MBP Logic board failure

My (late 2007, 15") MBP had its logic board replaced sometime in 2008/2009 for this issue (black screen). In fact, after I picked it back up, I had to return it, because the display went black in a matter of hours (I believe they replaced the logic board a second time, though don't quote me on that!). Fast-forward to Nov 30 2010. The day before my AppleCare expired, my display went haywire. Brought it into the Apple store the same day, it had a dead heat sensor in the GPU. I have the NVIDIA 8600M, so this worries me greatly. My logic board was replaced after the issue came to light. The tech seemed to think the sensor issue wasn't part of the recall. Thankfully, it was replaced under warranty, and they even let me bring it in the next day because I needed to clone my drive.

I also needed a replacement DVD drive after the display issue (sometime in 09/10). And my battery was replaced under warranty due to premature failure (but the replacement battery died within 100 days! Joy, since the replacement warranty on a battery is 90 days, and not 1 year!).

So, I have been pretty disappointed with this machine. I love Apple hardware... but am frustrated because I really want to believe it is better than the competition. I used a 1st gen 17" for a longer amount of time @ work, and it still runs, and the battery only just died. My current work machine is a 17" unibody. Again, no problems (yet). I think my usage of home/work machine is pretty comparable.

Sigh.

Hello people, I'm just done reading half of this thread, 6 pages!
Now I sent my Pro to an apple retailer, they checked it out and sent me an email saying it's not the nVidia, (then it's definitely the SMC update thing) and they might fix it for 1200$! whoa, now the thing is, does arguing with them give any results? or should I just give up? should I send it to another retailer?

Another question: I once read that one client from south america got the problem and the local retailer told him they can't fix it for free unless it was the infamous nvidia problem, but apple in the USA told him they'd fix it for free (same nvidia symptoms, but the one they charge for) so how about if I send my Pro to the states? would they fix it for free over there?

please anyone confirm either way 😟

and my Pro was manufactured back in June 2007, does that mean it can't be fixed for free by any means because it exceeds the 3 years limit?

My last question is: what about those boards on ebay? are they real? do they work? some of them are selling for 350$, someone should have tried them instead of paying apple some 1000$!!! and if they were real, why would apple sell these boards to these 3rd party retailers?

My MPB 15 mid 1997 also broke down a week ago with black screen and no boot up chime. I got it to the store where the tech could not get the nvidia test to work since the computer did not boot. Tried to argue with the customer service for a couple of hours being sent back and fourth. It is the logic board is their well reheresed explanation, and no free repair!
This really *****!

I have a MBP 2006 model and my problem is that nVidia chip and a mainboard was replaced 2 times.

Today I got again problems with graphic and I will need to go to Apple to exhenge it, but it it is 3rd time do I have a law to ask them for a new mac ? Cuz I don't see this issue to be resolve. AppleCare is out I have now 3 months left on part I'm lucky now that it happened after a 2weeks since last exchange.

I think I may have found the solution to the overheating of the Macbooks.

Yesterday, I ran a full TimeMachine backup and noticed that the temperatures climbed up to relatively high (or even scary) levels. CPU: 80 deg C, GPU: 85 deg C and so on. I started thinking that meltdown might be approaching so ...

I placed 2 frozen gel ice packs under the Macbook (essentially covering all its bottom area) and the temperatures dived down to unbelievably low levels: CPU: 28 deg C, GPU: 35 deg C, enclosure: 13 deg C. All this while it was running the TimeMachine backup.

There you go. Just keep some spare ice packs in your freezer and hit it with all the processing force you can summon. Can double up as an ergonomic stand as well.

Hello all,

This is Jordan from Macbookfix.com and I wanted to address some of the questions and concerns regarding the Nvidia Chipset issue for the 8600 series. We repair many of these systems and see this problem on a weekly basis. The Nvidia chip is mounted to the logic board with solder balls. Due to poor design of the cooling system and chip architecture, the chips run to hot and the solder balls eventually become detached from the logic board. This causes intermittent no video or scrambled video issues. See here --> http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2377

Apple advises customers with the affected issue to bring their computers to Authorized Repair Facility's on the Genius Bar to have the system tested. The system must boot in order for the technician to get the repair code ( System serial number, GPU information).

The problem is, the Nvidia issue can result in different scenarios:

*1) Chime/ Boot with black screen* ( no video or external video) Volume keys can be pressed to hear sound, and keyboard is illuminated
*2) Chime/ Boot with distorted video* or video freeze (when system may be hot)

If you have these two scenarios, most definitely your system is covered under the recall. If a technician denies it, take it to another Service Centre, or contact us for help at service@macbookfix.com.

3) The third problem is No chime with a black screen, no boot, and sleep light stays solid. We are currently working on this issue to determine if this is a Nvidia issue ( it appears to be ), however since the system does not boot, the technicians cannot obtain the repair code. The logic board is then diagnosed as faulty and the quote is about $900 US for repair.

For anyone that is looking for a logic board replacement for the units that are not covered under warranty, we provide refurbished boards. The GPU is removed/or replaced and new solder joints are placed on the board. The solder is reflowed and the chip is fastened.

Apple has also released a firmware update to have the fan RPM raised at lower temperatures to assist in cooling the chip. Personally, I recommend using SMC Fan Control http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/23049/smcfancontrol, to adjust the minimum RPM when gaming or video editing. The system will run at a much cooler temperature.

That's it for now. I'll keep the forum updated on the no video/solid sleep light issue to confirm if this is a Nvidia issue and the outcome.

macbookfix wrote:


"The Nvidia chip is mounted to the logic board with solder balls. Due to poor design of the cooling system and chip architecture, the chips run to hot and the solder balls eventually become detached from the logic board. This causes intermittent no video or scrambled video issues. See here --> http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2377"

Logic board failure has been a MBP issue for some time now; even the newest MBPs are experiencing this anomaly.
Since the problem is due to poor design of cooling system and chip architecture the most salient question to pose is why hasn't Apple redesigned them to make for more robust and reliable operation?
My MBP has had its LB replaced twice within about 6 weeks due to failures.
I guess when it fails yet again after my AppleCare expires in 11 months I can expect to be screwed for lots of drachmas for replacement.
Apple should agree to cover LB replacements indefinitely (certainly for 5 years after MBP purchase) at their expense.
Apple has really handled this whole issue pretty shabbily.

S'âme situation hère. I'm in thé won't boot group. IN even starter a new thread on thé same topic.

Apologies for that last post with its typos. Since my MBP died I'm left with having to peck out e-mails on my iPod touch when on the go. It's no Blackberry that's for sure.

Anyway I was trying to say I'm in the "won't boot" group and I started a separate thread on this issue before I saw this long and older one. Seems there are lots of people out there in the same boat and getting an inconsistent level of care and concern from Apple.

Add mine to the list of dud MBPs! My '07 15" MBP has just had its 3rd logic board failure. The first was the black screen, the 2nd two were distorted video and overheating. The last two were only 2 weeks apart!!! Upgrading to Leopard was the real killer for me, it seems it was too demanding an OS. I am now on Snow leopard. This upgrade was what killed the 2nd board. Also, running iLife 11 seems a total disaster, as the board fails whenever I try to edit a video, even only a small one, as I am using HD. (That is the reason I bought Snow and iLife 11!!) . The heat has also destroyed 3 batteries. A battery a year... nice one, Apple! They refuse to acknowledge that problem, though so my laptop is now a desktop as I refuse to throw $$ away!

So... my theory, if they replace the board again as they have offered to do, and I return the machine to its original state, running Tiger and iLife 06, then perhaps it will last until I can afford a proper computer which will edit my videos.... what do you think?

I think you should demand a new computer.

Oh had I've had the same issue of burning through batteries.

I am now typing this post on a new Macbook Pro. My old machine was replaced yesterday. Thank you Apple for your outstanding customer care and common sense on this issue. I hope my story helps those of you who have had ongoing problems with the Santa Rosa Nvidia machines to hang in there, and not be afraid to ask for help. I would also like to thank the Genius who helped me in our local Apple store - his knowledge and commitment to positive customer experiences is a model to others. I would like to see PC companies match this kind of individual service.

My son brought his two year old 17-inch macbook pro in last month due to the case coming apart. They diagnosed it as a bad battery and replaced it and it was out of warranty (this was probably the first mac laptop that I didn't get applecare).

Three weeks go by and last week the macbook pro stopped booting. I brought it in this time since he was home from school (to a different store in another state) and they immediately diagnosed it as a bad mother board and video card.

They told me they would cover it since it was a known problem. they told me they would have to order the parts and it would take 5 - 7 days. Two days later they called me and told me it was ready!!! Wow and in the middle of the Christmas rush and again no warranty on this MacBook Pro!

Great service - way beyond expectation.

I figured I would get my son a new macbook pro since he is now half way through his architecture program so I ordered a apple refurbished 17-inch macbook pro. The FREE delivery time was noted as 5 - 7 days and it would be in time for Christmas. I got it in only three days!!!!

Great thinking, Apple under promising and over delivering results in expectations being exceeded all the time.

keep up the great work

Dude, don't say this crap "no questions asked"... They don't ask questions. They just hook up their little gadgets and tell you what they think is wrong with it. You obviously were very lucky that your laptop passed the test for full repair at no cost. Mine unfortunately wasn't. Even though it IS the nvidia chip that is the root of the problem. Apple refused to replace the logic board. What a joke this is. Right here in the good ole USA. I feel totally used since my MBP kicked the bucket and my wife tells me I look lost. The past few years I've done nothing but preach about how great Apple products are. Even got several of my friends to switch from windoze to Mac. Now I am embarrassed as ****.

Bullshi... we pay way to much money for the device in the first place. Apple should back their products 100%. How long is this crap going to go on! Look at how much money is wasted in the computer industry due to malfunctions in their products. It is extremely rare for a laptop to function beyond 2 years without issues and a vast majority of warranties are just that... 2 years. If you are an Exec responsible for issuing repairs you are going to determine a cutoff point and it seems to be 2 years. If you can't make a product that last then don't market and sell it. Never, ever purchase an extended warranty on any product. A totally waste of money.