Q: 2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

Nailer6245 wrote:

 

Thanks for this - I went with Easy-M, who have a shop on Avenue Louise, Brussels. They're an authorised third party and I was pretty happy with their service. They basically just took my MBP2011, sent it to the Apple repair centre, and then returned it to me. However, the repair carried out at the centre obviously hasn't worked as the fault is back. What third party did you use?

 

I'll just have to send it off a second time, I guess. Frustrating as I really need my laptop! I'm just trying to think ahead in case I get it back and it's faulty again. I might do what you did, arrange a call with someone senior and see if they'll give me a Retina.

When the Warranty Extension program was implemented there was a discussion about how the supply chains needing to be flushed of "original" replacement mother boards and re-supplied with "better reworked" replacement mother boards over night.

Further these "better reworked" replacement mother boards can not be identified as different from the "original" or at least no one reporting to this discussion has identified their replacement board as "better rework" or "original".

Based on these recent reports of repeat failures, it seems that Warranty Extension repair customers are experiencing the level of reliability that that those who had their mother board replaced before the Warranty Extension program were experiencing, repeated failures.

Starting in 2011 Apple denied there was a problem but took action to lower the GPU heat which seems to have delayed the mass failures to happen after the warranty expired.  Then Apple dragged their feet about creating the Warranty Extension program that so many, including myself took steps to have a third party repair their machines because Apple's replace the motherboard repair process had gained a poor reputation.  Ultimately several class action law suits were started and this discussion grew from a murmur into a roar.  When the Warranty Extension program took effect the pressure on Apple was relived, the class action suits quieted, the discussion quieted and now the failure rate is creeping up again.

Why is the failure rate creeping up again?  If you keep doing what you were doing can you expect different results.  Soon the 2011 MBP's will be off the supported list and the failures will disappear, never really fixed.

Yes I went directly to the one recommended and used by my Apple Premium Reseller in Waterloo: ARCICT. Much faster going direct than going via a reseller. They got to know me quite well!

<Personal Information Edited By Host>

Needless to say, we can debate endlessly whether Apple is serious about the repair extension program.  For some, the first reports of recurrence of the video issues after repair are sufficient evidence that the program is a PR stunt, and Apple is using the same boards now as before.  I see other explanations but have as little significant statistical evidence as everybody else who participates in this forum, so I would prefer instead to focus attention once again on the program itself.

In the announcement, Apple commits to repair certain models of MBP that are afflicted by certain video issues, not to replace their motherboards.  If your MBP qualifies, have it repaired.  It costs you nothing.  If the video issues recur after the repair, have it repaired again.  Repeat as required.  Several people have reported that after three or four unsuccessful attempts to fix their machine Apple has offered them a replacement. I don't know whether this is official Apple policy, but I think that if that situation arises, you are well within your rights to seek a replacement, as Nickiwi did with encouraging results.

Finally, there is some disagreement about how often you can avail yourself of the program.  The repair includes a 90 day warranty on parts and labor, so if the video issues occur within 90 days of the repair, there should be no question about getting it repaired again for free.  I was told by an employee at the Apple Store in Basel, Switzerland that I could bring the machine back even after 90 days if the video issues recurred, as long as the repair extension program has not expired.  No, I don't have that in writing.    Depending on how common it is in your country to keep your promises and take people at their word, you may want to get this in writing from an Apple representative in your country.

Good luck!

I do not understand why the "host" edited out what he calls "personal information" from my last post. It was information on an APPLE APPROVED REPAIR CENTRE for Goodness' sake! Is even information about APPLE related firms taboo now?

I agree.  Rather childish ... and ineffectual, considering that many of us are following this thread and hence receiving replies as they are posted (incl. the subsequently edited out parts) ... and inconsistent (see a response on pg. 857 that gives the name and address of an "authorized third-party").

I got my 2011 Macbook Pro back from the new repair program. I noticed the speed was slower than usual. The cursor lagged and stuttered. They changed the board twice and the problem still exists. Now they are asking for $300+ to ship it to their repair stations because they say whatever the problem is it's not covered under the repair program. I'm not sure if I should fix it because it seems like this piece of equipment is a LEMON! I turned the computer on just recently and this happened. I restarted it and it's back to the "newly fixed" lagging computer. What would you guys do in this situation?

Where did you have it repaired?  Apple Store, Authorized Service Provider, third-party?

Which problem "still exists"?  The slowness, or the video issues?

I assume you have the usually 90-day warranty for parts and labor.  If it's the slowness that's the problem, it wasn't slow before you had it repaired for the first time, so, logically, the slowness is related to the repair, and the 90-day warranty should cover that.  If it's the video issues, then, also logically, whatever "they" did did not fix the problem.  The repair extension program is supposed to fix the video issues.  I would call Apple support and explain what has happened.  Whatever was done either (a) caused a problem that you did not have before the first repair, and/or (b) did not fix the video issues that the repair extension program is supposed to fix.  You should not have to pay for (a) having "them" repair the problem that they caused, and/or (b) "them" repairing the problem that "they" were supposed to repair in the first place.

Good luck!

I had my computer repaired at an Apple Store. The slowness still exist and that video issue just popped up today. I gave it a restart and the video issue did not happen again. I'm thinking it will reoccur. I do have the 90 day warranty for parts and labor. I mentioned all those points to them and they said, sorry but our repair program only covers the logic board/motherboard problem. They would not give me the option.

I'm going to echo Richard Liu's question.

If you read back, I had the same problem regarding an incredibly slow MBP after the logic board replacement. It took 2 trips to the Genius Bar to get them to "isolate" the problem as a logic board issue and not a software issue. They fixed the board everything is running like new again. In their defense, I went back twice because I went to the store late and they had to close up for the night so I went back the next day to finish the tests.

They had me create a new admin user and see if the slowness persisted (it did). That was one of the last tests they did to see if the slowness was because of an issue with my admin account on the MBP or if it was a system-wide problem. It was the latter and since I didn't have this problem before the replacement (otherwise I would've brought it in to complain) they said the logic board was probably flawed. Like I said, after the second replacement, my MBP is running great again.

Good luck with getting a replacement. It may be worth your time to go back to the Genius Bar, sometimes it's the luck of the draw to get a genius that's actually helpful and not just dismissive and rude, like I had once or twice before.

Awesome, thank you! I will check out a different apple location. I just remembered they ran a bunch of test on the computer and said the cpu was running at 700%? It's tremendously slow. They want me to send it their outside repair station because they think it's the top case, but they really have no idea what the problem is.

Yup, I had the same problem. The "kernel_task" function was running at 600-700% (you can view this on Activity Monitor). The kernel task is the function that apparently routes all computer's software need/resources so that's why the genius initially thought it was software problem. When they figured it wasn't software, they repaired the bracket that attaches the HD to the logic board thinking that was faulty. That didn't work and finally they determined it must be the logic board because every other diagnostic hardware test came back as passing.

From what you're saying about the slowness, it seems like we had the same problem. Just go back to the same store or another one nearby and hopefully you'll get new a nicer/more helpful genius who'll be more thorough and will acknowledge that the problem is the replacement board you had was faulty.

Sometimes with Apple it's like Animal Farm:  all geniuses are created equal, but some are more equal than others.  I could not disagree more with what you were told.  Nowhere in the description of the Repair Extension Program (https://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro-videoissues/) is any such limitation stated.  In fact, Apple writes:

Apple has determined that a small percentage of MacBook Pro systems may exhibit distorted video, no video, or unexpected system restarts. These MacBook Pro systems were sold between February 2011 and December 2013.

Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will repair affected MacBook Pro systems, free of charge. See below for details on affected models and service options.

Did the Apple Store repair your affected MacBook Pro system?  No.  So take it back, and if somebody tries to tell you that eligibility is limited to one attempt by Apple to fix the problem by exchanging the motherboard, ask -- politely, of course -- to speak to that person's supervisor.  There is no description in the announcement of the repair extension program of how Apple proposes to do what it promises to do, namely to cure your MBP of its video issues, and just how Apple attempts to do so is of no concern to you.  They can exchange logic board, poke needles into its USB ports, or resort to exorcism -- that's their business.  It is plain that, whatever they did, did not succeed.  I don't see that an further discussion is required with somebody who doesn't understand that argument.  I would just escalate -- each time politely but firmly -- until you felt you were discussing with somebody who is ready to try to understand your argument, not just to toe some perceived company line.

Good luck!  (Sing:  Some where, over the rainbow, there's a new MacBook Pro Retina ...)

TToday I took my MacBook Pro 2014 to Apple Store for repairs. They ran diagnosis and determined that the logic board was unresponsive due to no power to the system at all. Initially the machine started giving me problems of flickering horizontal lines on the display then it went totally black within a minute.

I Purchased the machine in march 17, 2014, and back in January the display went caput. That's a major overhaul within a year. Now is the logic board is out. So within a year the machine sustained tow major overhauls.

now they're charging me $310 to replace the logic board. With all these problems at hand I strongly believe I am done with apple. I used to be a great fan of apple and was fond of apple products. Over the years I came to realize that I gave apple too many benefits of doubt. Every apple product I've purchased gave me a major problem. Technical or software. Mostly technical problems. At this stage of my experience I made a firm decision that I will say goodbye to apple once for all times. Their strategic alibi was that I should have purchased the extended apple care plan. People with this kind of mindset I treat them as brainless mammals. We're not talking about a lame quality product that I need to insure myself from default product defect, but apple customers rely on apple product quality. That's what apple claims to be in distintion from other manufacturers. If I have to buy additional warranty and hope for two extra years be protected, I'm assuming I am walking on one leg as to relying on apple's product quality.

I Always knew that apple was the lamest company, using the sole name of a fruit for its brand and all the components inside the apple products are branded by Samsung, to shiva, LG, Sharp, Hitachi and others. there isn't a single componpent in an apple product that is made by apple. So why should I continue buying apple products if apple using somebody's else's products. Might as well cut off the middle man and go straight to the original manufacturer and buy their stuff.

it's a lesson that I had to learn. No one else to blame but myself alone. At least I've learn good from bad experience. I'm glad I ran into soo many problems with apple.

Interesting.  Thanks for sharing your unfortunate experience.  Although this thread does concern the 2011 models, and, by way of the repair extension program, 2012-2013 models as well, it is disheartening to learn that your 2014 MBP seems to suffer from similar problems.

I don't want to dwell on the why's and wherefore's of Apple Care.  Repairs are never free, not even those performed under guarantee.  They are either included in the purchase price, covered by a separate product like Apple Care, or must be paid, either by the customer or, if the manufacturer is at fault, by him.  The thinness with which Apple is so infatuated comes at the price of these products' presently or soon consisting of nothing more than screens, keyboards, motherboards and batteries; the new 12" MacBook even lacks fans.  Any hardware problem is thus simpler to localize but requires replacing a major portion of the machine.  For all these reasons, -- and because, up until my last Mac, a late 2011 MBP 17", I had always tried to sell them after two years, the remaining year of guarantee being a strong incentive for Windows aficionados to indulge their curiosity, -- I have always purchased Apple Care for my Macs.

It is difficult to judge whether Apple is producing increasingly less reliable products, as you suggest.  A sample size of one, namely one's own personal experience, is never statistically representative, nor are the experiences related in such forums, which tend to attract chiefly people who have problems (with Apple products, I mean).  What is clear, and not just since the announcement of the Apple Watch, is that Apple is increasingly attracting fashion-conscious customers, and this is certainly not unintentional.  That does mean, however, that a higher proportion of the price of a product is related to design than before, while product longevity becomes less important for customers who feel compelled to "change their wardrobe with the seasons."  The watershed product in this regard was certainly the first 15" MBP Retina, released simultaneously with a slightly upgraded 15" MBP Unibody.  Although the Retina model lacked an optical drive, the market evidently voted with its dollars, Euros, Yen, etc. for sleekness over utility, and Apple never turned back, eventually even axing 17" laptops.

There is a reason that Apple still has competitors, and that is because they offer alternatives.  Their products are, economically speaking, no cheaper and no better.  You get what you pay for, and nothing is free.  If the areas is which they have made their compromises are less important to you than the areas in which Apple have made theirs, then your choice must be clear.  One aspect of Apple that I value is the Genius Bar.  I can make an appointment, take my product in, have somebody diagnose the problem and give me a cost estimate for repairs.  With other brands, I have to take it back to a retail store, typically a large consumer electronics chain, that sends it to the manufacturer.  Nobody can tell me what will be done and how much it will cost.  Usually I have to pay for a cost estimate, which will be applied toward the cost of repair if I then choose to have it repaired.  Clearly, others will place less value on the Genius Bar than I do, but it, too, is somewhere in the cost of every Apple product.

This is the second major problem within a year, with the subject machine. The first problem was related to the display back in January of 2015, and now is the logic board according to the Genius Bar technician. My cry is not about suplicating for a free repairs, but rather about two major overhauls in one year. I strongly believe that the second problem has something to do with the first problem because the symptoms were exactly the same. both times started with flickering horizontal lines and it completely died within minutes. I have to believe what I am told by technician. Nevertheless I feel my concern wasn't given a worth of ****. ever year I buy an updated apple product. All of them had some problems. Mostly hard drive or trackpad malfunctions. This is the first time I experience two major defects in one year. Time capsul died within the first year and after first repair it died again. The repar cost was $299, and brand new time capsule was $299. It shows that this company has no policy written by human being that makes sense. I threw it away and never bought TC again. The only thing survived is my iMac, when HDD died within the first year and still working after the warranty repair.

Every apple branded product that apple manufactured I owned It, Yet all of them gave me problems once or twice. To speak of statistics, apple services more of its products than any other companies. Ever time I visit an Apple Store the place is packed with product  repairs inquiries. And it's hard to get an appointment because they're booked weeks ahead.  I owned dell laptops and desktop, sony vaios and desktops, hp laptops, Fujitsu laptops, toshibas, gateway, IBM, just name a brand I've owned. None of them game me any problems. The only thing that apple attracted me with is the apple OS that runs faster than windows 7 and previous versions of windows. But that's no longer the case. Windows 8.1 and 10 are faster than OS x.

I Always custom built my machines online to ensure I have top parameters in PCs. I'm simply upset because apple does not back up its warranty promise. Display was replaced in january and in April the same problem all over again. I don't feel like I have to rely on apple's extended care program in order to extend my service for another year or two. What happens after that? Can you extend the warranty after the initial 3 years expired? I didn't have to buy extended warranty for other brands I listed that I owned. Apple owns the apple name only, even that still belongs to the fruit of nature. In a way apple doesn't own a thing. All apple products Are collection of other manufacturers' components. Majority of Samsung branded components and some hitachi, sharp, LG etc. What can you expect from a computer that's made by several companies. Especially after apple sued Samsung (another senselessness by apple to sue a major supplier), Samsung would have to be really careless in producing parts for apple. I'd rally be careful whom I to sue.