Upgrading to a1229/1261 logicboard?

Hello. The difference in the Model numbers determines the type of processor in the logic board. For example I too have an A1212 17" MacBook Pro, BUT mine was produced in the earlier part of January 2007, so it is NOT able to accept El Capitan. I'n going to have to upgrade the logic board to the ones made with the Santa Rosa processor which is the 2.44Ghz one. There are 2 logic boards that will fit the A1212 and the differences are either the i5 or i7 processor. This would DEFINITELY benefit you in regards to being able to the latest Apple OS. You wouldn't be stuck running Mac OS X Mountain Lion 10.7.5 in other words. I just found this all out today after calling Apple to inquire about why my MacBook Pro A1212 wouldn't download El Capitan. I'm going to swap the logic boards out myself. It's pretty starightforward and there plenty of videos to coach you along the way. I hope this helps! You're gonna look for model numbers A1229 & A1261 for the compatible logic boards that will fit your A1212.

I know that they may look identical, and Apple has done that in the past yet changed a small thing to make them incompatible.

In looking at the service manual that is available, Apple actually bundled together the MacBook Pro 17 inch original, core 2 duo, 2.4GHz, late 2007, early 2008 and late 2008 together. Based on this fact, i would be optimistic that they are compatible.

On a note, I have never done this myself, and i would not recommend it until you have the opportunity to spend time visually comparing both boards. Remove your logic board and bring it to the store with you and ask to see the new board. Visually verify that all connectors are the same prior to putting any money down on them. don't go by pictures as you might not see a fine detail that might make them incompatible that you will notice when you have them both in your hands.

I do not have both here to be able to compare for you. I have the same model as you do. Somebody else here at iFixit might have one of each of these boards and might be able to compare it for you or they might have done it themselves.

Hi,

im planning to replace my A1212 with A1261. Have you managed to fit it?