weird graphic glitches/display issues

Question

Level 1

0 points

weird graphic glitches/display issues

Having a strange graphic display issue with my few months old retina macbookpro.

This happens on document windows, browser windows and all parts of the screen.

strange shapes appear, or graphics smear, and will flicker sometimes, but not the entire screen, just the glitchy areas.

I have to move the window/item that has the issue slightly to get rid of it.

This happens frequently. Started happening a few days ago, and seems to have increased in frequency.

Since I've had this compuer I've used it in conjunction with a Asus monitor, connected via HDMI.

I connect/disconnect the external screen often, at least once a day.

I also noticed that when I use photoshop there are 'noise' in my graphics, that are not part of the actual graphics.

these noise flicker as well as I zoom in and out on the graphics.

does this sound like a graphics card issue?

I just did the update on lion and doesnt' seem to have changed anything.

Thanks.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Dec 18, 2012 4:00 PM

Reply

Answer 1

BenRector

Level 3

565 points

Dec 18, 2012 4:10 PM in response to j.c.c

Hi there,

It does sound like it could be Graphics Card related. Can you upload some examples. Also, have you tried other monitors at all & is it only when the monitor is connected?

Ben

Reply

Answer 2

j.c.c Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 18, 2012 6:27 PM in response to BenRector

I stopped connecting it to the external monitor for 2 days and it is still happening.

I am attaching 2 images, you'll notice the distorted/smeared graphics in one of them.

and the other is a plain photoshop file, if you look at it closely you'll see white noise forming a wavy pattern.

Reply

Answer 3

BenRector

Level 3

565 points

Dec 18, 2012 6:41 PM in response to j.c.c

Does it tend to happen once your Mac has been on for a while or do you notice this fairly instantly after switching on?

Reply

Answer 4

j.c.c Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 18, 2012 7:11 PM in response to BenRector

fairly instantly after switching on

I've restarted a few time to see if it goes away, but it always starts happening quickly.

Reply

Answer 5

BenRector

Level 3

565 points

Dec 19, 2012 7:29 AM in response to j.c.c

Have you tried resetting both PRAM & SMC?

PRAM

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

SMC

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

I had graphics issues with my Late 2006 iMac & that was an issue with the Graphics Card. It showed similar signs although I'm wondering that in your case, it may have something to do with the external monitor having been used on occassions. It use to happen to mine when the computer was warm & especially in the Summer time when the ambient/room temperature was warmer. I ended up having a new card fitted & all is well.

If a PRAM & SMC reset don't resolve it, I'd be tempted to book a Genius appointment at your local Apple Store, especially as it isn't very old & you will still be in warranty.

Ben

Reply