MacBook Freeze with lines on screen

Question

Level 2

318 points

MacBook Freeze with lines on screen

I have a 2.1 CTO with 120 GB HD, 1 GB RAM and 256 video RAM. I have experienced three computer freezes with an associated screen display that has diagonal lines as shown in this image:

<http://homepage.mac.com/strait/Sites/Macbook/pages/MacBook%20Freeze%20Screen.h tm>

The lines have active pixels that turn on and off during the freeze, making the lines appear to be slightly animated, or "sparkly." The computer must be restarted with the power button after the freeze.

The freeze has happened once a day and is not associated with any specific activity. The first time it happened was right after receiving the unit before I added any software. No programs were open.

The second time occurred while using Front Row and viewing a DVD, and after adding software (MS Office and Adobe CS programs).

After this, I ran the Hardware Test (short and extended) and there were no problems discovered. I then Erased and zeroed the disk and reinstalled the OS and all the Apple software, plus my software. I then added an additional 1GB of Crucial RAM.

The third time occurred with no programs open. I reran the hardware test and again had no problems. I then removed the extra RAM, but the first two incidents occurred with only Apple installed memory.

I have had the computer for three days and have had three freezes.

Any thoughts on this?

Dave

G5 2.5 GHz Quad, 6.5 GB RAM, NVIDA 7800 GT Mac OS X (10.4.5) MacBook Pro 2.1 GHz

Posted on Feb 25, 2006 5:55 PM

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Answer 1

Goldor

Level 1

6 points

Feb 25, 2006 6:03 PM in response to David Strait

I think it's obvious, your MacBook Pro has a bad screen.

You will need to send it back to Apple so that they repair it or send you a new one.

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Answer 2

Feb 25, 2006 6:06 PM in response to David Strait

That sure looks like a hardware problem. I would just call AppleCare and schedule a replacement. There are no widespread reports on this site or anywhere that I've seen on an issue like this. So it isn't likely to be software related.

Don't forget to remove your Crucial RAM before you send it back. And don't mention the third party RAM when you talk to Apple, you've already eliminated it from the equation but they won't believe that 🙂

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Answer 3

Feb 25, 2006 6:58 PM in response to Jim Bailey

its the video card. don't mess around, return the unit asap.

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Answer 4

David Strait Author

Level 2

318 points

Feb 26, 2006 12:41 AM in response to Jim Bailey

Apparently Apple agrees that it is a hardware problem... They are sending a shipment box to send the MacBook back for repair or replacement. I'll post back when I find out what the problem is in case others have the same issue.

Otherwise, I am VERY happy with the computer. I have no "whine." haven't noticed any speaker problem, and placing the Mac on my lap is keeping me pleaantly warm here in Alaska. I'll miss it when its gone. It's awesome!

Dave

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Answer 5

Feb 27, 2006 8:31 AM in response to David Strait

Dave,

I had a very similar pixellating and freezing problem with my 900mHz G3 iBook (see logic board warranty extension on the support site.) This would happen quite a few times per day. They replaced the logic board a number of times (six, eight maybe) and eventually allowed me to trade it in on the new MBP. You may want to ask them if this could be a similar issue.

good luck.

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Answer 6

Feb 27, 2006 8:47 AM in response to David Strait

My machine exhibits the same sort of issue. "Worse" perhaps.

I got a video of it:

http://www.blakespot.com/images/mbp_glitch.mov

Apple has agreed to replace the unit - should receive my return FedEx label today to send it off.

blakespot

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Answer 7

David Strait Author

Level 2

318 points

Mar 9, 2006 1:33 PM in response to David Strait

I sent my MacBook out for repair on Thursday and got it back Wednesday. Apple could not duplicate the problem (no surprise, since it happens about once a day). They tested the RAM and it failed their test, so they replaced it.

Used it for a few hours yesterday with no problem, but I'm going to wait a week before calling this "solved."

Dave

P.S. I was afraid it would come back running hot, whining, and have distortion in the right speaker, but it still works great! 😉

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Answer 8

David Strait Author

Level 2

318 points

Mar 9, 2006 11:20 PM in response to David Strait

Well, I've had it back one day and the problem isn't fixed... tonight I had two freezes with "the lines" and two kernal panics with the "restart" message.

Calling Apple tomorrow for a DOA return.

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Answer 9

nevets

Level 1

25 points

Mar 10, 2006 12:29 AM in response to David Strait

Well ive had this once or twice and the only time it has ever happened has been first time just after logging in and the other couple of times when waking up from being asleep.

Exactly the same screen as the first poster.

I do hope this is just a bug in a dodgy driver or something that will be fixed with a software update or some firmware update, i really do not want to part with my nice new MacBook and faff about with support calls because:
a. ive just got it setup the way i want, and
b. it works fine 99.999999% of the time

Oh and ive rebuilt the whole system from scratch, but that was for a different problem with .Mac not syncing correctly.

Ste

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Answer 10

Mar 10, 2006 3:29 AM in response to David Strait

Keep us up to date.

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Answer 11

David Strait Author

Level 2

318 points

Mar 10, 2006 11:22 AM in response to PowerBook Attorney

Followup on my repair:

Called Apple and they offered an "expedited" repair to replace the logic board. It still would mean another week without the computer, which I wasn't too happy about.

After much discussion, they will send me a new unit and I will keep the one I have until I receive the replacement. Overall, I am happy with this as my computer is quite usable until I receive the new unit (just remember to "save" frequently).

This wasn't Apple's first (or second) option they offered, but my persistence resulted in more a favorable solution. All Apple representatives were friendly, knowledgeable and professional.

Dave

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Answer 12

Mar 10, 2006 11:28 AM in response to David Strait

Smart because their "expedited" replacements appear to be an out and out lie.

I'm now on day 10 since I returned my MBP for an "expedited" replacement and day 8 since they received the RMA'd computer back. This for what was promised to be a 48 hour replacement and no notice yet.

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Answer 13

David Strait Author

Level 2

318 points

Mar 10, 2006 11:30 AM in response to nevets

Ste
I didn't mention this previously, but 6 of the 9 freezes occured within 30 seconds of waking from sleep. I'd say you have the same issue as I do. Apple was going to replace the logic board to repair mine, before I insisted on a replacement.

Don't wait to report this to Apple.

Dave

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Answer 14

Mar 18, 2006 2:04 PM in response to David Strait

Same problem here. Guess I'm calling Apple...

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Answer 15

David Strait Author

Level 2

318 points

Mar 18, 2006 2:19 PM in response to Peter Bergsagel

The good news is the replacement MacBook shipped seven days after requesting the return (shipped yesterday).... It seems Apple production has caught up with demand.

I expect to see the replacement here on Tuesday (they also upgraded my RAM from 1 to 2 GB at no cost - probably due to the failure to repair the unit on the initial return).

I'm happy.

Dave

G5 2.5 GHz Quad, 6.5 GB RAM, NVIDA 7800 GT Mac OS X (10.4.5) MacBook Pro 2.1 GHz

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