Macbook Pro 2011 Freezes / Locks when Using iTunes & Discrete Graphics
I just got a Macbook Pro 2011 17" 2.2Ghz i7. I have not run into any overheating issues (as addressed in other topics). However, I have isolated a very odd conflict with iTunes and the discrete video card. I can play games such as Starcraft 2 using the discrete graphics card without incident, so the card itself seems to be working fine. Somehow iTunes brings it to it's knees, though.
If I am using dynamic video card switching or have the discrete card selected and open iTunes, the entire OS locks up for about 10 seconds at a time, with about 1 second in between each lockup where things process. My mouse is free, but other applications are also locked up. If I quit iTunes, the problem goes away within 10 seconds or so. If I switch to using the integrated graphics, I can open iTunes and use it without a problem, no lockups at all.
I have tried completely removing iTunes (including all applicable plists, etc), then re-installing. No change. I have also tried re-installing Snow Leopard entirely and opening iTunes immediately after install. No change, still locks up. The Console app does not report anything relating to the issue that I can see.
I have the problem isolated and repeatable. There is some conflict between iTunes and the AMD Radeon HD 6750 discrete video card. It is extremely annoying but manageable at the moment. I've been forced to use an iTunes alternative when playing music and doing other tasks, but I switch to integrated graphics mode when syncing devices with iTunes.
Is this happening to anyone else? Does anyone have any ideas to try? Or is this just something that will be fixed by a new video card driver released by Apple in the near term?
If I am using dynamic video card switching or have the discrete card selected and open iTunes, the entire OS locks up for about 10 seconds at a time, with about 1 second in between each lockup where things process. My mouse is free, but other applications are also locked up. If I quit iTunes, the problem goes away within 10 seconds or so. If I switch to using the integrated graphics, I can open iTunes and use it without a problem, no lockups at all.
I have tried completely removing iTunes (including all applicable plists, etc), then re-installing. No change. I have also tried re-installing Snow Leopard entirely and opening iTunes immediately after install. No change, still locks up. The Console app does not report anything relating to the issue that I can see.
I have the problem isolated and repeatable. There is some conflict between iTunes and the AMD Radeon HD 6750 discrete video card. It is extremely annoying but manageable at the moment. I've been forced to use an iTunes alternative when playing music and doing other tasks, but I switch to integrated graphics mode when syncing devices with iTunes.
Is this happening to anyone else? Does anyone have any ideas to try? Or is this just something that will be fixed by a new video card driver released by Apple in the near term?
MBP, iMac, Mac Mini, Mac OS X (10.6.6)
