Q: 2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

I'd be very shocked if they didn't reimburse with the consumer laws we are lucky to have here on a case by case basis now this program is announced.  The SOGA is great!

Exclusion from any solution offered by Apple was always the risk when using 3rd party repair shops, it was mentioned in this thread several times. I do think that if that transpires it would be unfair.

No, you don't have to pay for every new logic board replacement, just for the first, as long as the others break while within the 90 day warranty period on repairs, as mine all did. Then after the 4th replacement Apple replaced my machine with a mid 2014 15 inch  Retina machine, thus making me happy again.

And now the free replacement programme has been announced, even the first replacement board should cost you nothing.

Just got off the phone with support.  She told me it is covered.  Made a genius bar appointment.

Now I'm really, and I mean really really really interested how this whole thing plays out.. 

I mean: if it is a "permanent" fix or if they are just doing the same procedure as before. Don't get me wrong, it's great that it's for free now - but hey, I honestly think that in cases like these it should go without saying and it is only proper  "normal" corporate behaviour (or whatever the correct english term is...) to do free repair programs... 

But will it really be a solution to the problem?!  (as far as the technical side is concerned)

I hereby ask all the people who really know what they are talking about and/or maybe have some good inside information to please tell us if the repair guys at Apple and so on do use a new way of solving the graphics chip issue... and please only if you know for a fact and none of that hundreds of depressing and unhelpful comments without  any information I had to wade through on this thread..

Maybe next week someone could tell us how it went?? Or if you know about a good website where they show a teardown of a repaired MBP 2011 please tell us, it would be greatly appreciated!!

I almost would have sent my early-2011-15'er to a console repair guy who does the whole reballing AND exchanging the chip routine which sounds really good, but I think Apple won't pay for it, will they? 

Really hope so here comes up with a good bit of information!

So long my dear fellow sufferers!   Good luck and good night (or whatever time of day you have right now)!

Well I went to my Apple Store again for the 5th times. They told me that even if I have a repair order already open they have to do a new hardware test requested by Apple in regards of the new replacement program. They were unable to run the test so they will have to speak with senior tech before going forward with the replacement even if I told him he just have to turn on the computer and look at the screen to confirm I have video problem. They did receive 1 motherboard yesterday so if senior tech agree I should have my computer back next week. At the Apple Store they were completly unaware of the problem and the lawsuit but they all know about the replacement program. Seems to me there is a no comment issued by Apple. They are unable to tell if it's a refurbish motherboard or brand new without the manufacturing flaws.

I guess I'll have to find it out the hard way in the next couple weeks or months.

I dropped my MBP off last week at the local Apple Store, agreed to pay the $310 flat fee to get the logic board replaced.  I got notified that it was ready last night.  When I pick it up today, I will inquire if they just replaced the board, or did anything special for the "video resolution" problem.  I'm also assuming that I won't have to pay for it. 

I'll report back with what I find.

SkyHawk-YQB wrote:

 

They told me that even if I have a repair order already open they have to do a new hardware test requested by Apple in regards of the new replacement program.

Same thing happened to me.  I had already gotten the Work Authorization before the Repair Program was announced.  I dropped it off and they said they wouldn't work on it, or send it out, till they retested it.  Lame.

SkyHawk-YQB wrote:

 

They told me that even if I have a repair order already open they have to do a new hardware test requested by Apple in regards of the new replacement program.

rustbucketmike wrote:

I had already gotten the Work Authorization before the Repair Program was announced.  I dropped it off and they said they wouldn't work on it, or send it out, till they retested it.

Not trying to defend anyone or anything, but I guess the Apple guys are just following new procedures for a newly launched repair program. Can't really blame them because they're just doing their job but I do understand your frustration.

An update on my post from Jan. 20 2015 (page 758) indicating that I had the same graphics card problem (Late 2011 15" MacBook Pro). Like many on this thread, I was frustrated, to say the least, with the situation. Currently, I'm really happy with the outcome and feel Apple took care of me well beyond any obligation I felt they had.

Only because a previous post had urged me, I went to the Apple online support and requested a call, asking for an exception because I am way past any warranty coverage. I received a call within an hour, was asked about the problem, given some tests to preform and told that it was likely graphics card related. I refrained from mentioning that I already knew the problem which seemed to be a widespread issue. After being advised to take it to my local authorized dealer (no Apple Store in the vicinity) for diagnosis, I explained that I didn't care for the local dealer and would rather send it directly to Apple. The representative put me on hold while he consulted his supervisor.

When back on the line he said that he'd make arrangements to ship the computer, diagnose and repair it. He gave me a case number, took down my shipping info and said a box would be sent to me which I would use to send them my mbp. The last thing he did was ask me for a credit card number, saying that they would repair it for $330 without specifying the extent or limit of the actual work. I gave him the info and two days later received the shipping box which was labeled and prepaid Fedex. I backed up what I could and sent it off.

They kept me up to date with emails and in less than a week they sent the computer back. It looked and operated like brand new. Here's what was replaced according to the packing slip:

Logic Board 2.4 Ghz

Display Clamshell Antiglare Hi-Res

Battery Li-Ion 77.5 WHr

Top Case w/Keyboard

MagSafe Board

The only piece I can recognize is the bottom cover with the serial number though they did replace some missing screws. Inside is still the same aftermarket Samsung SSD and 16 gb ram cards that I installed as well as the 1Tb Hdd that I had switched out with the optical drive. Everything else is new (or refurbished). This was a four year old laptop that I had used extensively, abused, opened up many times and, at times, put back together with missing screws and parts. I had recently replaced the touchpad and battery because of issues I attributed to heavy use and wear. I wish I hadn't just replaced the battery, but oh well

I don't think I would be happier had they sent me a brand new 2014 MacBook Pro considering the upgrades and custom configuration I have. Sure maybe they should have fixed it for free, but I'm more than happy paying the money and having my computer come back with all new parts, working as new and with all my apps, settings and data exactly how I had it.

I checked my credit card account to ensure the repair wasn't more than the $330 quoted (plus tax) The charge for that amount wasn't  posted until the day they sent it back to me. Needless to say I'm more than satisfied with the outcome and am a devotee once again. Thanks Apple, thanks thread.

nettles2 wrote:

 

Logic Board 2.4 Ghz

Display Clamshell Antiglare Hi-Res

Battery Li-Ion 77.5 WHr

Top Case w/Keyboard

MagSafe Board

Hmmm I wonder if I'll get the same treatment when I repair my MBP under the repair program? I doubt it, since you actually spent $300 in repairs, and I will pay zero dollars. Really curious now!

That is a nice story nettles2. Thanks for sharing

My early MBP 15 has had  3+ Logic Board failures. Purchased MBP (C02FJFFKDF8V) 5/5/11 @Best Buy Atlanta. Didn't buy AppleCare warranty. Bought Geek Squad 3Yr warranty. First logic board failed in first 1 week of purchase.Geek Squad sent it off to AppleCare.AppleCare replaced it with new one(C0*****F8V) 5/24/11.2 years of infrequent video card crashes/reboots.Failed again 12/30/13 & repaired(SO 00896-987954567).Failed again 1/16/14 & repaired(00896-988502042).Failed again 2/3/14 and repaired(00896-989031490).Failed again 9/1/14 out of warranty.Turned in 2/20/15 to Onyx Consulting for recall warranty svc (S-54510). Have original receipts and all service paperwork from Geek Squad.Request full replacement under "Lemon protection".MBP has spent over 48 total days in a repair in 3+ years.  PLEASE REPLACE!!

edit:  Please excuse the punctuation and spacing errors.  I had to make this fit into the limited character "Feedback" box.

I'm super happy about getting my MBP back up and running after it has been down for 5 months out of warranty.  However, another logic board failure in my particular machine seems likely, from it's history.  I want it replaced with a new MBP.

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well, people. we won

now i don't have this problem, never had it. but i'm wishing it to happen now . it's a problematic logic board right?

i mean my mbp early11 17'' is exactly 4 years old today. but no symptoms. and i'm abusing it like there is no tomorrow (including voltage mod and extensive overlocking under bootcamp). maybe changing thermal paste is the fix after all.

I've been a happy user of the 15" Macbook Pro Late 2011 and ran into the same problem as everyone else about 2 weeks ago before one of the busiest weekends of the year for me. I got in contact with a authorised service centre to get a quote for repair. I didn't feel like I should be paying $1700 for a replacement logic board for something that was caused by me using the Macbook as intended. So I contacted Apple support and they gave me an advisor, I explained the situation while being as calm as can be and I just got contacted by the Apple advisor a few hours ago after some back and forth talk about the situation over the past week.

All I can say is, Next Friday is the answer.

http://www.apple.com/nz/support/macbookpro-videoissues/

Um, they say the MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program begins today, February 20th in the USA.  It also specifically lists my model, the early 2011 MacBook Pro 17 inch.  I have even had the issues and had my logic board replaced (twice) and yet when I plug in my serial number in the "Your Service and Support Coverage" Apple webpage, it shows no information of the eligibility for the program.

Is anyone else have it working yet?  Is Apple trying to even further screw me over here?  I feel a lot of deep seated anger I already have for Apple due to this fiasco reaching a boiling point....