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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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13,550 replies

Apr 9, 2017 7:09 PM in response to abelliveau

Not only my 2011 MacBook Pro has this problem and now it happened to my iMac 2016!! (see photo)My family bought this iMac in 2016 ( Mac OS Sierra, version 10.12.3, Graphics AMD Radeon R9 M390 2048 MB.) has a graphic distortion!! It is a new computer. I have no idea why it happened while I have done nothing wrong. It is like my 15" Mac pro I bought in 2012!! I don't know if anyone has encountered this unexpected problem with the iMac? By the way, if you are out of the USA, the Apple care center in Asia is incapable helping you anything.( No offense, I am Asian. It is only my own experiences with them.)


It is frustrating. I have been using Apple computer since the Apple laptops was in black and had a upside down Apple logo on the lid when it was opened. It was a great computer in terms of product quality. After Steve Jobs passed away, Apple has offered more products but no more new inventions, and it even fails to deliver on good quality products.

If Apple offers short life products, they shouldn't have priced them so high. Please to be fair with your customers and be kind to them. Do not sell them problematic products and given them bad customer service. Because by the end of the day, they will be slipping away just like me.

User uploaded file

Jan 18, 2018 3:24 PM in response to eezacque

What gets deleted is determined by Community Hosts, who are not required to have deep technical expertise in the area under discussion, and have NO responsibilities for current Apple products, other than the forum itself.


Posts are deleted If and only if they violate:


Apple Support Communities Terms of Use

You agreed to abide by those terms when you signed up. To eliminate the mystery, perhaps you should skim them again.


-------

What you appear to be seeking is to have Mac Hardware Engineers (who work on supporting MacBook Pro) following along as you write. That is NOT happening here.


Those guys are far too busy helping Apple develop cutting edge products and keeping Macs working properly to follow threads like this one.

Jan 18, 2018 4:37 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Grant Bennet-Alder wrote:


What gets deleted is determined by Community Hosts, who are not required to have deep technical expertise in the area under discussion, and have NO responsibilities for current Apple products, other than the forum itself.


Posts are deleted If and only if they violate:


Apple Support Communities Terms of Use

You agreed to abide by those terms when you signed up. To eliminate the mystery, perhaps you should skim them again.


-------

What you appear to be seeking is to have Mac Hardware Engineers (who work on supporting MacBook Pro) following along as you write. That is NOT happening here.


Those guys are far too busy helping Apple develop cutting edge products and keeping Macs working properly to follow threads like this one.

I have skimmed the document. As you have pointed out the Community Hosts are a random collection of random talents and personalities. When such subjectivity is applied to the reading of that document, any comment can be excluded.


Are these the facts? You make the regulation, implement the regulation, judge compliance of your regulations and administer penalities according your judgement.


What power does one person buying one or two products have in getting Apple to change the course of its ship, when Apple can spend $350 billion on one project while conducting its current business? You know the answer is ZERO. United, as happened in the pending class action suit a few years ago, us single buyer have some sway, we are the snow flakes that cause avalanches. We can caused the warranty extention program, that was not a benevolent act on Apples part.


How we are being treated by Apple is a technical issue, it does affect how our equipment functions. How to influence Apple when Apple holds most of the cards is a technical problem. There are "Hosts" with, no expertise on this subject, intervening in discussions who consistently stir the pot contrary to good and reasonable sense.


You opened this door with your comment (attached above). The kind of censoring going on this discussion is the kind of thing that happened in the Sanford prision guard, prisoner experiment. The experiment verified that power corrupts and absolutely power corrupts absolutely, the experiment was shut down and never attempted again because of that human frailty.


When an Apple customers says my computer does not work and for 7 years other people are reporting the same issue with the same computer there is a good chance, based on my over 40 years of electronic design experience, over 20 as a Test Engineer, that there is a design problem. The fact that for 7 year the consistent fix is associated with one part is strong evidence of a design problem. That fact that Apple extended its warranty period and used components that were manufactured at the same time as production components and is now using them as replacement parts and they also fail at abnormally high rates strongly suggests there is a design problem, a Ford Pinto gas tank.


No one is fooled by Apple running the clock out with its extended warranty followed closely by no further support of the product we bought.


There are 5 parts to the first ammendment speech, press, church, assembly and petition. They are there because the common technique for controlling people is silencing them. The kind of abritrary censoring that has occured often over the last 7 years on this discussion is an example of Apple, through its minions, silencing its customers to protect their budget because of a fault they created. Does that seem fair to you? We are using the technology we have at hand to solve that issue.


How would you solve this problem?

Jan 19, 2018 2:58 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Grant Bennet-Alder wrote:


What gets deleted is determined by Community Hosts, who are not required to have deep technical expertise in the area under discussion, and have NO responsibilities for current Apple products, other than the forum itself.


Posts are deleted If and only if they violate:


Apple Support Communities Terms of Use

You agreed to abide by those terms when you signed up. To eliminate the mystery, perhaps you should skim them again.


No. There is nothing mysterious about Apple reasons to delete contributions to their forums: if it hurts business, it will be deleted. This includes postings that explain consumer rights around the globe. Apple's 'Community Hosts' don't care about criticasters being grilled, although this is clearly against the Terms of Us mentioned.

Feb 6, 2017 3:32 AM in response to lavrm

On Aug. 27, 2016 I took my late 2011MacBook Pro 17" to the Apple Store in Basel after it rebooted several times for no apparent reason. It had already been repaired under the MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues, and I wanted to ensure that, if the same issues were causing the repeated reboots, that was diagnosed before the expiration of the program. The machine passed all tests, so I had to look elsewhere for the cause. I thought I had found it in Maintain Cocktail for El Capitan, which I have since removed.


Last night, however, the machine rebooted for no apparent reason, but this time it was impossible to:

  • boot from a backup created with SuperDuper!
  • boot from a USB stick containing DiskWarrior 5
  • boot from a USB stick containing TechTools Pro 9
  • boot into safe mode
  • run the recovery program on the MBP
  • run the recovery program from the internet
  • run the diagnostic program on the MBP

In most cases the Apple logo appeared, the progress bar began to fill, then stopped, and the screen became white and remained that way. I was able to:

  • boot to single user mode (fsck -yf found no errors on the internal startup volume)
  • run the diagnostic program from the internet (both short and long diagnostics found no errors)


Today I took the MBP to the Apple Store, making sure to arrive close to opening time as I had no appointment. I had to wait barely five minutes before talking to a "genius". As I expected, the graphics processor failed Apple's more detailed diagnostics. Naturally, I had prepared my arguments for a free replacement despite expiration of the MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues (end of 2016), but I didn't need them. After checking he informed me that "the computer" (in the back room, presumably the emergency ward) is recommending that the mother board be replaced under the Repair Extension Program. So that's what will happen.


We can argue endlessly about what Apple owes loyal consumers, but the fact of the matter is, the Repair Extension Program had already been extended once, and my machine is officially obsolete, i.e., no spare parts for it are being made/stocked.


I suppose the point is this: If you sometimes feel good about being nice to people when you don't really have to, give the Apple person who tries to help you the same opportunity by being nice first.

Oct 30, 2017 1:38 PM in response to mountainguyy

Hi all,

Weighing in here... rMBP mid-2012. Apple Care expired mid-2015. Had the following replaced during the AC-coverage window prior to mid-2015:

  • LCD (twice)
  • Logic Board
  • SSD
  • Top case
  • Bottom Case


I have continued to experience graphics issues through all of 2015-2017 but after the AppleCare expired, I figured I was S.O.L. When I found out about the warranty program, called Apple and they issued me a CS code for free repair work (over 2 years since the AppleCare warranty expired).


The repaired the following (Out of warranty, fully covered by apple)

  • LCD (due to peeling anti-reflective coating - now on my 5th LCD display in 5 years)
  • Top Case/Battery (unexpected shut downs around 33% battery life)
  • Logic Board (now on my 4th logic board in 5 years!)
  • Speaker Kit


After getting my MacBook back this past weekend, I noticed some pixelation on the screen while using Photoshop. I'll keep an eye on it, but this was how all the past graphics issues started. Now I'm just waiting for the GPU kernel panics to start. If the issues persist, I'm not quite sure how long this can keep going for.


All in all, they've spent nearly $5,000 in repairs alone (double the cost of the MacBook), and killed a lot of my own personal time trying to get this resolved.

Jan 30, 2017 6:57 AM in response to abelliveau

It seems that I have found more reliable or permanent software solution allowing to disable discrete GPU and use mbp (mine is Mbp 8.3 early 2011, Yosemite) with broken discrete GPU (failing to boot) than gfxCardStatus 1.8-2.2.1, namely https://github.com/0xbb/gpu-switch . Please note that only source code is there so Xcode is requred to compile the binary. The application runs from terminal, uses the same code as gfxCardStatus but writes the setting into NVRAM(PRAM) so machine remains switched to internal GPU on next boot(s)/wake(s). This saved me from frequent overheat shutdowns under blanket just to load the os (after overheat shutdown the system forcibly uses igpu but this state changes back after couple of boots so it becomes necessary to overheat again). After about a week of gpu-switch testing, however, I have to conclude that this solution has its drawbacks too: it works fine after shutdown (including abnormal or forced one), sleep, hibernation, but it does not prevent mbp from switching to dgpu on running graphic demanding apps such as googlemaps in browser. gfxCardStatus (integrated only mode) is better in this respect so I use both and now I can say that the machine is very stable and reliable after all.

Feb 6, 2017 11:42 AM in response to Richard Liu

Just an update: I received an email at 4:49 p.m., a little over 7 hours after handing my MBP to the "genius," and not even 24 hours after the problem began, that I could pickup the repaired machine. It booted normally, and the only real pain involved is having to re-input iCloud and email server passwords and reconfigure some options that reverted to defaults. All this, presumably, the result of the new motherboard. Three months guarantee on parts and labor.

Feb 9, 2017 5:29 AM in response to abelliveau

I had the similar problem twice.

I had my Logic board replaced two and a half years ago.

I expected to use the renewed MBP as a new computer and work for longer time so that I also renewed the memory and hard drive after replacing the logic board, however a few days ago the logic board died again.

Neither of logic boards lasted more than 2.5 years. Does Apple design the MacBook Pro to be a life of 2.5 years?

I took my computer to Genius Bar in Tokyo, after checking the genius said it was the graphic card issue and guaranteed me a replacement free of charge. I thought Apple finally became as great as it should be to admit the fault they made and to recall it without any excuses.

However, two days later, the genius called me and refused to repair it because my computer is out of expiration and he thought all parts of my computer are vintage, however my renewed hard drive and memory still working well…

Does anyone have the similar experience? Apple is obviously ignoring recurrence of the logic board issue. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Feb 12, 2017 11:16 AM in response to abelliveau

I am also suffering the experience of the defective graphic chip for a second time. The logic board in my MacBook 2011 was replaced by Apple in 2014; then in January 2017 the graphic chip failed again. This was tested and confirmed by the Apple authorized dealer nearest me here in Germany. I called Apple of course. I was told the machine is now "vintage" and Apple no longer makes the part. They offered help, if I could find a part. I contacted 5 other Apple service providers around Germany but the answer was always the same. If Apple doesn't make the part then they cannot get the part. One added that they didn't have the part in stock because they don't make a practice of keeping defective parts in their inventory (in other words, the replacement itself has always been another defective part).


I called Apple again to report that I could not find a part and request another solution. I was told many more times that Apple no longer makes the part. I spoke with a senior advisor. I suggested they provide me with a refurbished and functioning laptop. They refused and suggested I buy a new MacBook. I am frustrated to say the least. Other than this manufacturer defect, my machine is in fine condition and suitable to my current needs.


Since then I have made some minor progress. The failure had left my machine inoperable. It could not complete the boot process, not in safe mode, not via recovery, and not after a reset of NVRAM. However, after removing the drivers for the graphic chip as discussed here

https://people.cam.cornell.edu/~zc227/extras/early2011mbp_graphics.html

I was able to reboot and use the machine again to some extent. Still, my laptop is crippled and I have noticed several problems such as: reduced image quality onscreen, laptop does not enter sleep mode, cannot adjust brightness, cannot view pictures full size in iphoto, graphic programs such as Photoshop function but slowly, and I am sure to discover more problems.


So is the story here in Germany.

FYI: MacBook Pro 15", early 2011, running Mountain Lion

Feb 13, 2017 8:11 AM in response to studioyibing

I had my macbook pro 2011 sent in for repair several times, through the GPU repair programme, after two years of complaints where Apple did not want to admit there was a problem at all.


When delivering for repair, each time I had to convince the staff in the shop that it was the same problem persisting. The first time, they ran the diagnostics and were quite quick to conclude that the computer was covered by the repair programme, and I had my logic board replaced. However as soon as I came back, I saw the same symptoms, and the next couple of times, I had to document the problem using screen shots.


As the repairs and reinstalls of the OS were not successful, I asked for a more sustainable solution in the end, pointing out that Danish consumer laws only allow a limited amount of repair attempts, before a replacement should be offered. This was not successful, and the response was always that they would offer to take another look at the computer.


In my frustration I contacted the Danish consumer authorities, who took the case and sent a letter to Apple about my rights. And finally this changed everything. Shortly after the letter was sent, I was called on my phone by Apple in Ireland, who asked me to make a few tests. They then offered me a new computer as a replacement.


I believe unfortunately that it is necessary in these cases to have some authorities interfere in order to put more weight behind respecting the rights, in cases like these.


I hope this can be helpful for others who are in the same situation. I am aware that consumer laws and regulations may be different in different countries.

Feb 14, 2017 5:18 AM in response to studioyibing

studioyibing wrote:


Neither of logic boards lasted more than 2.5 years. Does Apple design the MacBook Pro to be a life of 2.5 years?

In general, Apple hardware is designed to last as long as its AppleCare guarantee. That is, after 3 years you are supposed to buy something new. Expect things not covered by anything guarantee to last shorter. One more thing, Apple ignores local consumer laws, so in cases where Apple is bound to deliver quality that can be expected from products this expensive, as is the case in Europe, expect a big fat middle finger.


I had my logic board replaced for EUR 700. It didn't even last 1.5 years, and the Apple Authorized Service Provider which made me pay for the repair (MacCity, Emmeloord), the Premium Apple Service Provider (MicroFix, Amsterdam) which did the actual replacement, and Apple itself rejected my consumer claims.


An Apple support engineer revealed that it is highly unlikely that the replacement ever took place, as no defective original logic board was ever sent back to Apple. I had no other chance but filing a complaint on fraud with the Dutch police, but Apple cs. can safely rely on the police taking no appropriate action. Neither of the parties involved are willing to respond to my inquiries. Apple EMEIA executive Margaret Lordan told me from the safety of her ivory tower in Cork that Apple does not respect European consumer laws, and follows Apple guidelines only.


A quick scan of similar cases on the internet confirms that modern Apple hardware is not likely to last longer than its AppleCare guarantee. Also, European consumer laws dictate that hardware this expensive should last for years, which means that AppleCare is, in theory, obsolete. In practice, however, the European consumer who trusts local laws will find out that AppleCare is mandatory, as Eurocrats are put asleep by Apple's little blurp which claims that Apple complies to European consumer laws, and they will take no action to effectively enforce these laws.

Feb 16, 2017 9:10 AM in response to Richard Liu

I am in the same boat right now. I purchased my Early 2011 15" MacBook Pro in June 2011. I have grown rather attached to my MBP and have always taken extremely good care of the laptop. In most cases, you would think that this would be a good thing, but as I am doing more research on this issue, it is coming back around to be a bad thing. This issue has just occurred for me, just a month after the expiration of the extended repair program.


I took it into an apple store to have the problem diagnosed and they determined that the logic board would need to be replaced. They then referred me to some local apple repair stores because my MBP is now considered 'vintage' and I gave them a call. They told me that the replacement logic board itself has always been a defective part and they do not make a practice of keeping defective parts in their inventory. So where I stand now, is a perfectly working MBP, (aside from the logic board of course), and I feel that I have been cheated out of my money.


I will be going back in to the apple store to dispute this case as not only did this computer fail on me barely a month after the program expired, but for them to tell me that there is nothing they can do is absolutely disgraceful. I have been a lifelong apple consumer and have been extremely satisfied with their products and customer service up until this point. When you spend $2300 on a top of the line product, you don't expect a hardware issue on Apple's end to be the cause of the failure, especially when Apple has accepted responsibility of this issue. It is unacceptable that my machine is left inoperable because of a mistake on Apple's end, and they are refusing to do anything about it. I will edit and provide any updates as I go through this process.

Feb 21, 2017 10:09 AM in response to Arepoli

You have the grounds to get the product fixed due to the consumer law. They've sold you a faulty product and they've admitted it was faulty by starting a repair programme. So you shouldn't have to pay for it to be repaired. I'm going through the exact thing over here in the UK. However, the shop that I bought it from went through liquidation so I can't be compensated as they no longer exist. I'm fighting daily with Apple for this replacement of the logic board to happen because I refuse to pay £400+ to fix a product that was made and sold to me as faulty.

2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

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