degger wrote:

 

Usually it's preferable (cheaper and more reliable) to just remove the chip and replace it with a brand new one.

I just checked back and you were right. They swapped the whole chip (at a price of 250€, not really cheap, but probably better than getting a replacement logic board).

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?

my Early 2011 15" MBP is using SMC version 1.69f4 (I can't tell you when I upgraded, but I'm pretty judicious in keeping all my Macs up-to-date, so it was probably shortly after they originally posted it)

My machine started acting up in August 2013. Been on and off again since then. Had the logic board replaced by Applecare about a month ago. Still on and off. Currently things are stable in the following  configuration:

1. force using AMD chip always
   
2. running the left fan @ 4000rpm
   
3. laptop lid is closed
   
4. plugged into a 27" external monitor
   

I should note that I am using heavy graphics-intensive programs and previously it would fail randomly when I was using the laptop solo (i.e. not plugged in to an external monitor) or plugged in with both screens side-by-side.

So I do think there is some validity that it is some wierd combination of things, that perhaps is different for different groups of users.

M

I come with news.

"Apple is constantly evaluating issues, such as many systems showing the same related issue."

I have been speaking to a senior advisor again. He seemed to think that there would be contact from Apple soon, and that a repair program, historically, was likely.

When I was telling him about the worries I had with it breaking again and being a Uni student, he even mentioned a buy back programme.

Obviously take everything with a tanker of salt because I don't tend to hold much hope with Apple after this.

Personnally even if I had my logic board changed twice in 2 weeks for this specific issue, I think I'll still buy Apple laptops in the future because, first I need OS X for my work (iOS app development), and also because I've had a very good experience with the Apple after sale support at the Genius Bar here in Paris (France).

I've experienced in the past after sale services from various brands, and frankly the one provided by Apple is one of the best I've experienced yet.

They have been very comprehensive and helpful to help me solve this issue.

I personnaly don't expect a computer to be perfect and have no failure at all, and I know that considering all the components a computer needs to work there is always a risk to have one failing, even if you pay it $2000 as the computer maker don't control all the components (and particularly here the GPU is made by AMD).

I've had similar issues in the past with other brands and the after sale service was not as good.

What I expect from a brand selling expensive computer like Apple do, is a top notch after sale service, and on this aspect, I've to say that I'm quite satisfied by Apple.

I agree that Apple should recognise the problem, but I think, from what I could see in the past replacement programs from them, that they won't issue an official replacement program until they have identified the exact cause and found a definitive solution.

Also Apple refunds people who paid for repairs when a replacement program is issued, so if you paid for getting your logic board replaced, you'll get a refund when (and if) Apple issue a replacement program in the future.

For example I've had an issue with the GPU on an iBook G3 800MHz and a program was issued about 8 months after I experienced the issue the first time (which was about 6 month after I bought the iBook), which allowed me to get the logic board replaced for free the second time it occured (because of course the first time the new logic board wasn't a fixed version yet), and this computer it's still working today (a member of my family still use it).

If you sell your MacBook Pro before a replacement program is issued, I don't know if you can get a refund, but I guess that if you provide the repair paper proving you got it repaired and paid for it, that would be logical that Apple refunds you.

@ mikkelnl

mikkelnl wrote:

 

Amazing how 'common' this defect is, makes me wonder if at *any* time Apple will admit and start a solution program? What do you guys think?

 

Another update on my issue (early 2011 MBP 15"): it's definatelly the dedicated gfx card on my end; I can pretty much run without issues as long as I keep gfxcardstatus set on INTEGRATED only. But: after a reboot, gfxcardstatus will switch back to 'SWITCH DYNAMICALLY', does anyone know how to keep this setting on INTEGRATED permanently?

 

I tried removing the AMD* files, but the OS became insanely slow and ugly.

Yes, go to the Preferences-Energy-Saver, there is a checkbox in the top section "Automatic graphics switching", uncheck this.

I'm having the same issue keep posting problems and feedback to Apple, I'm sure they fix this problem soon.

enjoy your APPLE

apple_power wrote:

 

@ mikkelnl

mikkelnl wrote:

 

Amazing how 'common' this defect is, makes me wonder if at *any* time Apple will admit and start a solution program? What do you guys think?

 

Another update on my issue (early 2011 MBP 15"): it's definatelly the dedicated gfx card on my end; I can pretty much run without issues as long as I keep gfxcardstatus set on INTEGRATED only. But: after a reboot, gfxcardstatus will switch back to 'SWITCH DYNAMICALLY', does anyone know how to keep this setting on INTEGRATED permanently?

 

I tried removing the AMD* files, but the OS became insanely slow and ugly.

 

 

 

Yes, go to the Preferences-Energy-Saver, there is a checkbox in the top section "Automatic graphics switching", uncheck this.

 

I'm having the same issue keep posting problems and feedback to Apple, I'm sure they fix this problem soon.

 

enjoy your APPLE

Are you sure? I always thought this option means: always use the dedicated chip, not the integrated.

Problem Fixed! 

I rely on my computer for my living and can't afford to mess around waiting for Apple.  My problems kept deteriorating (even after using gfxCardStatus) to the point where it would take me 1-2 hours everyday to get my computer running.  After digging to the root of the problem (bad solder used for the GPU - just like the problem that plagued HP) the only immediate solution I could find was to have the GPU Reballed (removed and resoldered to the logic board with NEW, lead based solder). 

I researched a LOT.  Some guys wanted to Reflow (heat the chip to get the old solder to reset) but Reball seemed the only logical solution.  I needed someone who had done it with the MBP, had the right equipment (not just some bloody heat gun).  On ebay I found a gentleman in West Palm, FL who does this for $150 total including return shipping.  I was in a panic so I actualy drove the 4 hours to take it to him.  Several hours later I had a clean running computer like it was new.  He also applied new (better) thermal paste to the CPU and GPU at the same time so I am running 15-20 degrees cooler under heavy load. 

This is a FIX, not a bandaid, and certainly does NOT require replacing the logic board with  another that will likely develop the same problem.  You can wait for Apple, or you can simply get it done.  look for wpbcomputertech on ebay.  No, I'm not related, affiliated or anything else.  This guy, for any US based users, is getting it done well for those of us in pain.

To those of you who chose to wait on Apple for a free fix, good luck.  I love Apple and will continue to buy.  IMHO, this just one of those glitches.  I am just glad to be past it.

unfortunately, reballing the GPU might not fix everyone's problems. According to this thread, this repair guy is also having trouble satisfying his customers. I'm not at all implying he doesn't know what he is doing (in fact, it is quite clear that he does know what he is doing), but I think for some of us experiencing troubles with their GPU/screen reballing likely won't fix the core problem (whatever that is). Clearly there is more to this problem than meets the eye Interesting thread to read nonetheless:

http://vimeo.com/58140291

Michael

MBP-FL:

This (what I'm about to say) is HUGELY, HUGELY important: PLEASE keep everyone apprised over your experience over time!!!

This has been such a squirrly problem, with no 'obvious' answers for everyone so far. HOWEVER, if indeed resoldering with lead-based (i.e., 'better') solder is in fact 'the fix', there's a BIG chance you'll go on your merry way, with everyone else on this forum unaware that you have truly found a time-tested 'fix'. Nobody would blame you for moving on, but we would GREATLY appreciate your continued contributions. Perhaps even Apple will investigate your 'fix' if you continue posting here from time to time (ESPECIALLY if you have NO problems from this point forward) which would be a major contribution to this community.

Thanks for the info so far and thank you (in advance) for your continued contributions (whichever way it turns out for you)!

I researched a LOT.  Some guys wanted to Reflow (heat the chip to get the old solder to reset) but Reball seemed the only logical solution.  I needed someone who had done it with the MBP, had the right equipment (not just some bloody heat gun).  On ebay I found a gentleman in West Palm, FL who does this for $150 total including return shipping.  I was in a panic so I actualy drove the 4 hours to take it to him.  Several hours later I had a clean running computer like it was new.  He also applied new (better) thermal paste to the CPU and GPU at the same time so I am running 15-20 degrees cooler under heavy load. 

I highly doubt this guy actually did a reball of the GPU. I've been told (by one of the largest semiconductor manufacturers in the world) that a reball of a CPU with far less (probably 1/10th) balls than the GPU in the Mac with the proper equipment takes them in the order of 1 full work day if not longer for the procedure (and a follow-up microscopic inspection for any shorts). Did you watch this guy doing this procedure? Otherwise I'd say this was nothing more than a reflow.

@ mikkelnl

mikkelnl wrote:

 

apple_power wrote:

 

@ mikkelnl

mikkelnl wrote:

 

Amazing how 'common' this defect is, makes me wonder if at *any* time Apple will admit and start a solution program? What do you guys think?

 

Another update on my issue (early 2011 MBP 15"): it's definatelly the dedicated gfx card on my end; I can pretty much run without issues as long as I keep gfxcardstatus set on INTEGRATED only. But: after a reboot, gfxcardstatus will switch back to 'SWITCH DYNAMICALLY', does anyone know how to keep this setting on INTEGRATED permanently?

 

I tried removing the AMD* files, but the OS became insanely slow and ugly.

 

 

 

Yes, go to the Preferences-Energy-Saver, there is a checkbox in the top section "Automatic graphics switching", uncheck this.

 

I'm having the same issue keep posting problems and feedback to Apple, I'm sure they fix this problem soon.

 

enjoy your APPLE

 

Are you sure? I always thought this option means: always use the dedicated chip, not the integrated.

You can also use gfxCardStatus, DL here http://gfx.io/

enjoy your APPLE

apple_power wrote:

 

@ mikkelnl

mikkelnl wrote:

 

apple_power wrote:

 

@ mikkelnl

mikkelnl wrote:

 

Amazing how 'common' this defect is, makes me wonder if at *any* time Apple will admit and start a solution program? What do you guys think?

 

Another update on my issue (early 2011 MBP 15"): it's definatelly the dedicated gfx card on my end; I can pretty much run without issues as long as I keep gfxcardstatus set on INTEGRATED only. But: after a reboot, gfxcardstatus will switch back to 'SWITCH DYNAMICALLY', does anyone know how to keep this setting on INTEGRATED permanently?

 

I tried removing the AMD* files, but the OS became insanely slow and ugly.

 

 

 

Yes, go to the Preferences-Energy-Saver, there is a checkbox in the top section "Automatic graphics switching", uncheck this.

 

I'm having the same issue keep posting problems and feedback to Apple, I'm sure they fix this problem soon.

 

enjoy your APPLE

 

Are you sure? I always thought this option means: always use the dedicated chip, not the integrated.

 

 

You can also use gfxCardStatus, DL here http://gfx.io/

 

enjoy your APPLE

Well, after a reboot, gfxcardstatus will be set to 'switch dynamically' again, so if I forget to set it to Integrated, it will crash in a matter of minutes

@ MBP-FL

MBP-FL wrote:

 

Problem Fixed! 

 

I rely on my computer for my living and can't afford to mess around waiting for Apple.  My problems kept deteriorating (even after using gfxCardStatus) to the point where it would take me 1-2 hours everyday to get my computer running.  After digging to the root of the problem (bad solder used for the GPU - just like the problem that plagued HP) the only immediate solution I could find was to have the GPU Reballed (removed and resoldered to the logic board with NEW, lead based solder). 

 

I researched a LOT.  Some guys wanted to Reflow (heat the chip to get the old solder to reset) but Reball seemed the only logical solution.  I needed someone who had done it with the MBP, had the right equipment (not just some bloody heat gun).  On ebay I found a gentleman in West Palm, FL who does this for $150 total including return shipping.  I was in a panic so I actualy drove the 4 hours to take it to him.  Several hours later I had a clean running computer like it was new.  He also applied new (better) thermal paste to the CPU and GPU at the same time so I am running 15-20 degrees cooler under heavy load. 

 

This is a FIX, not a bandaid, and certainly does NOT require replacing the logic board with  another that will likely develop the same problem.  You can wait for Apple, or you can simply get it done.  look for wpbcomputertech on ebay.  No, I'm not related, affiliated or anything else.  This guy, for any US based users, is getting it done well for those of us in pain.

 

To those of you who chose to wait on Apple for a free fix, good luck.  I love Apple and will continue to buy.  IMHO, this just one of those glitches.  I am just glad to be past it.

Thank you for that hint, but I would urge all of you to stick with that problem to APPLE, not only to give  as many facts as possible, but you may can also benefit from a 'replacement program' once APPLE got a solution.

I'm mow gathering the facts and send them to APPLE, so please stay tuned.

Enjoy your 

@ mikkelnl

mikkelnl wrote:

 

apple_power wrote:

 

@ mikkelnl

mikkelnl wrote:

 

apple_power wrote:

 

@ mikkelnl

mikkelnl wrote:

 

Amazing how 'common' this defect is, makes me wonder if at *any* time Apple will admit and start a solution program? What do you guys think?

 

Another update on my issue (early 2011 MBP 15"): it's definatelly the dedicated gfx card on my end; I can pretty much run without issues as long as I keep gfxcardstatus set on INTEGRATED only. But: after a reboot, gfxcardstatus will switch back to 'SWITCH DYNAMICALLY', does anyone know how to keep this setting on INTEGRATED permanently?

 

I tried removing the AMD* files, but the OS became insanely slow and ugly.

 

 

 

Yes, go to the Preferences-Energy-Saver, there is a checkbox in the top section "Automatic graphics switching", uncheck this.

 

I'm having the same issue keep posting problems and feedback to Apple, I'm sure they fix this problem soon.

 

enjoy your APPLE

 

Are you sure? I always thought this option means: always use the dedicated chip, not the integrated.

 

 

You can also use gfxCardStatus, DL here http://gfx.io/

 

enjoy your APPLE

 

Well, after a reboot, gfxcardstatus will be set to 'switch dynamically' again, so if I forget to set it to Integrated, it will crash in a matter of minutes

OK, try this:

1. Let you Mac cool down.

2. Boot it and press cmd-s (Comand key + S) for single user boot.

3. Wait until the the you can enter a comand (the prompt is root#)

4. Type 'exit' and wait until the familiar login screen apears.

5. Open gfxCardStatus and select 'integrated only'

That helped me…

enjoy your APPLE