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MacBook Pro screen blinks

My new MacBook Pro display screen is blinking or flickering every few minutes now. I've only noticed it when I've switched to the integrated 9400M graphics processor. I don't recall seeing any blinks when using the discrete 9600M GPU. Usually it is only the top half or so of the display that blinks or flickers for a split second. Anyone else having the same problem?

MacBook Pro (Late 2008), Mac OS X (10.5.5), tv, iPhone, iPod Touch, et al

Posted on Nov 28, 2008 5:28 PM

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1,610 replies

Mar 26, 2009 10:17 AM in response to JMINES

Exactly the same as you, JMINES

Strobes appears between 2 and 5 brightness.

Hope we will get a fix soon, otherwise I will bring again the machine (it will be the 5th)

We lost a lot of time and energy, it is a shame for a machine of this price.

To all those who have this problem, do not hesitate to return or exchange your machine.

The most beautiful girl can not give only what she has, but at least she should be watchable without stroboscopic effect !

Mar 27, 2009 1:34 PM in response to munchnstuf

I have the same problem with the screen flickering/strobing between brightness levels 1-5. I have been testing this problem out on my 2.66GHz MacBook Pro, 15" and I have noticed this problem occurs when sending and receiving data off the AirPort card.... anyone else notice this? Try running a speed test (which sends and receives large amounts of data) using your AirPort and screen brightness at 1 or 2, and let me know what you see.

Turn-off the AirPort card and no flickering/strobing appears, at least for me.

Mar 27, 2009 1:59 PM in response to hotplug

Hmm.... I'm continuing to troubleshoot this PROBLEM.... I seemed have been able to minimize, if not, eliminate the problem....

I first tried to reset the P-RAM, problem persisted.
I then reset the SMC, then performed another P-RAM reset immediately after the SMC reset procedure and noticed no more flickering (at least for the time being).....

RESET SMC and PERFORM A P-RAM Reset:

-Turn off the MacBook Pro
-Remove the AC adapter from MacBook Pro, if plugged in
-Disconnect the battery
-Hold down the Power key for 10 seconds
-Put the battery back on
-Turn on the computer, and immediately hold down the COMMAND-OPTION-P-R keys (Reset PRAM)
-Let the computer chime 2 times
-Lower the brightness back down to 1 or 2.... hope for the flicker to be minimal, or go away....

It worked for me just a few moments ago, and has been working for the last 10 minutes...

See if it works for you. I will post back later with updates. It seems the SMC getting corrupt may be the culprit here....

-Octavio

MacBook Pro screen blinks

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