Macbook Air 2017

2017 MacBook Air (13-inch)—Model A1466

AYBERK BLOG

Ayberk Korkmaz

12/1/20252 min read

GTechnical Overview of the 2017 MacBook Air (13-inch)

The 2017 MacBook Air (13-inch)—Model A1466, internal identifier MacBookAir7,2—represents the final iteration of Apple’s classic wedge-shaped Air design before the transition to Retina-equipped models. Despite its outward similarity to earlier versions, the 2017 refresh includes updated CPU clocks, refined power efficiency, and standardized SSD architecture, making it a stable and efficient ultralight notebook for general-purpose computing.

1. Processor Architecture

The 2017 Air uses Intel’s 5th-generation “Broadwell” architecture:

  • CPU: Intel Core i5-5350U

  • Base Clock: 1.8 GHz

  • Turbo Boost: Up to 2.9 GHz

  • Cores / Threads: 2 cores / 4 threads

  • Lithography: 14nm

  • TDP: 15W

  • L1 Cache: 64 KB per core (32 KB instruction + 32 KB data)

  • L2 Cache: 256 KB per core

  • L3 Cache: 3 MB shared

Chipset

  • Integrated into CPU (PCH-LP)

  • Supports SATA III, PCIe 2.0 x4 lanes (though Air uses x2 for SSD), USB 3.0, Thunderbolt 2, and integrated HD Audio.

2. Graphics Subsystem

  • GPU: Intel HD Graphics 6000

  • Base Clock: 300 MHz

  • Boost Clock: ~1000 MHz

  • Execution Units (EUs): 48

  • API Support:

    • Metal

    • OpenCL 1.2

    • OpenGL 4.1

    • Quick Sync video acceleration

Display Output Limits

  • Native display: 13.3" TFT LCD (TN panel), 1440×900

  • External display support via Thunderbolt 2:

    • Up to 2560×1600 @ 60Hz

3. Memory (RAM)

  • Capacity: 8 GB (standard, non-upgradable; soldered LPDDR3)

  • Speed: LPDDR3-1600 MHz

  • Bus Width: 128-bit

  • Bandwidth: 25.6 GB/s

4. Storage (SSD)

Apple proprietary blade-style SSD module.

Specifications:

  • Capacities: 128 GB, 256 GB

  • Interface: PCIe 2.0 ×2

  • Protocol: AHCI (not NVMe — important!)

  • Typical Throughput:

    • Read: 550–700 MB/s

    • Write: 300–600 MB/s

Replaceability

  • SSD is removable (rare for post-2015 MacBooks).

  • Adapter kits allow NVMe SSDs after macOS High Sierra (10.13) adds NVMe support.

5. Battery and Power

  • Battery: 54 Wh Lithium-Polymer (model A1496)

  • Cycle life: ~1000 cycles

  • Runtime:

    • Light web usage: 10–12 hours

    • Video playback: 12 hours

  • Charger: 45W MagSafe 2

  • Voltage / current: 14.85V @ 3.05A

Thermal Characteristics

  • Single-fan cooling system

  • No heatpipe between CPU and heatsink (direct contact type)

  • Typical load temperatures:

    • Idle: 40–50°C

    • Sustained load: 80–95°C

  • Light thermal throttling may occur during extended heavy workloads.

6. Display

  • Size: 13.3 inches

  • Resolution: 1440 × 900

  • Panel Type: TN (not IPS)

  • Brightness: ~300 nits

  • Color Gamut: ~45% NTSC (~60% sRGB)

  • Contrast Ratio: ~700:1

Although not a Retina panel, the low power consumption contributes significantly to battery life.

7. I/O and Ports

Left Side

  • MagSafe 2 power port

  • USB 3.0 Type-A (5 Gbps)

  • 3.5 mm headphone jack

Right Side

  • USB 3.0 Type-A (5 Gbps)

  • Thunderbolt 2 port (20 Gbps)

  • SDXC card reader

Wireless

  • Wi-Fi: 802.11ac (3×3 MIMO), backwards compatible with a/b/g/n

  • Bluetooth: 4.0

  • Camera: 720p FaceTime HD

8. Audio

  • Stereo speakers (integrated)

  • Dual microphones

  • 3.5 mm analog audio output

  • Supports 24-bit audio output

9. Build & Physical Dimensions

  • Material: Unibody aluminum

  • Weight: 1.35 kg (2.96 lbs)

  • Dimensions:

    • 32.5 cm × 22.7 cm × 0.3–1.7 cm

  • Classic wedge profile design.

10. Operating System Compatibility

Officially supports:

  • macOS 10.12 Sierra (factory)

  • macOS 10.13 High Sierra

  • macOS 10.14 Mojave

  • macOS 10.15 Catalina

  • macOS 11 Big Sur

  • macOS 12 Monterey

  • macOS 13 Ventura

Unofficially (OpenCore Legacy Patcher):

  • macOS 14 Sonoma

  • macOS 15 Sequoia

(Works well due to Intel iGPU compatibility.)

11. Performance Benchmarks

Typical benchmark values:

Geekbench 4

  • Single-core: ~3300

  • Multi-core: ~6200

Geekbench 5

  • Single-core: ~600

  • Multi-core: ~1200

SSD Performance

  • Read: ~650 MB/s

  • Write: ~550 MB/s

This performance level is sufficient for general productivity, coding, light media work, and moderate multitasking.

12. Strengths and Limitations

Strengths

  • Excellent battery life

  • Still repairable SSD

  • Very stable thermals for low TDP

  • Durable unibody design

  • Reliable macOS support

  • Silent and efficient for everyday tasks

Limitations

  • Non-Retina TN display

  • Dual-core CPU aging for modern high-load tasks

  • Limited PCIe bandwidth for SSD

  • Soldered RAM (8GB max)

  • Older Thunderbolt 2 standard