MBP Screen Freeze. Model A126. Family ID Z0EC. Part No. Z0EC0001A.

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MBP Screen Freeze. Model A126. Family ID Z0EC. Part No. Z0EC0001A.

Hello folks! Here's the skinny:

I bought my MBP in June 2006 from apple online. I bought the: MBPRO 15/2.4GHZ/2X1G/SD/GLSY. So it is on the side of the box. The model no and family id are on the title of the thread. I am currently running Tiger 10.4.11. I have just done a full reinstall, deleting all old information.

Here are the problems:

1st: October 2007: Major battery and power issues.-Fixed at 150 USD
2nd: Now: random screen freezes. They occur when I minimize and maximize applications, use applications, use mozilla, open the finder window. Pretty much do anything. I am able to move my cursor on the screen, but clicking or closing anything is impossible and I have to do a full shutdown in order to get things running again. Sometimes I can use the MBP for a day or two and then WHAMMM! Screen Freeze. Or sometimes it is after an hour of using the trial version of Aperature 1.5.6. These problems occur after I have reinstalled Mac OS X and then did all the updates.

Please help, as I did not buy the apple extended service plan, although I'm wondering if I can buy it now. I've read that the problem lies in the video card. The video card I'm using is the Chipset Model: ATY,RadeonX1600. If that is true, can I replace it with a Nvidia one?

So, if someone has an an answer to my question I will bestow upon you 1,000 lucky days!

A1226, Mac OS X (10.4.11), Family ID ZOEC

Posted on Dec 10, 2007 6:00 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 10, 2007 6:06 AM in response to mclaug44

Good morning,

 *Welcome to the Apple Discussions Forum* 

To answer your question, no, you can not replace the video controller in your MacBook Pro. The video chip is an integrated chip on the logic board of your MacBook Pro and is not an upgradable component.

I am not entirely sold on the idea that the problem you have is your video chip either, if it was you shouldn't be able to move your cursor either, or if you could you'd have video distortion with the movement.

If possible I might recommend that you take your MBP to your [local Apple Store's Genius Bar|http://www.apple.com/retail] and let them look at it, describe your problem and see what they can suggest. If they do not keep the MBP for service, which you can always reject, then you will not be charged even out of warranty. I'd just see if they can offer some free advice as to what might be causing the trouble, they can even often perform a diagnostic on the bench while you're standing there.

Hope this helps! 

David

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Answer 2

mclaug44 Author

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Dec 10, 2007 6:14 AM in response to David in AZ

Thank you David.

I have taken it to the Mac Genius Bar store located nearest to me. They say my hardware is fine. But after doing a complete reinstall and just installing Firefox this time around, I'm getting the same issues with my display. Could this be a Firefox compatibility issue, cause I highly doubt that.

How much to replace the logic board, is that possible? Or should I just smash this against the wall and buy a new MBP with an extended warranty this time so if the problem happens again I won't lose an arm trying to fix it.

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Answer 3

mclaug44 Author

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Dec 10, 2007 6:26 AM in response to mclaug44

Just to add one more thing.

The model number on the original thread is wrong. I forgot to put a 2. The real model number is A1226. Sorry for the confusion. I hope this helps a bit more.

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Answer 4

Dec 10, 2007 6:27 AM in response to mclaug44

I had a feeling they would say the hardware is fine, my suspicion is heat to be honest... A heat issue causes the exact symptoms that you are describing, have you run a fan monitor to see how fast your fans are spinning when this happens?

Additionally, a new logic board from Apple can run you the price of a new system as a general rule, however there are many sites out there that have refurbished or replacement parts for Apple Equipment. With that said, I've never used or have any specific company I'd suggest for that purpose but many around the forums have had some experience with them.

I would always recommend purchasing AppleCare with any new Mac, it will save you money in the long run. 🙂 

David

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