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2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

I have an early 2011 MacBook Pro (2.2 GHz Intel Core i7, 8 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 memory) running OS 10.8.2. It has two graphics components: an AMD Radeon HD 6750M and a built-in Intel HD Graphics 3000. Since I've had the computer, the screen would get a blue tint when the computer switched between them.


However, as of two days ago, the problem has become substantially more severe. The computer was working fine, when all of a suddent the screen when completely blue. I had to force restart the computer. Since then, the screen has gone awry on numerous occassions - each time necessitating a hard reset.


I installed gfxCardStatus, and have discovered that the computer runs fine using the integrated card, but as soon as I switch to the discrete card - the screen goes .


I am just wondering what my options are (any input on any of these would be appreciated!):


1) Replace the logic board. Would this necessarily fix the issue?


2) Is there any way to "fix" the graphics card?


3) Keep using gfxCardStatus and only use the integrated graphics card. This is definitely the easiest/cheapest option, but to have such a computer and not be able to use the graphics card seems like a real shame.


4) Is there any other alternative?


MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2), 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7, 8 GB memory

Posted on Feb 1, 2013 4:45 PM

Reply
13,550 replies

Dec 7, 2014 5:26 AM in response to Ryn90

There is no need to install linux! This is just going to mess up your drive if you don't know what you are doing and further increase heat issues during install.


You should instead burn linux to a DVD.

http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop


Hold option on startup, and choose to boot from DVD. After loading, select "Try Ubuntu". The entire system will run off the DVD without making any changes to the internal hard-drive.


From here just save your work to a USB flash drive or HDD.


Good for web browsing/online communication, document processing, file handling. For the rest, Apple will have to pull their finger out though.

2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

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