My Apple macbook pro 2017
A1708.
It has suddenly developed a purple screen with a black stripe down it. see photo.
Tried rebooting and resetting but still the same. Is it the screen gone faulty or video card.. thank you
[Edited by Moderator]
The general solution to these sorts of issues:
Save a screenshot.
Examine the screenshot, e.g., with preview. move it around the screen.
is the defect in the screenshot?
--yes, the fault is in the computer (graphics card is soldered to the mainboard, not separately replaceable.)
--no, then the fault is in the display itself, and it is worthwhile connecting to an external display or TV set.
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In this specific case:
If restarting, such as in Safe mode, does not get rid of the vertical stripe for even a minute, the defect is in the display.
Full-height Vertical artifacts are a display problem.
Readers are eager to provide additional advice on any facet of such a problem.
The general solution to these sorts of issues:
Save a screenshot.
Examine the screenshot, e.g., with preview. move it around the screen.
is the defect in the screenshot?
--yes, the fault is in the computer (graphics card is soldered to the mainboard, not separately replaceable.)
--no, then the fault is in the display itself, and it is worthwhile connecting to an external display or TV set.
-------
In this specific case:
If restarting, such as in Safe mode, does not get rid of the vertical stripe for even a minute, the defect is in the display.
Full-height Vertical artifacts are a display problem.
Readers are eager to provide additional advice on any facet of such a problem.
Waggy26 wrote:
Okay.. im trying to do a screenshot. How do I see screenshot if I havnt got a screen ??
Thanks for help
This particular MBP only has a single gfx card...
you can plug into an external monitor and compare your results—as a work-a-round
if you have the same issue there points to GPU failure.
The only other scenario is display assembly failure. Not worth the replacement cost of a new display assembly even if you could locate one.
Your best bet is to use an external display or TV set for now, and that can allow you to make backups, if you do not already have backups.
Many failures on modern Macs give no notice and the drive can suddenly become completely un-available. Be sure to start a backup regimen right away.
Time Machine is deeply integrated into macOS, and all it needs is an external drive to store the backup copies of your files.
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An external display can continue to serve you for any replacement computer.
Spending more money replacing the display on an older Mac like this one may not be a Prudent move.
You would be better served by saving to replace it with a more current model.
thanks for your help. I found a youtube video with exactly the same problem, it was the flex cable connected to the screen. some of the wires broke and caused the screen to go purple with a black stripe. It looks like a common problem.
As the flex cable is part of the screen its not worth purchasing a new screen, maybe i can find a second hand screen, there's some companies which break up laptops for spares.
thanks again
Waggy26 wrote:
Thank you, I will try it and see..
If it is the graphics card, why cannot it be unsoldered from the main board and replaced. All chips can be replaced...
Not possible.
The components on these machine are soldered to the logic board using SMT (Surface Mount technology) you can not replace or upgrade components. The entire circuit board gets replaced.
In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment
Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"
Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple
Outside the USA
Contact Apple Support - Apple Support
An old Intel MBP is not worth the repair cost
see Vintage and Obsolete:
Vintage—Apple will repair if parts are available; Obsolete—no.
Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty - Apple Support
Thank you, I will try it and see..
If it is the graphics card, why cannot it be unsoldered from the main board and replaced. All chips can be replaced...
Okay.. im trying to do a screenshot. How do I see screenshot if I havnt got a screen ??
Thanks for help
In your case, you can't apply the general solution directly.
Your specific situation was described in my reply above, after the divider: --------
MacBook Pro 2017 screen shows purple with black stripe
