abelliveau

Q: 2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

I have an early 2011 MacBook Pro (2.2 GHz Intel Core i7, 8 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 memory) running OS 10.8.2.  It has two graphics components: an AMD Radeon HD 6750M and a built-in Intel HD Graphics 3000. Since I've had the computer, the screen would get a blue tint when the computer switched between them.

 

However, as of two days ago, the problem has become substantially more severe.  The computer was working fine, when all of a suddent the screen when completely blue.  I had to force restart the computer.  Since then, the screen has gone awry on numerous occassions - each time necessitating a hard reset.

 

I installed gfxCardStatus, and have discovered that the computer runs fine using the integrated card, but as soon as I switch to the discrete card - the screen goes .

 

I am just wondering what my options are (any input on any of these would be appreciated!):

 

1) Replace the logic board.  Would this necessarily fix the issue?

 

2) Is there any way to "fix" the graphics card? 

 

3) Keep using gfxCardStatus and only use the integrated graphics card.  This is definitely the easiest/cheapest option, but to have such a computer and not be able to use the graphics card seems like a real shame.

 

4) Is there any other alternative?

 


MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2), 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7, 8 GB memory

Posted on Feb 1, 2013 4:45 PM

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Q: 2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

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  • by horatiusmagnus,

    horatiusmagnus horatiusmagnus Mar 12, 2014 11:48 PM in response to PortableGenius
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    Mar 12, 2014 11:48 PM in response to PortableGenius

    Hey man, what exactly did you say to get such a lovely reply? I'm in the Philippines, too. Should I use the typhoon card?

  • by taz_79,

    taz_79 taz_79 Mar 13, 2014 4:12 AM in response to abelliveau
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    Mar 13, 2014 4:12 AM in response to abelliveau

    I give up my machine... After repairing I'm afraid to use it, that it will fail again...i sell it and downgrade to 13" retina display ... Very dissapointed with Apple's quality lately... I don't see that Apple will hear our complaints anymore

  • by roeor,

    roeor roeor Mar 13, 2014 4:47 AM in response to abelliveau
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    Mar 13, 2014 4:47 AM in response to abelliveau

    Same problem here, early 2011 mbp 15 with AMD6750M, lines in screen, etc...

  • by Davide Pasca,

    Davide Pasca Davide Pasca Mar 13, 2014 5:36 AM in response to abelliveau
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    Mar 13, 2014 5:36 AM in response to abelliveau

    Since the 10.9.2 update things have gotten worse.

    I used to be able to move away the AMD drivers from /System/Library/Extensions and the system would fall back on the Intel integrated chip which works fine.

    Now moving the drivers away only prevents the Mac from getting stuck at boot, but there are permament blue lines covering the screen.

     

    All I could do is to narrow down the two problem bundles for my "early 2011":

    • AMDRadeonX3000.kext
    • AMDSupport.kext

     

    Starting in shell mode and moving these to (for example) /System/Library/Extensions/unused/ does get the MBP to boot again, but the screen looks horrible, especially on dark backgrounds.

     

    gfxCardStatus can't help either, as it complains about "External Display" prevending it from going to Intergated mode.. needles to say that there's no external display.

     

    This is such a let down form Apple.. I wish that they would at least allow to fall back on the integrated GPU, like it was possible to do before this last cruel update.

  • by RoaringChicken67,

    RoaringChicken67 RoaringChicken67 Mar 13, 2014 5:45 AM in response to abelliveau
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    Mar 13, 2014 5:45 AM in response to abelliveau

    I posted a week earlier concerning my almost 3 year old MacBook Pro 15" early 2011 system which has the same problem as everyone else.  Took it to the local Apple Store (here in Australia) and the 'genius' wasn't the slightest bit interested in testing the problem I described.  Strange enough, it actually booted and didn't freeze when I switched to the discrete graphics chip. None-the-less, he didn't demur from my assessment that the GPU was cactus.  These guys know this model is an issue.  Best he could do was to suggest buying a new machine (sorry, my MBP upgraded to 8GB RAM and 500GB SSD is *exactly* what I want and I don't have $2.5-$3k lying around...) and then said the logic board could be replaced for ~$700.  There was no way I was going to pay that amount.

    I later phoned Apple Care, mentioned the issue I was having, and they agreed (after a couple of minutes offline) to a repair free of charge even though I didn't have Apple Care. I wasn't expecting that but was pleasantly surprised. If the replacement logic board lasts me another 2-3 years, I'll be happy. 

    Of course, it is disappointing that this model (which I really like) has a fundamental flaw that undermines Apple's quality credentials and leaves many with a bad taste in the mouth and/or large expense. It also has killed the resale value of any such MBPs that are working OK.

    If you have this model and use an external monitor regularly (which forces use of the discrete GPU), your MBP will almost certainly fail as this thread testifies. Apple should acknowledge this publicly and work out a solution that keeps us as satisfied customers.  In our house, we currently have 5 Macs, 5 iPads, 2 iPod Touch(es), and an iPhone 4s.  That is a lot of money (even if most items are second hand) to flow to other IT suppliers.

  • by tatonga,

    tatonga tatonga Mar 13, 2014 8:13 AM in response to christian187
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    Mar 13, 2014 8:13 AM in response to christian187

    Hello again from Germany,

    today i must stop working and close my design studio.

    So i am in big troubles, my clients need the sketches!

    From now i lose time and money.

     

    And when i read stuff like yours i better not go to apple store..

     

    When apple and his "genius" thinks that a lifespan of a "Pro" Laptop sould be 2-3 years only, i think apple lost any kind of logic and a lot of pro-users too. I mean if i know the machines lifespan is 2-3 years only, i never would pay more than 600 € !

     

    So we all was still living in the illusion that the word "PRO" means Professional and that a expansive price (2800-3300€) in addition makes a solid machine that can run much longer than a normal lifespan.

    I thought this machine will run till i die.. or minimum 5-10 years.. what a joke!

     

    And i want to remember that the Macbook Pro 3,1 (2008) got the same bad quality!

    Apple has to return and exchange all MBP 8,2!

     

    The machine can only run standard progs, if i want to work with adobe progs (or logic) the machine crashes/dies. No chance

     

    Good luck again, cu later

     

    P.S.: Bootcamp Win 7 - don't try it! My does not boot anymore and crashs after windows screen.

  • by boon tuoh,

    boon tuoh boon tuoh Mar 13, 2014 8:35 AM in response to abelliveau
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    Mar 13, 2014 8:35 AM in response to abelliveau

    I have a Late2011 Macbook Pro (2,4 GHz i7). I'm experiencing exactly the same problems. Distorted screen leading to unable to reboot (normal mode or in safe mode). Now and then it will start up leading to an unexpected screen distortion again...

     

    I tried to contact Apple support (from the Netherlands) and I was never so dissapointed with their service.

    I showed them this thread with all the people experiencing this issue and other articles about it. But they just don't want to admit this faillure isn't caused by consumer and fix the problem for us.

  • by paigoomein,

    paigoomein paigoomein Mar 13, 2014 8:38 AM in response to abelliveau
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    Mar 13, 2014 8:38 AM in response to abelliveau

    Sad to say that I have also joined the growing number of individuals with MBP's plagued with this issue.

     

    The machine I have now is the MBP (15", early 2011, i7, discrete AMD 1GB).  The laptop worked great for the first year or so but in the past year I noticed that there were times when I would get the dreaded "spinning beachball" lockup which required me to do manually power-down and restart.  I didn't think much of it at the time but after doing some research online, it seems like it might be related to the issues I am seeing with the laptop today.

     

    Just to give you a little background, I use OSX as my primary OS and maybe use Bootcamp to run Windows 7 Professional maybe about 10-15% of the time.  When I run Windows 7 using Bootcamp, I would notice that the machine runs a bit warmer, the fan is on more frequently, and the battery life is shorter.  I figured this was due to how Bootcamp works (defaulting to the discrete GPU and not allowing the switch to the integrated GPU).  When I use the machine, it is typically elevated on a computer stand to allow for adequate ventilation.

     

    Here is where I am now seeing issues.  I recently tried to run Windows 7 using Bootcamp and saw the screen show (as I can best describe it) discoloration and distortion.  I thought that there may have been something wrong with Windows 7 and shutdown to restart using OSX.  When I booted with OSX, I saw (as I can best describe it) banding, distortion, flickering, and screen shifting.  I also noticed a few times where the screen would go completely dark during use, or where the display would remain dark during start-up even though I could hear the laptop running.  This was a few days ago.  As of yesterday, my machine is stalling at a grey screen (for OSX) and a complete black screen (for Windows 7 via Bootcammp).

     

    No Applecare for me--did not expect a pro/premium laptop to die out in less than 3 years.  With the growing number of incidents, I hope that Apple does the right thing as a company to stand behind its products and offer repairs or replacement.

     

     

    IMG_0159.JPG

  • by CapPet,

    CapPet CapPet Mar 13, 2014 9:00 AM in response to abelliveau
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    Mar 13, 2014 9:00 AM in response to abelliveau

    Here is a video I found about installing thermal paste on Apple iMac MXM video boards. It seems that this K5-PRO thermal paste is the only gummy thermal paste avaliable that can be used on memory chips

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9v5MDivZfc

  • by kittykatKS,

    kittykatKS kittykatKS Mar 13, 2014 1:26 PM in response to CatFisce
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 13, 2014 1:26 PM in response to CatFisce

    @CatFisce

     

    Thanks for your thorough instructions.  I can now boot without entering the code to disable the discrete graphics card.

     

    I have a question for anyone reading... When I lean my computer to the left, not often, but sometimes the computer monitor will turn off and I will be put into sleep/suspended mode.  If I lean the computer back and forth the monitor with turn on/off.  It doesn't cause a hard freeze or anything, but I then have to wake it back up.  Has anyone else experienced this? Could it be a connection to the GPU?

  • by corycable,

    corycable corycable Mar 13, 2014 4:46 PM in response to paigoomein
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 13, 2014 4:46 PM in response to paigoomein

    My Late-2011 Macbook Pro joined the party 2 weeks ago. Same symptoms as everyone. Contacted Apple Support 3 times, two case numbers and FINALLY got a senior advisor on the phone.

     

    This is a Known issue. Apple has what they call an “Extension Support’ for this problem. It specifically identifies Macbooks with discrete AMD video adapters. My Macbook Pro serial number configuration is on the list.

     

    You must go to an Apple store or authorized location and have your computer evaluated. If the problem using a SPECAIL test they have shows the AMD GPU as root cause, they fix it for free. Make sure you open a case first. DO NOT just go to the Apple store and talk to the support counter. They do not seem to know about this. This problem requires Apple open a specail support case for this problem. I guess the corporate office handles it. The store ONLY performs the test.

     

    I have my appointment tomorrow afternoon. 99 Percent Sure its my AMD GPU. Macbook works fine so long as the AMD GPU is not triggered.

     

    FYI…I did not Apple Care on this Macbook (Stupid me). Now I know why I buy Apple. Out of warranty and they still fix it, as they should.

  • by DutchMen1,

    DutchMen1 DutchMen1 Mar 13, 2014 4:54 PM in response to corycable
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 13, 2014 4:54 PM in response to corycable

    @corycable

    do you think they would refund the repair cost?

  • by corycable,

    corycable corycable Mar 13, 2014 5:04 PM in response to DutchMen1
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    Mar 13, 2014 5:04 PM in response to DutchMen1

    Not sure and most likely not. Apple has yet to flag this as a RECALL problem. They feel its a small amount of affected customers. So they want you to bring your Macbook and see if you are affected. Would be hard for them to know that now since you have already replaced the logic board.

     

    To be clear, my symptoms were;

    1. Anytime AMD GPU was activated by an application or otherwise. Macbook would hardlock/freeze. Fans would spin up and the temp would sky-rocket.
    2. Hold-Power button for 5-10 seconds to power-off.
    3. Power on and would have grey Apple boot screen with staggered, sometimes colored lines. Sometime other video distortions would occur. Completely random.
    4. OSX would attempt to boot but would hang on a blank grey screen causing fans and temp to increase.
    5. Repeat steps 2-4, 3-10 times and then OSX would boot properly, until the next occurrence.
    6. Started happening once per day, now its several times per day.
    7. Problem will get worse.
    8. Seems to start after applying 10.9.2 update, but after clean install using 10.9.1, problem remains.
    9. Obviously tried PRAM reset, SHIFT-Safe Mode and other suggestions mentioned here such as single-user mode and deleting files, etc….None of it worked…

    This is a hardware problem with the AMD GPU….CALL APPLE NOW!!!

  • by BrycefromChina,

    BrycefromChina BrycefromChina Mar 14, 2014 12:41 AM in response to abelliveau
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    Mar 14, 2014 12:41 AM in response to abelliveau

    reballing will reduce the lifespan of the logic board.maybe damage the logic board.that's really "amazing" a 2k$ machine last just 2 years,big surprise to us!that's apple user experience and high quality.thanks!apple!BTW I have a PC last over 9 years just cost about 600$.isn't funny?!

  • by Allibert24,

    Allibert24 Allibert24 Mar 14, 2014 12:48 AM in response to abelliveau
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    Mar 14, 2014 12:48 AM in response to abelliveau

    My 2011 Macbook Pro has the same problem. Macbook pro late 2011 with Bootcamp installed. Started off with large vertical lines, increasing in number and shifting of screen and finally BSOD. That was the end, no booting in either windows or OSX.

     

    After having this problem for 1 month and being stuck in Saudi Arabia not risking trying to get it repaired. I returned to Singapore where I was quoted at least a 2-week repair time. Great since I had to return to Saudi Arabia withing 1 week to work and need the bootcamp part to work as the industry I'm in certain things don't run on OSX. Therefore I had to buy a replacement PC for work.

     

    The day I was due to return I got an email saying that my Macbook Pro could be collected after I had already bought the PC. Great, I thought. The motherboard was replaced and in the repair centre everything booted again as before, albeit more slowly than before. NO mention that they knew this was a well-known issue. So now I'm back in Saudi Arabia, thinking I've just wasted several thousand dollars on a new PC but glad that my Macbook Pro is working again.

     

    Two weeks later and this time no stripes, just the shifting and suddenly BSOD again, again leaving me in an environment where I need a PC for my work.

     

    When i return to Singapore I will again take it for repair. Luckily, my Apple Care still runs for several months and if they do not issue a replacemtnt unit am more than happy to let them replace the motherboard until the cost of replacement parts equals or exceeds what I paid for this.

     

    Apple do something about this now. You are losing your most loyal customers. If we leave you are done as a company. Remember in a commodity environment customers are very fickle. They can switch at a moment's notice. The Macbook Pro was your top of the line mobile offering. If you treat your loyal best customers like this the consequences are easy to see.

     

    Maybe if we posted this issue on Apple facebook pages it would generate more attention.

     

    Alan

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