MacBook Pro freezing with flickering screen

Question

Level 1

13 points

MacBook Pro freezing with flickering screen

Hi there, I'm having issues with my MacBook Pro, random, unrecoverable freezing. Hardware diagnostics show no issues, software is fully up to date. I've tried a complete reinstall of OS-X, I even tested different memory cards which all are working perfectly, I handle my computer with all care.

Symptoms: From behave normally, out of nothing the screen suddenly starts flickering very rapidly.
The computer also freezes completely - except that the pointer will still move.
The computer does not react to anything I do except to move the pointer. The pointer moves much faster than usual, yet I cannot click on anything.
Sometime this flickering starts in the middle of the display and the other half turns into grey or pixelated distortion of the screen.
Sometimes, if I wait long enough, the screen will stop flickering, and sometimes the pointer speed will return to normal. But the computer never unfreezes.
The system is essentially becomes unresponsive, requiring me to hold down power button and reboot.

I've brought it to the Apple store and they've already replaced the Logic-board (twice) thinking that it was a Nvidia issue, but the problem still happens, also they performed a full hardware test and the computer is in good shape, passed all the tests and didn't reported any error, I've performed the 'repair permissions', etc.

I've noticed this behaviour after some Apple Update, but I couldn't say which one for sure because I always trust Apple updates and I didn't thought I would have any issues with any of them.

I've searched in other similar threads but either they are unanswered or apparently they fixed the problem replacing the Logic-board (which in some cases they had to reopen the thread because their computers started freezing again).

I use also a 30in Cinema Display most the time except when I travel, the specs of the Display card are the following:

NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT:

Chipset Model: GeForce 8600M GT
Type: GPU
Bus: PCIe
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 256 MB
Vendor: NVIDIA (0x10de)
Device ID: 0x0407
Revision ID: 0x00a1
ROM Revision: 3212
Displays:
Color LCD:
Resolution: 1440 x 900
Pixel Depth: 32-Bit Color (ARGB8888)
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Built-In: Yes
Cinema HD:
Resolution: 2560 x 1600
Pixel Depth: 32-Bit Color (ARGB8888)
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Rotation: Supported

Any suggestion? 😟

MacBook Pro 15', Mac OS X (10.6.6), 6 MB RAM

Posted on Jan 20, 2011 11:09 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 20, 2011 2:21 PM in response to Destructiva

The Macbook Pros with the NVIDIA 8600M GT have been the subject of a settlement: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2377

You should look at taking it in.

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Answer 2

Destructiva Author

Level 1

13 points

Jan 20, 2011 2:57 PM in response to Rambo Paddington

I've already done that TWICE!!!, and they changed twice the Logic board even-though the the failure didn't pointed the nVidia test, they replaced the part assuming that it was the infamous nVidia issue, and based on the experience, I think is not, is simply very unlikely that 3 consecutive Logic-boards has this same issue, or just very bad luck.

I'm asking in this forum, because as long I go back to the Apple store they'll cheep replacing the part the bad news is that the 3 years of the nVidia recall are about to end, anyway I really don't think that this is the issue, the same day I picked up my Mac from the Genius Bar, the freezing/flickering continued both times.

I'm trying to see another solutions here, thanks though.

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Answer 3

Jan 20, 2011 3:05 PM in response to Destructiva

Well, word on the street is that after three of the same repairs, they offer you a replacement...

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=897192

I'm sorry I don't have help beyond that

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Answer 4

Destructiva Author

Level 1

13 points

Jan 20, 2011 4:56 PM in response to Rambo Paddington

Update: I received my MacBook Pro after the 3rd Logic-board replacement.

and BAM! There's the flickering/freezing again!

I'm going to ask for a computer replacement now. This is really annoying!!!

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Answer 5

Foocat

Level 1

4 points

Jan 20, 2011 9:27 PM in response to Destructiva

You know, I just got my computer back from Applecare this very day because of the nVidia issue, (my screen went completely blank.) My logic board was changed along with some memory. I've used my computer off and on all day and had no problems. Then after several hours of not using it I got on to read a few forums and I get this flickering and freeze. I could move my mouse but that was it. I shutdown the computer and then restarted and the problem disappeared. But how long before it reappears again? I better make sure my hard disk is backed up, I fear this is an issue that has no fix and I will have to get a new computer.

Apple was so great about diagnosing my problem and getting it fixed. I had my computer back in three days! What good is that though if the issue won't go away? I'll keep my fingers crossed.

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Answer 6

Destructiva Author

Level 1

13 points

Jan 21, 2011 12:11 AM in response to Foocat

Yes, in that sense they are very good and fast replacing the Logic Board, I have no complaints in regards of that, 3 days or less I had my computer back too, unfortunately there's been 3 times that this happens, and I still have the problem, tomorrow I have an appointment at the Apple store again.

If you have the issue again after they give your computer back with the pieces replaced and brand new, it means that likely this is not the root of the problem, that's why I suspect that is an software issue.

I suggest you read this threads:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2230532

and

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2634980

Message was edited by: Destructiva

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Answer 7

Destructiva Author

Level 1

13 points

Jan 22, 2011 7:08 AM in response to Destructiva

Update: Went to the Apple Store and they've performed the nVidia test, and failed.

I'm supposed to have the Logic Board replaced again, meaning that I have to check the computer in for the 4th time.

I'm honestly frustrated with this situation.

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Answer 8

S.U.

Level 6

9,595 points

Jan 22, 2011 8:28 PM in response to Destructiva

Talk to the store manager about a replacement machine, and if no joy, call Apple and specifically ask to speak to Apple Customer Relations and tell them about all this, Be very nice and polite and reasonable, and it may be that they can authorize a replacement machine for you on the basis that the one you have has not been able to be fixed even after a series of very expensive repairs. Don't hesitate to mention how much lost time and inconvenience you have suffered by having your Mac in the shop so many times.

Good luck.

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Answer 9

Destructiva Author

Level 1

13 points

Jan 25, 2011 7:01 PM in response to S.U.

I've spoken with the Store Supervisor Manager, the General Admisistrator, called Apple explained the whole situation, their answer: 'since the one year warranty is over, my computer is not eligible for replacement', however, they replaced the Logic Board again at no cost (it's the 5th time now), they said that they've been doing revisions to the Board and now it should be corrected, let's see...

I don't know if they told me about the revisions just to make me think that this time is going to work, because I see the same specifications on the Graphics/Display options (unless those revisions are not reflected in the software).

NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT:

Chipset Model: GeForce 8600M GT
Type: GPU
Bus: PCIe
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 256 MB
Vendor: NVIDIA (0x10de)
Device ID: 0x0407
Revision ID: 0x00a1
ROM Revision: 3212

I'll test my Mac and I'll post updates.

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Answer 10

S.U.

Level 6

9,595 points

Jan 25, 2011 8:44 PM in response to Destructiva

Well, it sounds like all they will do is keep replacing logic boards, but at least they are willing to do that. Let's hope the revisions do the trick. It's possible that at some point NVIDIA found and fixed whatever was causing these graphics chip problems. Still, it was probably worth a shot asking for a replacement.

I have that same chip, and have never had a problem with it. I think there must have been a manufacturing flaw that affected a great many of them, but possible not all of them since there are evidently many of us who have never had a problem and are still on our original logic boards.

Good luck with it!

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Answer 11

Jan 26, 2011 6:48 AM in response to S.U.

Yeah only way they will do the replacement s if it is within the first year warranty or you were inside of apple care protection warranty, but if you went through 3 repairs within the first year call apple care and demand to talk to customer relations even over tier 2 tech support. The store won't do anything for you, customer relations is the only group that can help you now. Next time get an APP! 😟

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Answer 12

Destructiva Author

Level 1

13 points

Jan 26, 2011 6:58 AM in response to Alex_miksa

No, I didn't had any problems with my Mac since 2008, everything started after Snow Leopard and one of the Software Updates, I couldn't say which one, from there I was introduced to the NVIDIA issue and then the parade of Logic Boards began.

Yesterday night, I was working and the computer shutdown by itself which is not a good sign...

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Answer 13

Jan 26, 2011 7:32 AM in response to Destructiva

Hmm did you get apple care on that computer?

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Answer 14

TomGM

Level 1

0 points

Jan 27, 2011 2:56 AM in response to Destructiva

Hello, exactly the same as mine (MBP early '08) now after nearly 3 year, confronted with the same.

Unfortunately, my first MBP late '07 went through the same problem (no flickering the screen just freeze out of nothing, and 2 logic board, memory replacment didn't help, maybe even 3 logic boards - it's a while ;)) Anyway I got this as replacement. And it just worked fine until yesterday. 😟

Bad now, my AppleCare startet with the first MBP and so its not longer valid. Have my Genius appointment on Saturday and hope it will not be to frustrating.

As 3 years ago I have been reading through the forums and later followd partly these Nvidia discussion, seems to me there is more behind and the root cause never was found. And since Apple has changed the model entirely, I guess rc will never be found.

I will let you know the outcome of the talk on Saturday.

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Answer 15

Destructiva Author

Level 1

13 points

Jan 27, 2011 2:32 PM in response to Destructiva

I've been using my Mac since I picked it up from the Apple's Genius Bar, and it has been shut down out of the blue twice, usually when a heavy graphic action is going on, no flickering and freezing so far, I'll keep testing but that turnoff issue got me kind of disappointed.

@Alex_miksa: No but even if I did, it would be over by now.

@TomGM: I think there's something else too, my problems started with Snow Leopard after some update, but is really hard to guess if that was the issue or it was just that the problem started with the computer aging, but what is really silly it that they've been replacing Logic Board after another and the problem was exactly the same, I hope that you don't have to go through the same waste of time, good luck.

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