Late 2008 Macbook Pro: Which power adapter?

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Late 2008 Macbook Pro: Which power adapter?

Hello all. I have a Late 2008 Macbook Pro 15", MacPro5,1. A few months back my dog ate the power adapter (unplugged, thankfully.) I thought I did the proper amount of research to order the correct adapter from a third party on Amazon, because I'm pretty darn broke and need to save every penny I can. When I got the adapter, the connector was different from the one that came with my Macbook Pro. It was 85W, all the numbers matched up, but the style was different. But, the plug worked enough to let me get the work done that I needed, so it didn't concern me too much.

That is, until this cord just stopped working. That's what I get for getting a third party cable from China off Amazon.

So now, I'm trying to research again to make sure I'm getting the right cable, and I want one that's made by Apple, and is exactly like the one that came in the box when I bought my Macbook Pro new. I went to MacSales.com and checked their compatibility pages, and ran into some issues. What is showing as compatible with my Mac is the 85W Magsafe MC556LL/A, but this is shown with the incorrect connector (like the one I got off Amazon.)

When I looked at the other adapters that were available, I found the MagSafe 2 85W MD506LL/A, which has a connector that looks like the original, but it only shows as compatible with 2012+ Retina Display Macbook Pros.

So, do I have to buy the MagSafe that is not like the original that came with my Macbook Pro, or can I get the MagSafe 2 that does match what I got out of the box?

Reference pages from MacSales.com:

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Apple/MC556LLA/

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Apple/MD506LLA/

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Jan 8, 2014 2:09 PM

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Answer 1

BobRz

Level 5

6,138 points

Jan 8, 2014 2:14 PM in response to Ryano70

OK... what you want is the original Magsafe. The Magsafe 2 looks similar to what you had originally, but uses a different connector. To use that one you also have to buy an adapter.

What's cofusing for you is that the original was kind of a "Straight in" plug, and the later revision to it made it an L shape, but the pins are the same as the straight in.

Go with the MC556LLA

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Answer 2

Jan 8, 2014 2:13 PM in response to Ryano70

Magsafe (non 2) is what you need.

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Answer 3

Ryano70 Author

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Jan 8, 2014 4:18 PM in response to BobRz

Thanks! I didn't realize there was a revision, but that makes sense. I guess I don't understand they would change it, then use the original design for the later Retina Display models. Oh well, as long as it works!

On a similar note, is OWC the best option for a cheap Apple-brand adapter? They're selling them for $47, when the cheapest I can find anywhere else is like $75. They seem pretty reputable with all the options and Apple-specific stuff they offer, I just didn't want to make the same mistake again and would like other options if they are available.

Thanks again!

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Answer 4

BobRz

Level 5

6,138 points

Jan 8, 2014 4:28 PM in response to Ryano70

OWC is a good company and that's a good price for genuine Apple. I'd go with them. Just make sure you get the 85 watt.

And keep it away from the dog. lol

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Answer 5

Ryano70 Author

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Jan 8, 2014 4:39 PM in response to BobRz

Thanks.

It's gonna be pretty tough to leave this site with just the adapter bought. I'd sure like 8 gigs of RAM and a 120GB SSD to replace my useless Super-MultiDrive.

I'll have to see what my wife says. It was her dog, after all...

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