problems with amd gpu on early 2011 macbook pro

Starting last week, I had the same issue. Tearing and all. I was exclusively using discrete graphics before, but switched to integrated-only.

Occasionally it would freeze (without any graphics issues, as there were while running on discrete) and I'd have to reboot. I found that it would get stuck just after the BIOS with a grey screen if the computer was already warm when I booted. From a cold start, it would still work long enough to switch to integrated.

Since yesterday, however, it won't boot at all, even when cold (room temperature).

My MacBook is now entirely useless without a ~$800 logic board repair.

What's more, the rMBP is overdue for an upgrade, so I'll be stuck using an older MacBook until those are released.

ur rMBP broke down? So I assume ur MBP is 2012 then...

I'm sorry, no, it was the same model everyone else is having issues with, 15-inch early 2011.

I was just saying that if I get a new computer, it'll be a rMBP.

i don't know if 2012 MBPs suffer from the same issues but be aware that rMBPs are less fixable than previous versions. The ram is not upgradeable, it's welded into the logic board, so if that fails, you basically have to replace the logic board.

They don't have the AMD chips, but even so, two and a half years is pretty good for a computer to last, IMHO.

I don't think two and a half years is good at all. I have owned many PCs over the years including desktops and laptops from many manufacturers. Every single one of them have lasted 3 years. My Dell Inspiron is 7 years +. My 2011 MBP is the fastest one to die.

Do you use yours for 12 hours a day on average?

For my Dell, yes, 8-12 hours. For my Macbook, no.

It seems like a lot of people that started off with minor GPU problems eventually would have their MBP crash completely and never boot.

Yes, I've just joined that club...

Same problem mbp 2011 early i7 2,2 ati 1024

I am in the same boat as so many others with the non-stop crash / recover / crash again headaches with the GPU switch. I have been in and out of the apple store more times than I care to count. I replaced hard drives and ram on apple recommendations. This thread saved my a**. I am now running gfxCardStatus set to Integrated only and the crashes have stopped. More, my computer is running 20 degrees (C) cooler on average making it much snappier at the same time.

Disabling the video switch is an aweful fix, but I couldn't bring myself to spend $600+ on something that Apple should be taking responsibility for only to run the risk of no fix at all. Just hoping that this duct tape approach holds.

My 2011 MacBook Pro is dead after just about 2 years. Malfunctions like screen blurring, freeze and distortion happened, can't even boot and enter the system now. This universal issue is caused by the GPU of MacBook Pro Early 2011! Apple should start an quality investigation and do a recall on all these flawed models! I've shared my experience here: mbp2011 dot com

Join us and comment on the page if you have encounter the same issue! We are trying everything we can so apple cannot ignore this.

I just joined you all! My issue started on Sunday 22 September 2013.... Got a MacBook Pro (early 2011) 2.2GHz i7.

Replaced the HD first, then upgraded my memory, re-installed the OS several times - got it working yesterday, then same problem today - not booting..... Been doing this now for 5 days straigt,

Will try the gfxCardStatus if I get it up and running again.

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