the Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014 model. It is a different machine from the 13-inch MacBook Pro released in the same year and the older non-Retina 15-inch models with an optical drive.

Choose About This Mac from the Apple menu to check the full model name. Apple sold two versions: a 2.2GHz model with Intel Iris Pro graphics only, and a 2.5GHz model that also has an NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M graphics card. Its identifier is MacBookPro11,2 or MacBookPro11,3, which are also used by the Late 2013 15-inch Retina Pro. Check the complete model details rather than relying on the identifier, casing number or year of purchase alone.

Specifications at a glance

Display	15.4-inch Retina IPS display, 2880 × 1800 resolution
Processor options	2.2GHz or 2.5GHz quad-core Intel Core i7; optional 2.8GHz quad-core Core i7
Memory	16GB onboard RAM
Original storage options	256GB, 512GB or 1TB PCIe flash storage
Graphics	Intel Iris Pro Graphics; 2.5GHz and 2.8GHz models also have an NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 2GB
Connections	Two USB 3 ports, two Thunderbolt 2 ports, HDMI, SDXC card slot and headphone socket
Charging	MagSafe 2; originally supplied with an 85W adapter
Weight	Approximately 2.02kg

Ask us to confirm the exact configuration of any refurbished machine available. Replacement storage may differ from the original factory specification.

What is it useful for?

Our recommendation is to assess this model for documents, research, email, browsing and compatible older applications. The quad-core processor and 16GB of memory handle multitasking better than most laptops of its age, and the 15-inch Retina screen is comfortable for long working sessions.

The Pro name does not make it equivalent to a recent MacBook Pro. Current professional software, large video projects and demanding creative work need careful consideration, as many of those applications now require a newer macOS release.

Condition and compatibility matter more than a small difference in processor speed. Check that the software you need will run, that the battery suits your use and that the price leaves room for any necessary work.

A MacBook for Bristol students

Bristol’s large student population makes affordable refurbished laptops a practical consideration. This model may suit essays and research when its software support and condition meet the demands of the course, and the large screen helps when working with several documents side by side.

Check university requirements before choosing an older Mac, including examination software and specialist design, engineering or media applications. At around 2kg it is heavier than a MacBook Air, so consider how often you will carry it between lectures, and ask about battery condition.

If you need a main laptop for several years of study, compare the total cost with a newer model such as the MacBook Air M1 (2020) or MacBook Pro 13-inch M1 (2020).

MacBooks for businesses

Complete Mac Solutions supplies Macs for businesses as well as individuals. Tell us which applications, peripherals and working arrangements your team uses so we can help you choose a suitable machine.

A 2014 Pro may fit an established workflow with compatible software, or serve as a dedicated machine for older applications. Check application support and your organisation’s security requirements before using it as a staff laptop. A newer Mac may offer better value when reliability and a longer working life are priorities.

macOS compatibility

Apple lists macOS Big Sur as the newest officially compatible operating system for this model. That is an important buying limitation: current applications may require a newer macOS release, and compatibility with Big Sur does not mean it receives the security updates your work requires.

Check the developer’s requirements for your essential applications before purchasing. Tell us what you need to run so we can help you compare suitable alternatives.

Memory and SSD upgrades

The RAM is onboard and cannot be increased through a normal memory upgrade. Every Mid 2014 15-inch model was supplied with 16GB, the maximum for this machine.

The SSD is removable, making replacement or a storage upgrade possible. It uses an Apple-specific connection, so the replacement drive and any required adapter must be checked for compatibility.

More storage can help if you are running out of space, but it will not extend official macOS support. Ask us about the exact machine and the work you want it to do before deciding whether an upgrade is worthwhile.

Known screen concern: coating deterioration

Anti-reflective coating deterioration, often called Staingate, is a recognised concern on older Retina MacBooks. It can leave patchy, stain-like marks on the display surface, often starting near the edges or where the keyboard touches the screen.

Inspect the screen in good light as well as while it is switched on. Coating damage is different from a cracked screen or a fault in the displayed image, so the repair options depend on what has actually happened. Contact us for advice before deciding on a treatment or replacement.

Battery condition and replacement

Short running time, unexpected shutdowns or a battery service recommendation deserve assessment. A trackpad that becomes stiff or hard to click, or a case that no longer sits flat, can point to a swollen battery and should be checked promptly.

The battery is replaceable, but it is attached with adhesive, making the work more involved than simply opening the bottom cover and swapping a loose battery. Ask us about the condition of the battery in a refurbished laptop and the likely cost of replacement if yours needs attention.

Original battery-life claims describe a new machine under test conditions. They do not tell you how long an individual used MacBook will run today.

Other repair symptoms to check

Graphics problems on dual-graphics models

On models with the NVIDIA graphics card, display glitches, coloured lines, freezes or restarts during graphics-heavy tasks need diagnosis. Tell us when the problem happens and whether an external display is connected.

Charging and startup problems

Intermittent charging, failure to start or shutdowns can have several causes. Tell us whether the Mac works on battery power, while plugged in or neither, and what the MagSafe indicator does.

Keyboard, trackpad and display faults

Test every key and the trackpad, and check the screen for cracks, lines or flickering. Also check that the hinge holds the display in position. Visible symptoms need assessment before quoting a repair.

Fan noise, heat and spill damage

Persistent fan noise, heat-related symptoms or faults following a spill deserve assessment. Describe when the problem began and whether it occurs during particular tasks.

Complete Mac Solutions can discuss MacBook Pro repairs in Bristol and help you weigh the likely cost against the condition, usefulness and replacement value of the laptop.

Buying a refurbished MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2014)

Confirm the model, processor, graphics, SSD capacity, battery condition and supplied charger. Inspect the display coating and test the connections you intend to use. Most importantly, check that your essential software supports its operating system.

Complete Mac Solutions carries a large stock of refurbished Macs and has an extensive supplier network to help source suitable configurations. Many of our Macs come fully boxed, with all accessories and in fantastic condition. Packaging, accessories and condition vary between machines, so ask us to confirm what comes with the one you choose.

Explore our Apple Macs for sale or speak to us about a laptop for home, study or business. If you already own this model, we can help you consider whether repair, storage work or replacement offers the best value.

References and further reading

Compare the MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2014) with similar models

The 2015 15-inch adds the Force Touch trackpad and faster storage on the same design. If you need current macOS support and much better battery life, an Apple silicon MacBook Air M1 is a far bigger step forward for similar money.

Buy or repair a MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2014)

Looking for a large-screen Mac with the classic keyboard and a full set of ports? Ask about our current MacBook Pro stock, or let us diagnose and quote for a repair on the one you already own.

Image credit

Photo: David Jafra. Wikimedia Commons source · CC BY 2.0. Resized and compressed to WebP. Design reference: Same design (2012 15-inch Retina).