Q: MacBook Pro 2011 17" hard freeze

@Doppioghengher: I think this is more coincidental than anything. I still think it's a thermal paste or related issue and that once the problem had been identified and remedied then they introduced the next point release. For them it would be a good way to track the issue. With all the feedback and calls to AppleCare and people returning their MBPs, it would be hard to fathom they haven't worked out and fixed the problem, even if they don't publicly admit it.

you are probably right but i still don't understand  how they could fix the problem so quickly (even though we are talking about apple and they are supposed to be fast). however, has anyone tried to format and install the 10.6.7 version of OS X on the first release of MBP? if i'm wrong (and it could be the case) there will be no improvements but if i'm right we can say that the issue is totally software related.

bye.

I've done my last test today, and here is the situation:

1) 10.6.7 dedicated to early 2011 MBP solved part of the problems, but not all

2) when using the discrete graphic card, the system freezes (at least if using iTunes 10.2.2(12) or earlier - other software didn’t give me the same problem); changing SMS to 0 didn’t do the trick for me

3) when using only the integrated card (SMS activated) the system works rock-solid as it should be (my old MBP crashed 2 times in 2 years)

Maybe it is a problem with the graphic card of my MBP - but I strongly suspect that is a firmware problem, seeing all the messages from you all.

Will visit a Apple Support Center next week, in the meanwhile I’m sticking to integrated card.

I just had a freezing problem on my 2011 MBP 15", 2.2, i7, OS 10.6.7 that was not related to the fan/overheating/battery--it would not awake from being in sleep mode and I had only one website open. I had to first do a control/alt/command/delete reset, then a hard power down just to have the screen come back up frozen showing gibberish pixels. I had to then do another hard shut down holding the power button for several seconds. I've had my MBP since 3/23/11 with the exception of the a few delayed wake ups from sleep mode, I have not had any other problems. I feel like just returning for a replacement and see if the problems continues.

Hopefully the new software update 1.4 and efi update may help  some of these issues. Check your software updates for these,mine was available today with the 1.4 update initially and then after software installation the efi firmware update was available. No real details on what it fixed just general display issues and thunderbolt update.

@adrianmj - When did you get your MBP and what exact model is it? Mine is just a few weeks old and there was no efi update showing for my unit--just the software update.  

Looks like you have to install one to show the other... i had no EFI update until the 1.4 software was updated.   EFI update Popped up after the restart.

Thanks, Simon. I ran the Software Update and there it was. I hope this fixes all the bugs in these 2011 models.

Does the efi update resolve the issue ?

I have the same issue,  I just did the update.  But was curious about the result..

Marc.

I went to three apple stores and two Frys where they sell macbook pros.  I tried the test maxing out the CPUs    ( yes > /dev/null & ) while at the same time watching about 20 videos both with Quicktime and Youtube (Safari) and was browsing the web at the same time.  NO crashes at all - I did it on over 15 machines for mor than 15 minutes each.   Those tests would have frozen my old macbook pro, and there isnt anything wrong with it. 

Downloaded the two updates. No change my Mac still freezes when using Discrete or dynamic switch (works fine with integrated graphic card).

Hi Onager. Good for you, and hope your new MBP will work fine. But this test doesn’t demonstrate that 2011 MBPs work fine, as we have several users in this post reporting problems, even after updates or Mac OS X reinstall.

I have no ide ahow many macbooks apple sells every month, or week, or how many they have sold since March (or whenever the new ones came out), but the ratio has got to be very small.  Even if every post on this thread was a new user with a problem on a macbook pro, that would still be only about 700 reported issues - which I am sure (whether they admit it or not), Apple would jump on fixing - if for no other reason, for fear of the issue spreading and a recall. 

Now, mind you, I am on the side of the oppressed, for certain.  I have had a lemon macbook before.  It went in 7 times - and never got the same issue 3 times in a row so I got a new one.  I was furious.  I understand.  Apple lost my worship back in 02.  I still much prefer them over PCs, but man, computers are complicated.  Mercury goes retrogade, your mouse looks at the thing funny... and sometimes things go wrong. 

So all I am saying is that this issue might not mean all of them - or even most of them - are bad.  It *might* be safe to buy one.  (Im actually still undecided - I dont think one should have to roll the dice when forking out 3 grand!)

And, IMO, Apple should bend over backwards to take care of anybody with a problem.

I agree on what you say. I’ve spent 3.400 EUR (about 5 grand!) to get the must powerful computer I’ve ever had (and I had many, being software engineer since 25 years ago). When it doesn’t freeze (even with integrated card only), it’s great. But it’s ******* me off so much when it freezes, and it happened in international meetings with people that were admiring how quick and fantastic was my Mac... before it froze (total reboot was 1 minute, but still...). Apple is not taking care of us. I’ve contacted an Apple Authorized Support Center and even though they tried to help me, the problem is still there. AND... the update didn’t solve the issue. So I’m taking it back, and I will need to wait several days without it. Not fair.

Let us all know what happens!  I want to know what they will do for you and if it works.  Not many post here, but boy, I bet PLENTY of people read it.