abelliveau

Q: 2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

I have an early 2011 MacBook Pro (2.2 GHz Intel Core i7, 8 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 memory) running OS 10.8.2.  It has two graphics components: an AMD Radeon HD 6750M and a built-in Intel HD Graphics 3000. Since I've had the computer, the screen would get a blue tint when the computer switched between them.

 

However, as of two days ago, the problem has become substantially more severe.  The computer was working fine, when all of a suddent the screen when completely blue.  I had to force restart the computer.  Since then, the screen has gone awry on numerous occassions - each time necessitating a hard reset.

 

I installed gfxCardStatus, and have discovered that the computer runs fine using the integrated card, but as soon as I switch to the discrete card - the screen goes .

 

I am just wondering what my options are (any input on any of these would be appreciated!):

 

1) Replace the logic board.  Would this necessarily fix the issue?

 

2) Is there any way to "fix" the graphics card? 

 

3) Keep using gfxCardStatus and only use the integrated graphics card.  This is definitely the easiest/cheapest option, but to have such a computer and not be able to use the graphics card seems like a real shame.

 

4) Is there any other alternative?

 


MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2), 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7, 8 GB memory

Posted on Feb 1, 2013 4:45 PM

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Q: 2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

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  • by soldecobre,

    soldecobre soldecobre Feb 20, 2014 1:28 AM in response to badGraphics
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 20, 2014 1:28 AM in response to badGraphics

    I have a Macbook Pro (Early 2011) bought in 2012. Last month it decided not to start and show our funny blue screen instead (I was using Mountain Lion, NOT Windows, just in case).

     

    I am still within the 2 years after my purchase, so... QUESTION: Does anyone know how can I get my machine fixed under the warranty period? MacHuset in Växjö (Sweden), official Apple Reseller (where I bought it), told me they can't help me. Any "lawyer" in the room out there?

     

    Thanks in advance!

  • by tdlemonade,

    tdlemonade tdlemonade Feb 20, 2014 1:39 AM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 20, 2014 1:39 AM in response to abelliveau

    Apple is not calling back broken 2011 laptops, and they never will, just because they have no durable solution (unless they find one).

    What happens If they call back? They will have to replace for free the Logic Board, then a few weeks/months later the "new" logic board will fail again. They will have then to replace it for a second time, then for a third... until they will have to give a new laptop in exchange. A retina 15'' laptop. They just will not do that.

    that's all.

  • by moto-moto,

    moto-moto moto-moto Feb 20, 2014 2:35 AM in response to tdlemonade
    Level 1 (65 points)
    Feb 20, 2014 2:35 AM in response to tdlemonade

    Possibly, but I think the ongoing damage to their reputation could cost them far more in the long term, ultimately it'll be up to the shareholders, the majority of which will be looking at the bottom line, what would you do?

     

    At the moment I'd settle for the much touted '90 days' (or, quite possibly, another 2 - 3 years) to sort out an alternative solution for my own needs, and it wouldn't do Apple's reputation any harm either.

  • by Polxxx,

    Polxxx Polxxx Feb 20, 2014 3:55 AM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 20, 2014 3:55 AM in response to abelliveau

    Another One early MacBook Pro with the same issue from Italy. 659€ to re pari it.. I really do hope Apple does a recall on these machines. It's unacceptable 3 years of life for an expensive Machine like this!

  • by balikpinoy,

    balikpinoy balikpinoy Feb 20, 2014 4:16 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 20, 2014 4:16 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

    Go to ebay and search for Graphics Chip Reballing.

     

    Here's the straight link for those interested.

     

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/271139379677?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m142 3.l2649

  • by clintonfrombirmingham,

    clintonfrombirmingham clintonfrombirmingham Feb 20, 2014 4:37 AM in response to balikpinoy
    Level 7 (30,009 points)
    Mac OS X
    Feb 20, 2014 4:37 AM in response to balikpinoy

    balikpinoy,

     

    Thanks - the only company that I could find on eBay were in the UK.

     

    I've bookmarked this page for the next time my GPU goes bonkers. It's gonna be a new, updated GPU bga reballed for me! Price looks very reasonable as well. And I love the fact that they don't require the logic board only - I'm handy but not THAT handy, I don't think.

     

    Thanks again,

     

    Clinton

  • by tdlemonade,

    tdlemonade tdlemonade Feb 20, 2014 4:41 AM in response to Polxxx
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 20, 2014 4:41 AM in response to Polxxx

    Where did you get that quote? Apple store? Could you tell me which one?

    I'm italian as well, i'm asking just to try understand what is the real price for repair.

    So far yours is the highest price i've heard (in italy).

     

    Today late afternoon I have an appointment with a genius at the Apple store, I'll let you know how it goes.

  • by moto-moto,

    moto-moto moto-moto Feb 20, 2014 4:47 AM in response to tdlemonade
    Level 1 (65 points)
    Feb 20, 2014 4:47 AM in response to tdlemonade

    They do seem to be 'dropping like flies', it would be interesting to find out just how many have been affected so far....

  • by baleares,

    baleares baleares Feb 20, 2014 6:07 AM in response to soldecobre
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 20, 2014 6:07 AM in response to soldecobre

    @soldecobre

     

    you need to check out the consumer law in your country. It is very likely that you will be covered for longer than the apple warranty. For example, in the UK it is 5 years.

  • by Polxxx,

    Polxxx Polxxx Feb 20, 2014 6:28 AM in response to tdlemonade
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 20, 2014 6:28 AM in response to tdlemonade

    Let me know tdlemonade, my quotation was from whitestore, apple reseller in Brescia. I will not repair it, the mac is 3 years old, and I am very disappointed by the lack of professionalism of the brand. I will go back to the old pc, and the next smartphone will be a samsung. Apple is always asking a lot, and in return gives too little.

  • by tdlemonade,

    tdlemonade tdlemonade Feb 20, 2014 9:30 AM in response to Polxxx
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 20, 2014 9:30 AM in response to Polxxx

    Hi polxxx, I'm just back from the apple store (Porta di Roma).

    The genius said he had read about our issue, yet I was the first case he could see "live"... But of course, as we already know, there's nothing official from apple about our beloved GPU glitch.

    The quotation to replace the logic board is:

    361.00 € for the board

    28.76 € for the work

    22% taxes (italian IVA)

     

    Total 475.51 €

     

    This is what you pay if you go to an apple store in Italy.

     

    Then I told the guy I was there just to let apple officially record the issue, my two cents, there was no point to repair the laptop if after a few months I could have experienced the same issue again.

    The guy said, since my MacBook was out of warranty, there was nothing else he could do.

     

    I'll wait a while to see if apple changes its mind aknowledging the problem, and when I'm bored enough to wait I'll go for a good reballing.

    If you don't want to repair your laptop, reballing is a solution worth considering.

    Good luck

  • by jeremix,

    jeremix jeremix Feb 20, 2014 11:20 AM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 20, 2014 11:20 AM in response to abelliveau

    My early 2011 mbp is back with a 3rd logic board...

    I notice that the SMC has been downgraded from 1.69f4 to 1.69f3 !!!

    The result is that i can ear the fans ALL THE TIME (GPU AMD on and without any tasks for 3 hours now, i still can here fans turning, mbp at 4 meters from me...)

    So, it will probably prevent the GPU to burn (for how long ?), but it's no more a silent machine at all... (it's winter time here, but this mbp sounds like my old 2006 Mac Pro in summertime... thanks Apple).

  • by alexanderfromdoral,

    alexanderfromdoral alexanderfromdoral Feb 20, 2014 1:59 PM in response to jeremix
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 20, 2014 1:59 PM in response to jeremix

    I think that if Apple is not going to recall our machines at least should extend the warranty period for the repairs.

    For example, if you pay $310 to fix the GPU, Apple should warranty that no GPU problem will occur a least for 3 years. Those reports like jeremix is what have me stop about taking/sending my machine to the US for repair.

  • by usernametaken75,

    usernametaken75 usernametaken75 Feb 20, 2014 7:30 PM in response to alexanderfromdoral
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Feb 20, 2014 7:30 PM in response to alexanderfromdoral

    It seems a bit unreasonable to me for one to expect a repair warranty of 3 years when the standard manufacturers warranty is 1 year (in US, I understand it may be longer depending on local laws.)  That's why there's Apple Care.  Beyond that and you're in the territory of obsolete hardware / should replace soon anyway.

  • by Timothy Dz,

    Timothy Dz Timothy Dz Feb 20, 2014 8:55 PM in response to usernametaken75
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 20, 2014 8:55 PM in response to usernametaken75

    What is unreasonable is that we are paying $300+ to fix the problem... And the problem isn't getting fixed. Plain and simple.

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