Level 1

21 points

MacBook Pro Logic Board Failure

I was using my computer just fine (2007 MBP core 2 duo) all day. Put it to sleep came back after 30 minutes and tried to wake it and it's dead. I held down the power key to shut it down then tried to restart no luck. No start up chime, no screen, keyboard seems dead as well (caps lock light does not light up), HD does not start up. The only signs of life are the white light on the screen latch that is now on, the fans are spinning and the DVD drive seems to work.

Reset the power management module and zapped the PRAM, no luck.

MBP 2007 Core 2 duo 2.2, Mac OS X (10.6.5)

Posted on Dec 7, 2010 7:47 AM

Top-ranking reply

dmd25

Level 1

0 points

Posted on Jul 23, 2012 9:44 AM

Sorry! Don't know why the link didn't work.

I think your plan is exactly right. Go get a diagnosis and then take it to Apple and see what you can do to get it fixed. Again, thebhoydave1888's information was very helpful to me (though I ended up not needing anything but the encouragement to try.

This is the page to which I was trying to link:

MacBook Pro: Distorted video or no video issues

Products Affected

MacBook Pro, models with NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processors

Symptoms

In July 2008, NVIDIA publicly acknowledged a higher than normal failure rate for some of their graphics processors due to a packaging defect. At that same time, NVIDIA assured Apple that Mac computers with these graphics processors were not affected. However, after an Apple-led investigation, Apple has determined that some MacBook Pro computers with the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor may be affected. If the NVIDIA graphics processor in your MacBook Pro has failed, or fails within four years of the original date of purchase, a repair will be done free of charge, even if your MacBook Pro is out of warranty.

What to look for:

Distorted or scrambled video on the computer screen
No video on the computer screen (or external display) even though the computer is on

Specific products affected:

MacBook Pro 15-inch and 17-inch models with NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processors
- MacBook Pro (17-Inch, 2.4GHz)
- MacBook Pro (15-Inch, 2.4/2.2GHz)
- MacBook Pro (Early 2008)
These computers were manufactured between approximately May 2007 and September 2008

Resolution

If your MacBook Pro is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above, please take it to an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) for evaluation, or call your nearest Apple Contact Center. Before visiting the Genius Bar at the Apple Retail Store, please make a reservation (available in some countries only).

Apple is issuing refunds to customers who may have paid for repairs related to this issue. Please contact Apple for details on the refund process.

Note: If your MacBook Pro is not experiencing any of these symptoms, you do not need to contact Apple.

Apple will continue to evaluate the repair data and will provide further repair extensions as needed.

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1,419 replies

oalfonso

Level 1

0 points

Nov 24, 2013 4:46 AM in response to Rms83

Hi,

Mi Mac 17" Mid 2010 had in the last year the next failures in order:

Magsafe charger
DC charger board
Motherboard
Screen failure

The quality is absolutely terrible! The response I've got from the store is a case of bad luck but after is out of waranty they cannot do anything. According to them none of the issues are related what leaves tehm an even worse position. Is this the quality I can expect from a 2000+ USD laptop?

I'm looking now how to make a a formal complain through the appropiate ombudsman.

Regards

Andy-J-D

Level 3

645 points

Jan 15, 2014 7:28 AM in response to poikkeus1

So as I posted, I sent in my 15" MBP mid-2010 for MLB replacement, they quoted $310 for flat-rate repair through the Apple Store.

Got an email yesterday giving me two options:

Agree to a $955 'Hard Drive repair' (no further details)
Have it returned unrepaired.

I called the Apple store that sent it out and talked to the Genius Bar admin. After explaining the situation to her, she said the problem is that I have a third-party drive in the computer. Apparently the repair shop will only work on laptops that are original Apple spec. This would have been nice to know before I wasted a week sending it out!

In my case, I removed the optical drive, put the original HDD in its place, and use a hybrid HDD in the original hard drive slot as my boot drive.

What I'm going to have to do is get my computer back, take out the third-party drive, put the original HDD back in the hard drive slot, and put the optical drive back in (ie restore it to factory specs).

So warning for anyone that's modified their equipment: restore it to original Apple spec before you send it in for a repair through the Apple store.

Hopefully that'll save someone some time and hassle. I'm hoping they knock something off the price or something for the inconvenience. We'll see.

currterr

Level 1

6 points

Mar 12, 2015 5:11 AM in response to elu69

Update: It looks like maybe some of my letters to the BBB and CEO may have worked

to Apple looking into repairing old MacBook Pro 17" 2011 model laptops.

I have not commented on this issue in over a year....

Well good luck to you all as I take advantage of this program

yet again... probably 5 times this video card has had problems

and with logic board problems.

I am going to get an Asus gaming computer after this.

I just hope the Macbook Pro lasts a while longer.

All the best.

MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues

Apple has determined that a small percentage of MacBook Pro systems may exhibit distorted video, no video, or unexpected system restarts. These MacBook Pro systems were sold between February 2011 and December 2013.

Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will repair affected MacBook Pro systems, free of charge. See below for details on affected models and service options.

Symptoms

An affected MacBook Pro may display one or more of the following symptoms:

Distorted or scrambled video on the computer screen
No video on the computer screen (or external display) even though the computer is on
Computer restarts unexpectedly

Products affected

15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models manufactured in 2011
15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina models manufactured from Mid 2012 to Early 2013

Sep 1, 2013 11:29 PM in response to renato.gama

Wow ... I have the exact same issue (battery, lines, no visual, lag, etc) as renato.gama! My 15" Macbook Pro is also early 2011. I purchased it on July 2011 for close to SGD2700 from Apple online store (Singapore).

Something that's slightly different is that I did bring my mbp to apple authorized service center (as Singapore doesn't have apple center) to fix the battery issue in December 2012.

So just about two weeks ago I was in Australia and I managed to bring it to Genius Bar and have it checked. The on-site staff hooked the mbp with some network cable to run diagnostic. A few minutes in, blue screen appeared and he told me that he's never seen it before. He then told me that it could be RAM or HDD issue. The diagnostic was running longer than he had expected so he asked if I wouldn't mind to check it in so that they can do a more thorough check and I agreed.

A few days later I received a phone call asking if they can delete everything and re-install things and I gave the permission to go ahead with it. Then about a couple days later I received a horrifying news. Logic board needs to be replaced they said. I totally didn't expect that ... at all ... Upon hearing that I just went silent for a while. I then asked how much would it cost to have it replaced and they quoted me around AUD600 ish .. close to 700 if I remember it right.

The guy told me that it's costly and it's almost the same value of my MBP and so he gave me time to think about it first. A few hours later I called him back and asked what was it exactly that's causing the issue and mentioned to him that all the signs seemed to have been pointing to graphic card issue. He didn't give anything specific and just told me that even if it's graphic card issue, it's still part of the logic board as one piece and so it's still need to be replaced.

I had wanted to keep on questioning him for stuff but I ended up just letting it go and told him that I won't pay for it.

It's really aggravating and dissapointing to think that Apple's product would fail in less than 2 years. To my knowledge, I didn't even abuse my mbp as it was at home, placed on top of a laptop pad on a desk and I hardly move it around for 90% of the time (especially when it's on). I don't play games (have my PC for that) or do heavy rendering stuff (designer+developer here).

Had I not trusted the brand, I would have purchased that apple care protection plan ($498) with an eye closed -_-"

Now ... if there are some suggestions on what I should do with my mbp, whether to sell it or fix it on my own, please share. Thanks!

renato.gama wrote:

Anybody here knows whether this problem that I'm facing is due to a Logic Board problem?

I have a Macbook Pro early 2011.

ANY ADVICE, please??

I have been having this same problem, and it started a couple of days ago out of nowhere.

My Macbook Pro 15" (purchased Sept. 2011 in the US) was connected to my external monitor at home and it suddenly crashed.

After restarting it, I had all kinds of screen problems...

red lines on the screen, split screen, blue screen on startup..

I reinstalled from scratch but that didn't solve it.

Now, when I turn it on it takes a while to startup and the screen flickers, the red lines appear and if I, eventually, get to login, the smallest stuff I do will trigger all the screen problems and it eventually locks and needs to be restarted by holding the power button.

Besides that, a couple of months ago my battery simply died.

It started losing power out of the blue as well and after 5 days it wouldn't hold any charge at all and simply would say on the System Report that I had no battery on my Macbook Pro.

I'm seriously disappointed at APPLE because this Macbook Pro is not even 2 years old...

And I need it to work!!! I'm a PhD Student... so I don't have enough money to just go and get a new one, as I have been suggested...

And it seems that there is no cheap way out of it...

Any suggestions?

Keith Walsh Author

Level 1

21 points

Dec 7, 2010 12:14 PM in response to Keith Walsh

I will just add this this does not fit the description of the Nvidia graphics issue since the computer does not boot at all. It is not just a display problem. The same issue happened with a friends machine and it required a logic board replacement not covered by warranty. Has anyone else had a similar issue of this type. I know of myself and two other people with the same machine and we have all had logic board failures (one Nvidia related and one not). This is my second Apple board failure in the past couple of years the other being on my iMac G5 (whose board failed twice actually). Getting pretty frustrated with this.

Keith Walsh Author

Level 1

21 points

Dec 8, 2010 1:18 PM in response to PrinceZordar

Yes I thought about that and I will try it next when I get a chance. I am not convinced it is the problem however as the power light is not flashing just on with a steady glow. Usually when the RAM is not installed correctly there is flashing and a beeping as well if I remember correctly. Having experienced so many Mac logic board failures recently both first and second hand however I am not optimistic. This has all the typical characteristics of another catastrophic hardware failure.

Keith Walsh Author

Level 1

21 points

Dec 13, 2010 7:47 AM in response to Keith Walsh

I had a chance to check the memory. This does not appear to be the problem. I was going to try using target disk mode via my new iMac but then I discovered some genius decided that the new iMacs don't need firewire 400. Since I don' have an 800 cable and I don't know of a single person who does I'll have to track down another machine with a 400 port. Can you sense my growing frustration?

Keith Walsh Author

Level 1

21 points

Dec 15, 2010 7:43 AM in response to Keith Walsh

Well I was able to track down another mac with a FW 400 port but no luck. To activate target disk mode I need to be able to hold down the T key while the machine boots. Alas my keyboard does not work. Tried plugging in a USB keyboard but my USB ports are dead as well. The only parts of the computer getting power are the fans and DVD drive.

Dec 15, 2010 8:06 AM in response to Keith Walsh

As I write this, my MBP laptop is on its way to California to be checked out by Apple techs. I have the same problem and fear that my Nvidia chip is not the issue. It is very disturbing that my computer is just 2 years old, and I may have to pay for a new logic board. I am kicking myself for not purchasing Apple Care. I suppose I had too much faith in Apple to ever think that it would fail. I have a G4 desktop that is 11 years old and runs like a champ...I bought Apple care then, but never needed it. I am hoping that it IS the Nvidia chip issue, and I get a free replacement. If not, then this will be the last Apple product I ever buy. For a $2000.00 machine, I expect it to last a bit longer. Mr. Jobs, I have been a believer since 1984, and spent a lot of money on your company...you should make this right with all of us going through this problem. If you install defective logic boards, then you should replace them all for free. Good luck Keith...and everyone else suffering the same issue.

Keith Walsh Author

Level 1

21 points

Dec 15, 2010 8:26 AM in response to Keith Walsh

I certainly share your feelings. I've been a Mac user for over 13 years and it used to be that the machines were rock solid. I still have my old Power Mac 6500 from 1997 that still runs just fine. Of late however I've had nothing but trouble and all of my friends who have bought macs (often based on my recommendation) have had numerous severe problems within a few years of purchase. As I mentioned above my iMac G5 went through two logic board replacements followed by the replacement of its display (along with all the connectors and associated subassemblies). My MacBook Pro has gone through two defective batteries and now a total failure. Unfortunately, while I had AppleCare it expired in June.

Keith Walsh Author

Level 1

21 points

Dec 16, 2010 6:03 AM in response to Keith Walsh

This is similar to what I had to do with my G5 iMac though I went through AppleCare not CR. I'll probably wait until after the holidays however before I decide what to do. This process can be pretty arduous and I'm not sure I have any more time/energy to waste dealing with Apple right now.

To get my iMac fixed I had to

1) Take my mac to the nearest AASP about 1 h away ( 2 h round trip)

2) Call Applecare, speak to two different people, argue for 1.5 hours which was not a fun experience especially when the higher ranking AppleCare rep tried to convince me that I should have no expectation that a 2 year old $1500 computer should be reliable (that's when I got pretty ticked off I must admit, I mean how naive did he think I was?). Anyway I won a partial victory there.

3 ) Call back the AASP with the authorization to order the part.

4) Wait for the part to arrive....

5) Wait for the repair (all this took about 1.5-2 weeks)

6) Drive another 2 h to pick up the machine

7 ) About 2-3 weeks later the machine failed again

8 ) Call back the AASP

9 ) Drive another 2 h to return the iMac

10) Wait another 1-2 weeks for the new parts to arrive and the repair to be done

A while later the display began to fail showing lines across the screen

11 ) Call AppleCare again. Spend about 30 minutes on the phone

12 ) Call the AASP again to arrange another repair

13 ) Drive another 2 h

14 ) Wait 1-2 weeks to get my machine fixed

15 ) Drive another 2 h to bring it home again.

The thought of going through all that again for yet another machine...well I don't look forward to it and frankly I don't think I should have to do it. Anyway I'm still considering what to do but I'd actually like to enjoy the holidays first.

MalcW

Level 1

35 points

Dec 16, 2010 6:30 AM in response to Baby-Boomer-USofA

I just recently had the exact same problem. My AppleCare Protection Plan expired about 10 days before the fault. Computer went to sleep and refused to wake up. Light on at the front - fans on etc but nothing - zip. Called the Apple Care helpline and they were very helpful and referred me to the Apple Store. If it was the Nvidia card at fault then this is covered for 4 years from DoP.

At the store they ran a check - but honestly I'm not sure whether they could really assess whether it was the graphics card or the logic board. Whatever it was they replaced the entire logic board foc (VERY expensive!) and all is OK now. So, my experience was good but I do share a growing concern about the "bustability" of the newer machines!

One final question - with a new logic board I have found some things are "broken". For example - syncing no longer works 'cos it thinks I have a new computer. Some old iTunes Protected files no longer play because it thinks I have a "new" computer. I've fixed these issues. Anyone know of any more that might crop up? I'm guessing that it is because the "old" logic board was the thing that get's registered and these apps thinks that the "new" logic board is a "new" computer.

Malcolm

Keith Walsh Author

Level 1

21 points

Dec 16, 2010 6:43 AM in response to Keith Walsh

I'm curious. Did your hard drive actually fire up when you tried to restart the dead computer? I know that when my friends machine had the Nvidia issue the machine just appeared to be dead but in reality just the display was not working. He was able to remotely access the machine as it still booted just without any display.

Message was edited by: Keith Walsh

MalcW

Level 1

35 points

Dec 17, 2010 3:08 AM in response to Keith Walsh

Hi Keith,

I wish I could be more specific but I honestly don't know.

I hit the enter key as usual after putting the computer to sleep and I heard a whirring noise (as usual) but the screen stayed blank.

Thinking back on it, it was probably the optical drive spinning up.

I force switched the computer off (by holding down the power button) and tried switching it on again. There was no startup chime but the optical drive certainly powered up as did the "on" light on the front. Sadly I can't honestly say whether the hard drive spun up or not.

At the Apple Store the "technician" (I use the term advisedly) used a LaCie hard drive which had some words on it including "Nvidia" and hooked it up to the USB socket on the computer but I'm not convinced it registered anything. He then used another similar drive that I thought included the words "Logic Board" but I don't think that did anything either. Frankly I'm not sure he knew what he was doing which in the end probably turned out to my advantage!

Sorry I can't answer your question directly. My gut feel was that it didn't spin up but I have to stress I really don't know.

Malcolm

Dec 18, 2010 9:45 AM in response to MeisterDirektor

Well....just to update my situation. Apple determined it wasn't the Nvidia chip issue. They said it was a video-related issue(that was all they said) and replaced the logic board and charged me for a new one. I suppose I need to talk to customer relations now because I feel that with everyone having similar problems, Apple should try to help out its loyal users. I don't believe I will get anywhere with this, however, but its worth a try. Shame on me for not getting Apple care....shame on Apple for providing me with a defective product. I've warned my other friends of the time bomb waiting in their MBP... at least they will be spared an additional cost. Good luck to you all and Happy Holidays!

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MacBook Pro Logic Board Failure