Mac Repair London offers repairs for the MacBook Pro 17-inch Unibody in Central London, from simple part swaps to component-level logic board work.
The 17-inch MacBook Pro (A1297) is the biggest laptop Apple has made and it still has a devoted following, especially for its high-resolution anti-glare screen. It shares the serviceable unibody layout and the same weak points as the 15-inch: GPU failure on the 2011 Radeon models and GT 330M problems on 2010. Parts are getting rarer, so we source carefully and always discuss options.
Common faults we fix
- 2011 Radeon graphics failure
- 2010 GT 330M kernel panics
- Hard drive failure
- Battery swelling
- Large display damage
Services for this model
We have dedicated pages for the most common jobs:
We also handle fault diagnosis, macOS reinstallation, data migration (from £79 + VAT) and full cleaning and servicing (from £95 + VAT).
At a glance
| Years | 2009–2011 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo, then Core i5/i7 with NVIDIA or AMD graphics |
| Storage | Standard SATA drive |
| Memory | Socketed, upgradeable |
| Battery | Screwed in (no glue) |
| Power / charging | MagSafe 1 |
Before you bring it in
Back up your files if it still starts, bring the charger or power cable, and write down what happened just before the fault appeared. The more detail you give, the quicker the diagnosis.
Which model do you have?
This page covers the MacBook Pro 17-inch Unibody (2009–2011) (MacBookPro5,2 / 6,1 / 8,3; A1297). The A-number is printed in tiny text on the base, near the hinge. You’ll also find the model in Apple menu > About This Mac. Not sure? Bring it in and we’ll identify it for you.
Price
We give you a fixed quote after a free initial assessment, before any work starts. The initial assessment and advice are free, as long as we don't need to open your Mac. If a technician needs to open it and spend time diagnosing the fault, or you need a report for an insurance claim, it is booked in as a diagnostic at £45 + VAT (£54). All prices are subject to inspection, and nothing is done without your approval.
Questions we’re often asked
Is a Mac this age worth repairing?
It depends what you use it for. For recovering data, running legacy software or keeping a working studio setup, often yes. We give you the cost upfront and an honest view on whether it makes sense.
Can you upgrade the memory at the same time?
Usually, yes. This model uses socketed memory, and doing it while the Mac is already open saves you labour.
Do I pay if you can’t fix it?
No. If the repair isn’t possible, you don’t pay for it, and the free initial assessment costs nothing.
Book a repair
Call us on 020 7394 2528 or email info@mac-repair.london to arrange a time to drop it off.