Q: 2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

Thanks Steves, I was actually afraid it was an overheating issue myself, in the beginning.  "What am I doing wrong?"  I spent a lot of time (for me) troubleshooting and researching.  Who knows, maybe that plays into it.  The Genius Bar people claim they want to see the problem all the way through to a solution, because "that's what Apple's all about."  But my last 3 visits to Apple Stores have been WORSE THAN THE DMV.   Total carnival atmosphere, surrounded by grabby people-children and their iPhones.  And the geniuses are so over-worked and stressed, they can't afford to take the time to explain what it is they're going to "fix" for you for free.   Just smile and be grateful.  Apple doesn't have to be doing this for you, y'know customer #15,083,227.

Been a loyal Mac owner since '89.  I loved the product and was certain I was getting what I paid for.  That no longer applies. 

And, for the record, I do not need a brand-new "retina display."   I already have one.   All I want is the 17" MacBook Pro I thought I was buying years ago.  All I want is for the company to fix a faulty product so that it stays fixed.

Just come back from dropping my machine into the Apple store. The genius didn't quibble anything at all - he just took my word for it. As it's my second failure I just described my symptoms and told him I recognised the classic signs and backed up my machine just in case. I mentioned that I knew it should be covered with the replacement program, and I'd checked my serial number to make sure it qualified. He just filled in all the paperwork and said they'd be in touch in 3-5 days. Hopefully I don't have to wait too long.

Having this problem now. Early 2011 Macbook Pro, 15". I'm still on 10.7.5 because it won't even let me update.

The other day I had my laptop shut (asleep), nothing intensive open, and it shut down by itself. Turned it back on and it seemed to work fine for the rest of the day. Then I opened Photoshop and it froze. I hard restarted and got a window from PS that my video card needs updating. Now it's white screening. It usually opens to a light blue screen with a striped purple apple before it white screens. Can't safe boot either. When I tried, the loading bar got about 1/5th the way and then the screen turned into thick, vertical purple and green stripes before white screening again. Trying to start with Diagnostics also doesn't work.

After about a hundred restarts, I've got it working enough to back up my files and get online. Tried to upgrade to Yosemite, and it shows it downloading, but never makes any progress. Eventually the screen goes black (though the laptop is still on) and won't wake up. On another try, it logged me out and then wouldn't let me type my password.

2 years ago I brought my Macbook Pro into the Apple store because the left corner was overheating even with minor programs running (just being on Facebook would overheat it sometimes). They told me I need to stop running so many things and dismissed the problem, not bothering to actually check anything. Everything I read online at the time said it happened to a lot of people. I'm fairly sure that fan isn't working properly, whether that has something to do with this startup problem or not.

My warranty and Applecare ran out and I really don't want to overpay someone to "fix" something that's just going to break again. What's the verdict here? Bring it in to be fixed? Keep trying to fix it myself? Or just give in to buying a newer model?

What's this replacement program? And where do I find my serial?

Please and thank you!

Your computer freezes, shuts down by itself, takes you a hundred restarts to get it stable enough to back up your files and you still think it's a good idea to upgrade the operating system? You're crazy.

Anyway, take it to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. They'll replace the logic board free of charge.

This is the repair program: https://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro-videoissues/ and the serial number is etched in the bottom case.

LeVeL5 wrote:

 

Your computer freezes, shuts down by itself, takes you a hundred restarts to get it stable enough to back up your files and you still think it's a good idea to upgrade the operating system? You're crazy.

Your computer is acting up, you don't know what is the cause and you. personally, make all the perfect choices, is that what your saying?  Good on you. 

Some people don't go from no knowledge to informed in one leap.  Some people make the best choice they can think of, measure the results against expectations and grow on.  As the sign in our barber shop says "If your so smart, how come you're not rich?"

jimoase wrote:

 

LeVeL5 wrote:

 

Your computer freezes, shuts down by itself, takes you a hundred restarts to get it stable enough to back up your files and you still think it's a good idea to upgrade the operating system? You're crazy.

 

Your computer is acting up, you don't know what is the cause and you. personally, make all the perfect choices, is that what your saying?  Good on you.

 

Some people don't go from no knowledge to informed in one leap.  Some people make the best choice they can think of, measure the results against expectations and grow on.  As the sign in our barber shop says "If your so smart, how come you're not rich?"

Would you work on the engine of your car while is teetering on the edge of a precipice? No, you get everything out and leave it as is. I didn't disrespect Jsrollend and he/she doesn't need you defending him/her.

LeVeL5 wrote:

 

jimoase wrote:

 

LeVeL5 wrote:

 

Your computer freezes, shuts down by itself, takes you a hundred restarts to get it stable enough to back up your files and you still think it's a good idea to upgrade the operating system? You're crazy.

 

Your computer is acting up, you don't know what is the cause and you. personally, make all the perfect choices, is that what your saying?  Good on you.

 

Some people don't go from no knowledge to informed in one leap.  Some people make the best choice they can think of, measure the results against expectations and grow on.  As the sign in our barber shop says "If your so smart, how come you're not rich?"

Would you work on the engine of your car while is teetering on the edge of a precipice? No, you get everything out and leave it as is. I didn't disrespect Jsrollend and he/she doesn't need you defending him/her.

According to your superior intellect, the engine problem can't be solved and the uninformed can make the best decisions; is that your position?

jimoase wrote:

 

LeVeL5 wrote:

 

jimoase wrote:

 

LeVeL5 wrote:

 

Your computer freezes, shuts down by itself, takes you a hundred restarts to get it stable enough to back up your files and you still think it's a good idea to upgrade the operating system? You're crazy.

 

Your computer is acting up, you don't know what is the cause and you. personally, make all the perfect choices, is that what your saying?  Good on you.

 

Some people don't go from no knowledge to informed in one leap.  Some people make the best choice they can think of, measure the results against expectations and grow on.  As the sign in our barber shop says "If your so smart, how come you're not rich?"

Would you work on the engine of your car while is teetering on the edge of a precipice? No, you get everything out and leave it as is. I didn't disrespect Jsrollend and he/she doesn't need you defending him/her.

According to your superior intellect, the engine problem can't be solved and the uninformed can make the best decisions; is that your position?

And you are a brave knight that needs to come forward and attack me in behalf of someone else? In a user forum for technical issues? I answered Jsrollend question while you're busy trolling. Go away.

LeVeL5 wrote:

 

jimoase wrote:

 

LeVeL5 wrote:

 

jimoase wrote:

 

LeVeL5 wrote:

 

Your computer freezes, shuts down by itself, takes you a hundred restarts to get it stable enough to back up your files and you still think it's a good idea to upgrade the operating system? You're crazy.

 

Your computer is acting up, you don't know what is the cause and you. personally, make all the perfect choices, is that what your saying?  Good on you.

 

Some people don't go from no knowledge to informed in one leap.  Some people make the best choice they can think of, measure the results against expectations and grow on.  As the sign in our barber shop says "If your so smart, how come you're not rich?"

Would you work on the engine of your car while is teetering on the edge of a precipice? No, you get everything out and leave it as is. I didn't disrespect Jsrollend and he/she doesn't need you defending him/her.

According to your superior intellect, the engine problem can't be solved and the uninformed can make the best decisions; is that your position?

 

And you are a brave knight that needs to come forward and attack me in behalf of someone else? In a user forum for technical issues? I answered Jsrollend question while you're busy trolling. Go away.

Your words for someone trying to do the best they can with the information they have are "Your crazy".  I happen to think that is uncalled for.

If you think you are being picked on, imagine how the person feels who came to this discussion looking for answers, told us what he has done so far and you called that person crazy.  When someone calls you out, you feel picked on.   Sorry about that.

jimoase wrote:

 

LeVeL5 wrote:

 

jimoase wrote:

 

LeVeL5 wrote:

 

jimoase wrote:

 

LeVeL5 wrote:

 

Your computer freezes, shuts down by itself, takes you a hundred restarts to get it stable enough to back up your files and you still think it's a good idea to upgrade the operating system? You're crazy.

 

Your computer is acting up, you don't know what is the cause and you. personally, make all the perfect choices, is that what your saying?  Good on you.

 

Some people don't go from no knowledge to informed in one leap.  Some people make the best choice they can think of, measure the results against expectations and grow on.  As the sign in our barber shop says "If your so smart, how come you're not rich?"

Would you work on the engine of your car while is teetering on the edge of a precipice? No, you get everything out and leave it as is. I didn't disrespect Jsrollend and he/she doesn't need you defending him/her.

According to your superior intellect, the engine problem can't be solved and the uninformed can make the best decisions; is that your position?

 

And you are a brave knight that needs to come forward and attack me in behalf of someone else? In a user forum for technical issues? I answered Jsrollend question while you're busy trolling. Go away.

 

Your words for someone trying to do the best they can with the information they have are "Your crazy".  I happen to think that is uncalled for.

 

If you think you are being picked on, imagine how the person feels who came to this discussion looking for answers, told us what he has done so far and you called that person crazy.  When someone calls you out, you feel picked on.   Sorry about that.

I did answer the question. You, on the other hand, have done nothing but trolling and contravening Apple's Use Agreement.

Did Jsrollend call for you because he/she needed help to be defended from my post? No: you imagined everything. A whole soap opera played out in your head with you on the hero role. If you want keep trolling, be my guest, I will not reply to any more of your comments.

LeVeL5 wrote:

 

jimoase wrote:

 

LeVeL5 wrote:

 

-------------

 

Did Jsrollend call for you because he/she needed to help and be defended from my post? No: you imagined everything. A whole soap opera played out in your head with you on the hero role. If you want keep trolling, be my guest, I will not reply to any more of your comments.

Thanks... your comments did advance anyone's needs.

Really, guys?

I ended up finding my answer later last night and I have an appointment with the "geniuses."

But through all my Google searching, I hadn't come upon this program, so I was trying to fix the issue as much as I could. Lots of very useless videos and articles out there, none of which mentioned a return program to have it fixed. And the Apple site just sent me in circles with vague answers.

So I appreciate the answer about it, but the nasty attitude isn't needed LeVeL5.

<Edited By Host>

Writing this after Apple Repair "Fix" #2 for my MBP 17".  This morning I got back my computer from the Memphis, TN repair facility after having had another Logic Board replaced.   Within 20 to 30 minutes of putting it through the exact same paces as before, the machine crashed/restarted.  I contacted AppleCare to inquire: what now?  I was routed to the Elk Grove facility.  There it was explained to me that I need to re-install the OS (never mind that the OS already passed the Genius Bar's OS test last week), so I agreed to make yet another trip to a Genius Bar.   At the Genius Bar I was told that the crash report listed a Kernel Panic that clearly indicated the crash was not a software issue, so we did not bother to re-install.  I was told to call the Elk Grove rep and he could take it from there.  I did so immediately.  Unfortunately, the Elk Grove Apple rep was not able to get back to me until I'd already gone home.  He and I just spent at least an hour trying to re-install the OS.  Alas, for some reason, my computer can no longer be verified by Apple now -- I cannot even re-install the Snow Leopard OS from the disc that originally came with the machine when I bought it.  When I attempt to do so, I get a beep-beep-beep sound, (pause/repeat).  I was told this was indicative of the RAM not being seated properly, so now I have to go back to the Apple Store, explain the repair situation yet again (yes, really) and they will document it. 

After that's done, I am supposed to call Elk Grove again to see what my options are.  Don't ask me why the Genius Bar people cannot communicate directly with the Elk Grove people -- it makes no sense, particularly when one takes into account the make, model, and year of my device.  There is a problem with the hardware.  They know this already. 

I wish to add that ALL the Apple reps I interacted with today seemed exceptionally capable and eager to get to the bottom of the problem, as far as the system in place allowed them to pursue it.   Unfortunately, the "repair program" works like it was designed to wear down the loyal Apple Consumer and thus keep him/her from achieving a resolution in a timely, sensible manner.  My next trip to the Genius Bar will be #5 in less than a month.  AND THEN I WILL HAVE TO CALL ELK GROVE AND INFORM THEM ON WHAT HAPPENED.  Sure!  I have nothing else to do with my time.

My entire experience with this process suggests it's just a corporate stalling strategy to frustrate true problem resolution, while at the same time providing lip-service that they're all about "doing the right thing."   But it's not the right thing.  It's wrong.

lakeland103 wrote:

 

Writing this after Apple Repair "Fix" #2 for my MBP 17".  This morning I got back my computer from the Memphis, TN repair facility after having had another Logic Board replaced. 

Your account of your situation is not unusual nor would it be reasonable for Apple to have any other expectations of their extended warranty program.

This problem occurred with the sale of the first 2011 MacBook Pro.  There were several reports of failures simular to what many have experienced over the last few years.  Apple assessed the situation and issued firmware to "fix" the problem by altering the way the combination of the the internal and external graphic processors were used.  Two graphic processors were installed in this model to improve performance and yet have acceptable battery life.

By turning on the external graphic processor Apple could handle heavy lifting graphic needs with ease but at a cost to battery life.  From another view point, increased power use turns into heat.  Heat in this case appears to have caused some solder joints to stress and crack, thus becoming intermittent as many have reported in needing multiple times to just boot up.

When Apple altered their processor use algorhythm they, in effect masked, the heat problem because the joints would still fail after so many heat cycles.  The "fix" delayed when that failure would occur, for some  because their useage patterns, that failure was years later.

When Apple ran the production run to build the mother boards for product sales they also built a percentage extra for future repair needs.  When the problem we are experiencing grew from customer murmmers to screams for help and the threat of class action legal suits Apple reacted with an extended warranty program that reimbursed those who had third party repairs, such as myself, and those that had Apple repairs. The program also repaired machines as they failed after the the start of the extended warranty program.

Most of these repairs amounted to replacing the motherboard, which was build at the same time as the original production, and has the same faults built into it.  By the time the extended warranty program hit the public a large percentage of those original spare motherboards had already been used and returned motherboards were being repaired and used as replacement motherboards.

Apple has never said or demonstrated that they have fixed the motherboard with a better design or process they have said here are some free repairs.  The timing of the extended warranty program was never such that a new better motherboard could be put into service.  Anidotal information suggests that Apple is again attempting to delay the mass number of failures to some future date by replacing motherboards.  For a significant percentage of customers those motherboard replacements are also failing and that rate of failure will probably grow as the percentage of multiple failing mother boards fills the spare board supply chain.

Apple's cure is to upgrade multiple failure customers to new MacBook Pros while running out the clock on those remaining customers.  Soon our 2011 machines will be made obsolete by design enhancements in new products and software.  At that time Apple will feel no obigation to fix the 2011 MacBook Pro even though they sold it with known faults.  Goes to character.