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

Close

Q: 2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

first Previous Page 333 of 891 last Next
  • by degger,

    degger degger May 10, 2014 3:20 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 10, 2014 3:20 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

    I suppose that this should serve as some sort of warning - even though Apple gives you the instructions on how to upgrade RAM and HHD/SSD, you're penalized if you have done so in terms of service.

    Actually if you change user replaceable parts (ie. those that Apple provides instructions for) they don't have any effect on service or warranty. Since "depot repairs" are a US only special deal different rules might apply.

  • by clintonfrombirmingham,

    clintonfrombirmingham clintonfrombirmingham May 10, 2014 3:30 AM in response to degger
    Level 7 (30,009 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 10, 2014 3:30 AM in response to degger

    Since "depot repairs" are a US only special deal different rules might apply.

     

    That's possible.

     

    Clinton

  • by annabhany,

    annabhany annabhany May 10, 2014 3:39 AM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 10, 2014 3:39 AM in response to abelliveau

    do you anyone from Indonesia?

  • by Rex Ringo,

    Rex Ringo Rex Ringo May 10, 2014 4:32 AM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 10, 2014 4:32 AM in response to abelliveau

    Its there someone replace motherboard and

    after period of time

    the laptop shutdown by itself under high load?

  • by Kaka524,

    Kaka524 Kaka524 May 10, 2014 4:59 AM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 10, 2014 4:59 AM in response to abelliveau

    Ok Guys. Just got back from Apple Store (Hong Kong). They offered a exceptional services. However, a logical board replacement is recommended. Replacement cost $4500 HKD. Since I am able to boot up my Mac, I did not have it replaced for now. Instead, they helped me install gfxCardStatus which I could disable my discrete graph card and only enable the integrated one. After running my Mac for about 2 hrs (Xcode, AI, and VLC), it seems ok. I will report to this tread if my Mac fail again.

    I was told by the technician that there are quite a bit of Mac user expereinced similar issue. I will file a feedback to Apple and I think Apple should take action to offer a free replacement since my Mac has only been used for 2 and a half years. A logical board failure is totally not acceptable. Good luck guys !

  • by DMC440,

    DMC440 DMC440 May 10, 2014 6:12 AM in response to benedictros
    Level 1 (4 points)
    May 10, 2014 6:12 AM in response to benedictros

    I think it's partly the luck of who you see coupled with the attitude with which you approach it.  I'll discuss more fully once I get the machine back.  Feel that I might jinx it.

  • by topmannn,

    topmannn topmannn May 10, 2014 6:17 AM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 10, 2014 6:17 AM in response to abelliveau

    Just got off a looonnng chat session with apple customer service. I have an early 2011 pro with Radeon 6490m GPU. They will not do anything to fix my laptop. I was even connected to a higher tier rep and they claim there are no open repair programs for the GPU switching failures. I have been a Windows guy from day one and several friends pushed me to buy a mac. I liked it, especially the touch pad interface, but now I regret buying a $2200 laptop. I cant even use it!

    Never will I buy another apple product! Especially how they are going with the new retina series "sealed system" and non replaceable battery.***

    I had the GPU reballed professionally, but it didnt work. I ordered a new GPU and will have it installed in the next couple weeks. Will see what happens...  Ill post an update.

     


  • by benedictros,

    benedictros benedictros May 10, 2014 6:33 AM in response to topmannn
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 10, 2014 6:33 AM in response to topmannn

    Please do post your results...

     

    Any explanation why the reballing didn't do the trick? I'm thinking of a reballing, but i want to know what to look out for before getting serviced. For example, isn't there a way to tell (especially the repairer)  whether or not reballing will work before doing it??

  • by topmannn,

    topmannn topmannn May 10, 2014 6:40 AM in response to benedictros
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 10, 2014 6:40 AM in response to benedictros

    I was under the impression a chip either works or it doesn't, but apparently they can operate somewhere in the middle. They can go bad from excessive heat cycles. The chip was only $30.00 so I might as well try it. I don't think there is anything they can do to test the chip outside of the system.

  • by degger,

    degger degger May 10, 2014 8:56 AM in response to topmannn
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 10, 2014 8:56 AM in response to topmannn

    I was under the impression a chip either works or it doesn't, but apparently they can operate somewhere in the middle. They can go bad from excessive heat cycles. The chip was only $30.00 so I might as well try it. I don't think there is anything they can do to test the chip outside of the system.

    The problem here is the connection between the chip and the PCB and since reballing attempts to fix that problem you're totally right that there's no test that can be done outside to ensure that a reball will have the desired effect of fixing the connections.

  • by gedankenstrom,

    gedankenstrom gedankenstrom May 10, 2014 8:58 AM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 10, 2014 8:58 AM in response to abelliveau

    i join the club.

     

    MacBookPro8,2 Intel Core i7 2 GHz

    Boot-ROM-Version:          MBP81.0047.B27

    SMC-Version (System):          1.69f4

    AMD Radeon HD 6490M

    Intel HD Graphics 3000

    BnNdx3iIYAIgH7S.jpg

    BnSR0mOIgAAlugD.jpg

  • by degger,

    degger degger May 10, 2014 9:05 AM in response to benedictros
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 10, 2014 9:05 AM in response to benedictros

    Any explanation why the reballing didn't do the trick?

    Very likely because that's just the odds of the process. The original balls are created by (ridiculously expensive) machines and being tested visually and electronically also by machines. Reballers attempt to do this manually which is a very finicky process requiring lots of experience, good materials and patience. If you find a good place (which is close to impossible to judge) I'd say you have a 90% chance of a permanent fix, otherwise it'll break rather sooner than later again or worst case kills your PCB in the process. And then of course there're the bad apples who will try to sell a bake or heatgun job as a reball...

  • by squashball,

    squashball squashball May 10, 2014 9:09 AM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (5 points)
    May 10, 2014 9:09 AM in response to abelliveau

    I just got my MBP back from swapping the gpu.

    All is fine - BUT: the left fan is always spinning at 4000 rpm while temps are low (GPU values around 40 degrees) and the right fan is at 2000 rpm (=lowest).

    Any ideas?

    Thx, Florian

  • by cboyanc,

    cboyanc cboyanc May 10, 2014 9:09 AM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 10, 2014 9:09 AM in response to abelliveau

    I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, APPLE IS DISSAPOINTING ME. THEY SHOULD REALLY FIX IT.

  • by benedictros,

    benedictros benedictros May 10, 2014 9:23 AM in response to squashball
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 10, 2014 9:23 AM in response to squashball

    If I recall correctly, the left fan is mainly for the CPU and right fan is for GPU. Try to check the temperatures of the CPU also. It is possible that the CPU thermal paste/seating is off.

first Previous Page 333 of 891 last Next