MBP Logic board failure

Here's a weird one.
I took my MBPro into the Apple store to have them do the nVidia test. But they couldn't run the test because they couldn't get the software to read my MBPro serial number. And they said that without being able to identify the serial number, they couldn't do the test.

They figured the problem is that the MBPro is a refurbished one. Seems that it had already had the logic board swapped out, so that the MBPro and the new logic board don't "match". And so the nVidia software can't identify it. Weird.

Anyway, I left it with them and they're going to "reset the eeprom" and, if I understood correctly, give the logic board a "new" serial number. Which will allow them to run the nVidia test.

Should also say that when they went to test my MBPro, naturally the screen came on! Just after I'd finished telling them how it had gone black after installing Snow Leopard and rebooted twice. I could hear everything running, the startup chime, the post-installation Welcome to Snow Leopard bit, the music, etc., with the keyboard lighted, Caps Lock working and so on.

The Apple tech went on to explain that the nVidia chip defect is heat related, that when the MBPro gets really hot, over time the graphics chip gets unsoldered from the logic board.
This coincides with what I've seen, in that my current MBPro, as well as another one that had the problem last year and was fixed free, would sometimes have a working screen I'd left it to cool off for a few hours. But a good example of it getting hot and having the screen go black is doing a system install, which makes it work pretty hard and makes it get really hot. Not surprising then that my screen went black after installing Snow Leopard. And then worked after leaving it for a couple days.

I guess if they say it isn't affected by the nVidia defect and that the logic board won't be replaced for free, I'll have to reinstall Snow Leopard right in front of them and show them that the screen goes black after the computer overheats. Keeping fingers crossed.

The logic board on my early (Oct.'08) MBP failed twice...at 18 months and at 20 months after purchase, and was replaced under AppleCare extended warranty.
Yes, the logic board is a weak point on the MBP. I suspect that the ordinary internal operating temps that the MBP is subject to is too high for the health of the pro's electronics.
Overall MBP reliability is quite mediocre. So far, I've had the Superdrive fail, the soundboard fail and the hard drive fail as well a several Magsafe A/C adaptors fail in addition to the logic board failures.
I have no confidence in the quality of Apple electronic products at this point.

This discussion thread helped me resolve my problem, so this post is my thank you to all of you who have already posted.

One week ago the screen on my 15-inch early 2008 MacBook Pro went black within the hour after I installed the new iTunes. (I don't think that there'a a connection with iTunes, but I'm putting it out there for you all.) I took it in to the Genius Bar of the local Apple Store (Short Pump, Virginia) where they said that they ran a diagnostic (they took my computer into the back for a period of time) and my logic board was broken. I was told that it would cost $310 to fix/replace and my computer had to be sent away for the repairs.

I only found out about the "Distorted video or no video issues" with the MacBooks of my era by checking out the internet after sending my computer off. Here's the link: http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2377.

When I arrived at the Apple Store yesterday to pick up my fixed MacBook Pro, the salesperson said nothing about the free repair program--he just presented me with my computer and the bill. My entreaties that my computer be considered for the program were parried until I insisted on speaking with the manager. When he eventually spoke with me, he admitted a mistake (although suggested it was on the part of the off-site Apple repair location) and rang up the ticket showing a refund.

The experience left a bad taste in my mouth. I can't be sure whether the failure to tell me about the free repair was merely an oversight, Apple policy, or store laziness. In any case, I have learned to be a bit less trusting with what I am told at the Genius Bar.

I just got my MBPro 2.4 Ghz (nVidia 8600M) back from the Apple techs and they replaced the logic board for free as part of the recall program. Great stuff. Solved my black screen on reboot and sleep problem.

The only thing I'd like to add is that there's now a vertical red line near the left edge of the screen that runs the entire height of the screen. It's pretty thin, about 1 pixel wide I guess, and it was never PERMANENTLY there before getting the logic board replaced: it was BLUE when it first showed up, but it wasn't permanent, then it started to show up RED. I had the black screen problem so I couldn't be sure if it had become permanent, but I don't think so. And now it is there and it's permanent, or so it seems.

It is not a line of bad pixels, I should add. If I drag a white background window over the area, you DON'T see the red line through the window; i.e., it is BEHIND the window. Which I've never seen before.

I just got the computer back today and am currently updating to 10.6.4, but I don't know if that will make any difference.

Does anyone think the red line (formerly blue) could be related to the nVidia graphics card problem?

Same problem here. Logic Board quit working 1 month shy of 3 years. My fault for not purchasing the Apple Care, but if I did the thing would have just broken 2 months later. The Apple Tech Matt (ext. 36373) told me that this is not a common problem and that I could find the same problem with any computer I Google. I pointed out that I didn't read about all the failures on Google, I read about them right here on Apples own website forums. He said that the entire computer industry has a problem with hardware failure. I told him that I have 5 five old Dell computers, the newest one I'm typing on now is from 2004 the oldest one is nine years old and they all will start up and work perfectly if slow. I Loved my Macbook pro and I will miss it sorely, But if Apple computers don't last more than 3 years then I'll never buy one again. I spent way to much money to have a computer for less than 3 years. I'm just going to buy a Sony from Walmart from now on. I would rather have a computer that will last me even if it's Windows. I'm also telling the 4,000 people I work with what happened to my computer and that if they want a computer with hardware that's reliable then just buy a Dell.

So, if the logic board is fried, do people hear the chime at start up? I can hear mine, HD and fans are whirring.

What are the symptoms that separate the GPU issue from the logic board issue?

I have an appointment with a "genius" tonight, hopefully I can get the GPU replaced for free.

Bought my 15" MBP in Sept 07, no Apple Care, but the article regarding the Nvidea issue on the Apple support page says they will replace it for free up to 4 years after purchase, even if warranty has expired. This is the first issue I've had like this.

Also, what is their policy on DIY upgrades? I have installed a larger HD, more RAM and replaced my battery with an aftermarket one, all work done by myself. Are they going to try and say that it won't be covered because it's not all the original parts?

Hi. I've had 2 MBPros with the Nvidia problem and the logic boards were replaced free. Your symptoms seem to indicate the Nvidia defect.

Essentially, the Apple techs told me that a MBPro probably has the Nvidia defect (and qualifies for free logic board replacement) if at startup you can (1) hear the startup chime and (2) the caps lock key lights up when pressed (which means the keyboard illumination should work too).

The techs said that they can test for the Nvidia defect (using their external USB drive) even if you don't have a hard disk installed in the MBPro. The important thing is that the MBPro starts up and that it gives signs of life (see above) even if the screen remains black. This way, they can test for the Nvidia defect using the external drive.

Beauty. Thanks for the quick response.
How long does this repair usually take?
I think it's time to start saving for a new computer...

I dropped my MBPros off in person and they were ready in 5 working days. Great service.

Will all my data still be intact or do they have to wipe anything? Don't see why they'd have to, I'll have to double check my latest Time Machine backup. Thanks again, cheers.

I purchased a 1,1 macbook pro in 2006. Since then, the motherboard has been replaced three times (yes, three) due to video/power failure, and now that the applecare has expired for this unit, the fourth board has failed. Clearly, there are cooling issues with these machines that were never adequately addressed in subsequent revisions. They should have stuck with Intel GMA and focused on function over form->failure. ),,,;

I have a late 2007 Macbook Pro 15.4in.. (September or November is when I bought it)

I just got back my macbook pro from repair... for the 4th time....

In almost 2 years time i have had the Logic board replaced 4 times (on my 5th one now), outer case replaced, keyboard replaced, and some other cosmetic work (which was terrible and im going to complain about it. My case warped from the heat getting to hot after I was editing photos)

Ive been told by many customer service reps that I will get a new system. That has yet to happen and my Applecare ends in December. Im still having issues with the speed, heat, and some graphics problems. I have had to stop playing computer games, and editing photos for long periods because it will just shut off.

My worry is that after my applecare runs out, it will fail and I cant afford to buy a new computer. Needless to say my parents wont give me the money to buy a new mac after how mad they have seen me get about my computer.

Just wanted to vent a little bit....

Greetings, I just sent my MacBook Pro in because the video died and i confirmed that it was in the production run that had the video card recall. It should have been fully fixed under warranty but the repair people said that there was some corrosion on the logic board and this invalidates the warranty repair. They say that I need to pay $1320 to repair this when it is very clearly the video recall problem. If this has happened to you as well, please post here.

And yes, another MBP from 2007 bites the dust 😟
My Apple MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 15" has died on me. At least de logic board has. Extremely high repair cost of $1200 await. Any tips on lowering those costs?
Any experience with repair programs on eBay or second hand logic boards?

Yeah, you pay top dollar for a product and you expect better results. From now on, I am buying "cheap" stuff that is also inexpensive. I buy around 2 computers a year for a small business and it looks like it might be time to return to the Dark Side.