How to "enable" the discrete AMD GPU on a Late 2011 15" MacBook Pro

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How to "enable" the discrete AMD GPU on a Late 2011 15" MacBook Pro

Hello,

Okay, so I just bought a Late 2011 15" MacBook Pro (8.2) for really cheap and everything works fine. It as a 2.20 Ghz Intel Core i7 CPU and a Intel 3000 series integrated GPU. Except, I heard it also has an AMD discrete GPU according to specs sheet. Upon looking on the internet, this model year was especially known for problems with the discrete GPU. I reinstall the OS, but notting. I wanna how to enable it in any possible ways. Maybe some of you guys can help me. Thanks!

-Maxime

MacBook Pro

Posted on Sep 26, 2020 4:44 PM

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Answer 1

Sharhari

Level 5

6,293 points

Sep 27, 2020 1:32 AM in response to dookie_121

Please see this Set graphics performance on MacBook Pro - Apple Support.

Hope it helps.

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Answer 2

dookie_121 Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 27, 2020 3:51 AM in response to Sharhari

Thanks for your help, but I tried this with no avail. There’s notting and when I go to System Repport, theres only the Intel intagrated GPU. It’s like this OS can’t see it. I know I have one discrete GPU because i’ve thorne the computer apart and I saw the AMD chip. I think the previous owner disable it but I’m not sure.

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Answer 3

Sep 27, 2020 9:40 AM in response to dookie_121

Are you sure? Run a graphics intensive sw such as Unigine's Heaven or Valley in window mode and check if the AMD is really out. If yes it may be the the discrete card, although not simple to do, could have been disabled because defective.

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Answer 4

dookie_121 Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 27, 2020 10:59 PM in response to dookie_121

Okay,

So the previous owner told me that he, indeed, deactivated the discrete GPU for issues he experienced in the past. Those issues are really common for the 2011 MacBook Pro’s. Thanks for everyone for helping me! 😊

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Answer 5

Sharhari

Level 5

6,293 points

Sep 27, 2020 4:09 AM in response to dookie_121

See if NVRAM/PRAM reset helps.

Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 6

Sharhari

Level 5

6,293 points

Sep 27, 2020 5:37 AM in response to dookie_121

Please check your Mac's EFI Boot ROM and SMC firmware versions and update/restore accordingly.

About EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Mac computers - Apple Support.

Hope it helps.

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Answer 7

dookie_121 Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 27, 2020 5:02 AM in response to Sharhari

Yeah... I just tried and it dosen’t work.

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Answer 8

etresoft

Level 9

56,088 points

Sep 27, 2020 5:45 AM in response to dookie_121

The discrete GPU will only turn on if it is needed. The easiest way to trigger that is to plug in an external display.

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Answer 9

dookie_121 Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 27, 2020 11:46 AM in response to majortom1967

Thanks guys for helping me... I am currently not at my home, but once I will, I’ll try all of your sugestions. Otherwise, I’ll bring it to an Apple Store.

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How to "enable" the discrete AMD GPU on a Late 2011 15" MacBook Pro

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