2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

My MBP Erly 2011 had SMC version 1.69f4 (SMC 1.7) installed. If I try and navigte to this link on the apple support page, it lands on:

MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update 1.8

This update is recommended for MacBook Pro (mid 2012) models, dated 1 Oct 2013 !!!

Has the SMC 1.7 been pulled down from the apple support site? Was that the problem of all the issues we are seeing. Is this version the right version for MBP Early 2011?

Okay, so as recommended, I am branching to this thread from where I originally posted:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4637833?start=105&tstart=0

in the hopes that it will make Apple pay more attention to this issue, as they should since so many users/owners are affected by the same problem.

Maybe this has already been discussed - sorry, I can't keep up with all the posts - but a buddy of mine who's more tech-savvy than me came up with this "solution." He made a simple Automator macro that launches gfx card status at startup, so that the MBP will automatically switch to the integrated graphics card when it boots. It's far from perfect - I have to disconnect my FW device before booting, otherwise it doesn't work - but it might provide help for those who are worried about shutting their MBP down for fear that the screwed up display at startup won't allow them to log in. I still leave mine in sleep mode and run the integrated card only all the time, and that seems to work for my (non-graphics intensive) needs, so far.

Still, Apple needs to address this flaw ASAP. There are so many, many unhappy customers. And yes, I've already posted to mbp2011.com, as should anyone affected who hasn't already done so.

fluorotone wrote:

Okay, so as recommended, I am branching to this thread from where I originally posted:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4637833?start=105&tstart=0

in the hopes that it will make Apple pay more attention to this issue, as they should since so many users/owners are affected by the same problem.

Maybe this has already been discussed - sorry, I can't keep up with all the posts - but a buddy of mine who's more tech-savvy than me came up with this "solution." He made a simple Automator macro that launches gfx card status at startup, so that the MBP will automatically switch to the integrated graphics card when it boots. It's far from perfect - I have to disconnect my FW device before booting, otherwise it doesn't work - but it might provide help for those who are worried about shutting their MBP down for fear that the screwed up display at startup won't allow them to log in. I still leave mine in sleep mode and run the integrated card only all the time, and that seems to work for my (non-graphics intensive) needs, so far.

Still, Apple needs to address this flaw ASAP. There are so many, many unhappy customers. And yes, I've already posted to mbp2011.com, as should anyone affected who hasn't already done so.

Hi,

That Automator script; does it set gfxcardstatus to use Integrated chip, or does it simply start-up gfxcardstatus? If the scipt also sets the app to use integrated chip; could I get a copy please? 🙂

I need a solution to have cardgfxstatus remember the 'only integrated' option after a reboot - this option is not available in the recent version anymore 😟

Okay guys, I've got my mac back (once again, logic board replaced for the second time) and it seems to be fine.

I've run some benchmarks and switched gpus without issues. I'll try to play some games this weekend in order to test it thoroughly.

However, after updating it (Early 2011 17'') the SMC version is 1.70f3, which doesn't match the latest shown on Apple website http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1237 (which is 1.70f6, SMC v1.7).

So this could mean they're investigating the issue and this update could be related to it...

Here is my email to T.Cook. I do not expect this to change anything but I like to know I did all I could :

Good evening Sir,

I would like to report a massive problem with 2011 MacBookPros failing on hundreds of users because of what seems to be a GPU / heat / soldering problem...

... which Apple refuses to aknowledge.

Common symptoms on identical computer series and really close timing.

No long term fixing can be provided by your technicians. (Newly fixed computers still going wrong within weeks presenting the same exact problems).

This is not due to a misuse.

Sir, 2 years is a really poor standard for professional grade 2500$+ computer "Designed in California".

Everyone is gathering over this daily-basis growing thread at your very own Apple Support Communities : https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4766577?start=1050&tstart=0

A large amount of them has tickets pending in your stores and technical services.

German press has started spreading the word, French IT press will be given a copy of this email, and I do not doubt many of us, while buying new MacBookPros as we can not stop working, will do their best in every possible way to make you aknowledge the "mbp 2011 GPU fail" and do the right thing like you did recently for the oddly similar iMac GPU issue.

As if needed, here is a little reminder :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsBrI_ftKXw

Sincerely,

Greg D.

One more way to get heard:

If you're an investor in Apple stock, contact Investor relations: http://investor.apple.com/contactUs.cfm

They should be listening to what the company's owners have to say, and be aware if the Apple name is loosing it's value because of disgruntled users, and all the internet furry they are stiring up.

Also, I figure if you're going to send an e-mail message to Mr. Cook, you should send him an iMessage too. 🙂

Fingers crossed that someone is listening.

Hi,

I started a new thread here:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5545999

This is not a discussion, it is rather a guide:

"What to do when I have some Graphics Issues on my MacBookPro 2011"

Please don't answer or comment there, rather use this thread here.

I hopes it helps and answer some of your questions.

By the way, I have already filed this issue to Apple with links to the corresponding threads, photos, Log file and hopefully helpful technical tips.

Stay tuned, I'm sure Apple will solve the problem, but don't expect them to come up with the solution in the next few days.

It takes time in such a huge company, but you can be sure, they care about loyal customers!

Enjoy your 

@ jebedias

@ nudoru

@ sample1

Have read the https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5545999 thread?

Does the the procedure solve your problem and shows the log the same entries?

Then welcome to the club.

By the way, I agree with sample1, the late 2011 models maybe are just starting to show this symptoms.

Enjoy your 

Had an appointment at genius bar on Saturday in Dresden (GER)

http://www.apple.com/de/retail/altmarkt-galerie/

As expected I did not get any useful advises.

What me wonderes they did not even try to run ASD (apple support diagnostics).

Anyways - my only goal was to get on list of affected users.

Also I pointed them to this thread.

Result:

Offering logic board replacement.

410,- EUR logicboard i7@2.0 AMD HD6490M

29,- EUR flat charge

+

83,41 sales tax of 19% !!

-----------------------------------------------------

EUR 522,41

Going to arrange BGA repair now.. 😟

Hi,

Better go for the more expensive Apple solution, with the BGA repair you will never get your money back. Have a look in the iMac (27-inch): AMD Radeon 6970M Video Card Replacement Program here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS5167

Read the Additional Information at the end:

If you believe you have paid for a repair or replacement due to this issue, contact Apple regarding a refund.

Enjoy your 

@ MacforSound

Have you tried the fix I published here?

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5545999

If you can live with the internal Graphics Chip, this could help you at least with your job.

You actually don't need a Genius appointment, just bring your faulty machine to the Apple store with a failure description.

Enjoy your 

apple_power wrote:

@ MacforSound

Have you tried the fix I published here?

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5545999

If you can live with the internal Graphics Chip, this could help you at least with your job.

You actually don't need a Genius appointment, just bring your faulty machine to the Apple store with a failure description.

Enjoy your 

Sorry to disagree but I went this afternoon to the Opera's Paris Apple Store with my Macbook pro and I got no assistance. I'm using Protools so I can't only use the internal graphics chip only Protools won't run properly so I can't "get my job done".

@ MBP-FL

Yes for sure, if you need your machine for a living you have to descide if you can work with the internal Graphics Chip or not. For me it is OK, I'm working with Aperture an usually with the Thunderbolt Display. So I applied this FIX https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5545999

For the moment I have to work with internal display only, that is fine for me - at least for a certain period of time.

But I'm confident, that Apple will come up with a solution.

Enjoy your 

solid648 wrote:

Can someone post a number and reference link that we could call to collectively make complaints about this issue just so there's no doubt apple is aware of the issue?

No need for that, someone already made an email to Tim Cook and I filed that problem also to Apple. But you can file a Bug Report via this page:

http://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookpro.html

Enjoy your 

I just wrote to Tim with the following:

Hi Tim,

Love the products, but I'm sure you are aware that there's a fault in the 2011 MacBook Pro with it's GPU. The thread has over 1,100 replies and unfortunately over 84,000 views. You're welcome to view it here, it's unfortunately not the only thread discussing the GPU problem. Some people have noted that reballing the GPU makes it work, while others note that just pressing on the GPU will get it work, indicating that it is the GPU and not the logic board; unless one wants to argue that the logic board isn't soldered properly which is just semantics.

As a long time and loyal customer, I'd appreciate you looking into this and issuing a recall. It's the right thing to do and I believe Apple does right by it's customers. It's what keeps us loyal.

Regards,

Michael

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