Q: 2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card
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Dec 23, 2014 5:42 AMby akamyself,Csound1 wrote:
akamyself wrote:
just using same technic you love to use so you realize how stupid it is, and I succeeded.
you're just volunteering on ******* people off pretending helping (are you still?) and minimize other's willing to help.
Can you repost that in English please.
my bad, I'm french.
what part don't you understand, both sentences?
let's not pollute this thread any more than it already is with personal matter, don't you agree?
we can share personal thoughts via email if you really feel the need.
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Dec 23, 2014 7:50 AMby carl wolf,Recent job posting from Nvidia:
"SR. RELIABILITY ENGINEER
RESPONSIBILITIES:
...
REQUIREMENTS:
...
- Basic knowledge of reliability of solder joints
- Familiar with soldering, BGA assembly and temperature profiling;
- Working experience of graphics ICs for power and temperature control is a plus
..."
It seems as though several posters believe they have this knowledge, and I wanted to help them find gainful employment.
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Dec 23, 2014 8:14 AMby Csound1,Just a note here (for new readers)
There is no guarantee that any of the 3rd party repairs will last.
And there is also no guarantee that if you choose that route and Apple offer a solution for this issue that your Mac will still be eligible after non-approved service attempts.
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Dec 23, 2014 8:42 AMby dromeu,Hi there,
I'm another one (from Spain) with the same Discrete Graphic problem. After 2 years from the first problem, we don't have any notification from Apple about the issue.
How much time they need to check it? How many computers must die to think that maybe were a construction's problem?
Thanks for your consideration and advice.
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Dec 23, 2014 8:54 AMby akamyself,and as an extended note for new comers from an actual owner of a early 2011 MacBook Pro, there is less and less hope that Apple will make a recall for this model.
you either pay Apple a lot of money to have them switch your logic board for a refurbished one (3 months warranty) that will most likely fail again (and not in 3 or even 2 years this time) and try to get a 2014 model replacement once the 4th 'repair' also fails but keep in mind there is no guarantee they won't offer you a 5th replacement either, and so on.
or you choose to let a skilled technician do a reflow or a reball at a cheaper price than Apple's, with 6 to 12 months warranty and for a fair rate (usually between 100€ - 200€).
while the durability of this second option can vary, it is cheaper, quicker and you don't get to give Apple any more money on an already expensive and not supposed to fail computer.
I chose second option, may it fail at some point, I will do it again.
for what Apple is charging, I can make 4 repairs by a third party with much more warranty time.
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Dec 23, 2014 9:36 AMby Brian Jeffries,+1 for this problem.
Bought mine used 20 months ago. Little issues would crop up, like the machine not waking up from sleep from time to time. Finally, it crashed, so I reinstalled the OS. A few days later, another crash but this time it was clear it was graphics related. Long story short, found a guy in Alexandria, VA, who reflowed the chip that same evening a little over two weeks ago.
Not only did it fix the problem, issues I didn't know were related also resolved. The computer hasn't crashed since, hasn't had one problem waking up from sleep, which in and of itself was worth the 30 minutes it took and the $115, also came with a warranty. The computer seems to perform better all around, fan don't kick on to high nearly as often, computer seems to run cooler. Very happy. The GPU was reflowed and cleaned, thermal paste was reapplied. Very happy. If you can find someone who can do the work, look into it. I wouldn't hold your breath that Apple will do anything.
I ain't mad at anybody, Apple included. Just the way it goes sometimes. Good luck, all. -
Dec 23, 2014 9:47 AMby r100,so, to resume the topic. Everyone posting here has a 2000+$ machine which is exhibiting a problem due to inadequate soldering of the graphic chip. This is what reunites us all on this thread. Period. If some people can make some money by bringing the soldering up to standard than fine .. there is nothing wrong with that.
But that shouldn't distract from the fact that there is a inherent quality problem with these computers and the manufacturer should respond to this problem. For my part, it is the SECOND Macbook Pro with a soldering problem. Each costing over 2k at the time of purchase. That price is in the realm of luxury portable computers. To expect EXCELLENCE which the marketing at Apple promises, is not asking for too much.
I have used Apple computers since the first 256 color Mac came out. I have NEVER experienced any such crappy hardware. The design wasn't great but at least the hardware was up to the price. It is disgraceful that Apple should ask such prices and not stand by its self declared quality standards.
end of rant
