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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 D3us,

    D3us D3us Dec 1, 2014 2:51 AM in response to Csound1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 1, 2014 2:51 AM in response to Csound1

    Csound1 wrote:

     

    philux wrote:

     

    The GPU soldering failure is because Apple decided to not use Mercury to adhere to "environmental standards"...how stupid! The other 99% of the laptop isn't environmentally friendly, so why skimp on the part that requires a toxic ingredient the most?

    In most of the world (including the EU) the use of solder containing lead is banned. It's poisonous and has killed millions of people.

     

    And you want Apple to start using it, really?

     

    Csound1, facts please?

    Just as you sometimes claim, you can say whatever you want too.

     

    Using lead free solder seems to have a greater neagitve impact on the environment compared to lead solder.

    e.g.: http://www.sigcon.com/Pubs/news/10_01.htm_

     

    Like I wrote before, what is even more worrying imo is Apple is making their latest product hardly repairable.

    Is that environmentally friendly?

     

    Things will be replaced instead of repaired.

    The broken ones will be shipped to whatever low income country to be "recycled" where they are thrown on a pile.

    Adults AND KIDS working there have to sort it all out, open it, take apart, desolder things without any protection or absorption inhaling all the bad fumes...

     

    Yes, Apple is really really caring for the environment...

  • by GavMackem,

    GavMackem GavMackem Dec 1, 2014 3:21 AM in response to Csound1
    Level 1 (15 points)
    Dec 1, 2014 3:21 AM in response to Csound1

    Csound1 wrote:

     

    philux wrote:

     

    The GPU soldering failure is because Apple decided to not use Mercury to adhere to "environmental standards"...how stupid! The other 99% of the laptop isn't environmentally friendly, so why skimp on the part that requires a toxic ingredient the most?

    In most of the world (including the EU) the use of solder containing lead is banned. It's poisonous and has killed millions of people.

     

    And you want Apple to start using it, really?

    A correct statement at last about lead likely killing millions of people, causing premature deaths and acts of violence.  Only thing is you are completely and utterly wrong about it being in lead solder.  It was tetra-ethyl lead added to gasoline/petrol that did all of that.

     

    Lead solder is still used in all the equipment used to save your life (medical), keep your lights on (energy), all mission critical infrastructure, plus aerospace and defence.

     

    And we use a magnitude more lead consumption in lead acid batteries used to start our cars, trucks and engines powering generators every year than ever went annually used in leaded solder, never mind lead cladding which is still used for roofing as like with solder it's properties make it the most ideal metallic element to use.  It is just the fact that it is next to Iron in the periodic table that red blood cells absorb it causing lead poisoning, but every roofer knows they must wash their hands after and use gloves whilst handling it.  Like every reballer also knows to use an extractor hood whilst reballing an AMD GPU onto an Apple logic board.

     

    You might have learned something today if you never watched that Feynman video over the weekend.

  • by Yannis S,

    Yannis S Yannis S Dec 1, 2014 3:27 AM in response to Csound1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 1, 2014 3:27 AM in response to Csound1

    I am electronic engineer established in Athens Greece, a european country. We are using solder with lead all the time and is not banned.

    Please stop trolling.

     

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/vvszuquvvcefigd/Photo%201-12-14%20-%2013%2007%2044.jpg ?dl=0

  • by obwianMacobi,

    obwianMacobi obwianMacobi Dec 1, 2014 3:31 AM in response to MGSH
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 1, 2014 3:31 AM in response to MGSH

    MGSH wrote:

     

    So I've been trying to book a Genius Bar appointment, to no avail (none available in their London stores) and look what I stumbled across:

     

     

    MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010):

    Intermittent black screen or loss of video

    Apple has determined that a small number of MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) computers may intermittently freeze or stop displaying video on the built-in display or on an external display connected to the MacBook Pro. In this situation, you may also see a restart warning message before the video is lost or the display turns black or gray.

    • OS X v10.8 Mountain Lion:
      • A software update is not required. Select one of the service options listed in the Service Options section below.
    • OS X v10.7 Lion:
      • Choose Software Update from the Apple () menu to update OS X to version 10.7.3 or later. If the symptoms persist after installing the update, select one of the service options listed in the Service Options section below.
    • OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard:
      • Choose Software Update from the Apple () menu to update OS X to version 10.6.8. Then, install MacBook Pro Video Update 1.0 (Snow Leopard). If the symptoms persist after installing the update, select one of the service options listed in the Service Options section below.
    Service Options
    • Apple Retail Store. Set up an appointment with a Genius.
    • Apple Authorized Service Provider. Find one here.
    • Apple Technical Support. Contact us for local service options.
    Apple will run a software diagnostic test to determine if your computer qualifies for service for this issue.

    Learn more

    Note: If your 15-inch MacBook Pro is not experiencing any of these symptoms, you do not need to contact Apple.Apple will service affected 15-inch MacBook Pro computers free of charge until three years from date of purchase. This worldwide Apple program does not extend the standard warranty coverage of the affected MacBook Pro.Last Modified: Nov 8, 2014

     

     

    (I removed the links to avoid incurring the wrath of the moderators)

    How come they acknowledge an issue with the 2010 MPB but keep schtum about the 2011!? And since 2010 is long gone those users a left high and dry like the rest of us!

     

    This is worrying - for two reasons.

     

    1) If Apple is only acknowledging problems with Mid 2010 Macs now, does this mean we'll have to wait another 12 months before they acknowledge problems with our 2011 Macs?

     

    2) More worrying is that it indicates that the design flaws present in our MacBook Pros isn't just limited to 2011 machines. No wonder Apple wants to bury this - as potentially this could be disastrous for the whole MacBook Pro line.

  • by GavMackem,

    GavMackem GavMackem Dec 1, 2014 3:41 AM in response to obwianMacobi
    Level 1 (15 points)
    Dec 1, 2014 3:41 AM in response to obwianMacobi

    Like with the 2008 MBP with the Nvidia 8XXX GPU repair program I am pretty sure Nvidia footed the bill for the MBP 2010.

     

    Though as AMD are not liable for putting a pair of too hot processors inside the 15/17 unibody chassis it's rather shameful that the company responsible for that will not own up to their error in not at least optimising the cooling system so it could cope and not do absolutely anything about it.

  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Dec 1, 2014 3:44 AM in response to Yannis S
    Level 9 (51,166 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 1, 2014 3:44 AM in response to Yannis S

    Yannis S wrote:

     

    I am electronic engineer established in Athens Greece, a european country. We are using solder with lead all the time and is not banned.

    Please stop trolling.

     

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/vvszuquvvcefigd/Photo%201-12-14%20-%2013%2007%2044.jpg ?dl=0

    Perhaps you should read the law for yourself.

     

    ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/rohs_eee/events_rohs3_en.htm (links to ROHS2 included)


    On February 13, 2003, lead-free became a law in the European Union (EU), with an implementation date of July 1, 2006. (ROHS2) From that date on, no electronic products (except those with exemptions) can be made in or shipped to the EU if they contain lead.


    There are no exceptions for Apple products.

  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Dec 1, 2014 3:46 AM in response to GavMackem
    Level 9 (51,166 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 1, 2014 3:46 AM in response to GavMackem

    GavMackem wrote:

     

    Csound1 wrote:

     

    philux wrote:

     

    The GPU soldering failure is because Apple decided to not use Mercury to adhere to "environmental standards"...how stupid! The other 99% of the laptop isn't environmentally friendly, so why skimp on the part that requires a toxic ingredient the most?

    In most of the world (including the EU) the use of solder containing lead is banned. It's poisonous and has killed millions of people.

     

    And you want Apple to start using it, really?

    A correct statement at last about lead likely killing millions of people, causing premature deaths and acts of violence.  Only thing is you are completely and utterly wrong about it being in lead solder.  It was tetra-ethyl lead added to gasoline/petrol that did all of that.

     

    Lead solder is still used in all the equipment used to save your life (medical), keep your lights on (energy), all mission critical infrastructure, plus aerospace and defence.

     

    And we use a magnitude more lead consumption in lead acid batteries used to start our cars, trucks and engines powering generators every year than ever went annually used in leaded solder, never mind lead cladding which is still used for roofing as like with solder it's properties make it the most ideal metallic element to use.  It is just the fact that it is next to Iron in the periodic table that red blood cells absorb it causing lead poisoning, but every roofer knows they must wash their hands after and use gloves whilst handling it.  Like every reballer also knows to use an extractor hood whilst reballing an AMD GPU onto an Apple logic board.

     

    You might have learned something today if you never watched that Feynman video over the weekend.

    Read the law for yourself.

     

    On February 13, 2003, lead-free became a law in the European Union (EU), with an implementation date of July 1, 2006. (ROHS2) From that date on, no electronic products (except those with exemptions) can be made in or shipped to the EU if they contain lead.


    ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/rohs_eee/events_rohs3_en.htm

  • by GavMackem,

    GavMackem GavMackem Dec 1, 2014 4:05 AM in response to Csound1
    Level 1 (15 points)
    Dec 1, 2014 4:05 AM in response to Csound1

    I know that law very well and haven't just found a link for it to do your utmost to prove a pointless point over a subject where you in reality know nothing about.  If you study the law carefully, there was some exemptions given to certain products for a 5 year period up to that co-incidental year of 2011.  Look for the parts which say high powered transistors, as my friend who builds multi kilowatt radio transmitters found out in 2011 when he was forced to use lead free solder for his products, prompting them to have to subcontract any repair work to another company to re-solder them with lead.  And for repairs -  lead was allowed in 2011 and is still allowed to be used for repairs.  This was the very same year where the electronics manufacturing market was awash with sub-standard lead free solder. A lot of co-incidences there methinks.

     

    Stick to easy Q&A's hunting for those easy questions and points as you come rather unstuck when debating with professionals and those with knowledge that goes away over your head.

  • by kayazuki,

    kayazuki kayazuki Dec 1, 2014 12:45 PM in response to cristianalm
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 1, 2014 12:45 PM in response to cristianalm

    <Edited By Host>

  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Dec 1, 2014 4:15 AM in response to GavMackem
    Level 9 (51,166 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 1, 2014 4:15 AM in response to GavMackem

    I'm talking about selling new product, I could care less about the antics of a few guys with a soldering iron.

     

    And in the EU it is not legal to sell consumer electronics containing lead.

     

    And that is the reason Apple manufacture products using lead free solder.

  • by GavMackem,

    GavMackem GavMackem Dec 1, 2014 4:35 AM in response to Csound1
    Level 1 (15 points)
    Dec 1, 2014 4:35 AM in response to Csound1

    But my point and others going back a few pages were about doing REPAIRS with lead solder, it was you that jumped onto the 'Lead is poison and kills millions of people' bandwagon.  Lead solder is the best option for re-soldering a new GPU on these 2011 logic boards.  The much lower PCB surface temperature, the narrow location on the logic board means lead solder's flexibility is also key for a long lasting repair whereas lead free connections break when flexed.

     

    Like I keep saying - steer clear of topics which you have no clue about.  Best go onto the iPhone forum and jump on the first question about why their iPhone battery doesn't last or their screen orientation doesn't rotate; much more easier points pickings than your lack of knowledge allowing you to to be humiliated on here.  Though if you truly wanted to help 2011 users over this past year you could have learnt this off from the knowledgeable users who post on this thread and actually contribute with worthwhile, insightful posts which so far in this whole year you have only done what I would call a proper contribution is about the UK Sale of Goods Act.

  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Dec 1, 2014 4:39 AM in response to GavMackem
    Level 9 (51,166 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 1, 2014 4:39 AM in response to GavMackem

    Gav, I care little how much you espouse the use of lead.

     

    I do not care for the use of any environmental poisons so we are not going to agree.

  • by carl wolf,

    carl wolf carl wolf Dec 1, 2014 4:41 AM in response to philux
    Level 6 (14,625 points)
    Dec 1, 2014 4:41 AM in response to philux

    "The GPU soldering failure is because Apple decided to not use Mercury..."

     

    Absurd.  Mercury has nothing to do with it.  Apparently, you have something stuck in Uranus.

    Governments worldwide have banned the use of leaded solder.  Apple had nothing to say about it.

  • by GavMackem,

    GavMackem GavMackem Dec 1, 2014 4:51 AM in response to Csound1
    Level 1 (15 points)
    Dec 1, 2014 4:51 AM in response to Csound1

    Then if you care so much about these poisons being used you'd best throw the battery out of your car and bump start it instead, let your roof leak at the edges and expect power cuts. In those first two markets alone it's use dwarfs anything ever used to solder electronic equipment, so I am afraid Pb that environmental poison is here to stay - that is the reality of the world we live in.    And that same poison protects medical/dental staff, those at facilities dealing with nuclear isotopes or even fusion getting exposed to high frequency EM such as x-rays and gamma rays.

     

    I have always used it for repairing GPU and CPU for reballing as the difference in failure rates between the two on used equipment is huge.  Way before these 2011's started breaking down and others spread hysterical misinformation about lead being totally evil when in reality its very far from that.

  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Dec 1, 2014 4:54 AM in response to GavMackem
    Level 9 (51,166 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 1, 2014 4:54 AM in response to GavMackem

    I'll just remind other posters that you're advocating for the use of a lethal toxin is out of self interest, one of the most questionable motives of the decade.

     

    I do not agree with you, learn to live with that or not, you won't change it.

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