abelliveau
Level 1 (9 points)

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 Philipp Metzler,

    Philipp Metzler Philipp Metzler Apr 2, 2014 12:41 AM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Apr 2, 2014 12:41 AM in response to abelliveau

    04.05.2011: bought an MacBook Pro 15", Intel Core i7 2,3GHz, 8 GB 1333 MHz DD3 RAM (ab 2011), Graphicscard AMD Radeon HD 6750M 1024 MB bought with MacProtection for MacBook pro 15" and 17" (3 years warranty)

     

    12.02.2014: Logicboard broken - the computer starts but the screen is black. Within the 3 years warranty -> repair.

     

    12.03.2014: After a month I got the repaired MacBook back with a new logicboard. It had to be ordered directly at Apple because it was not in stock at the local Apple store or nearby.

     

    *****************************************************************

     

    28.06.2007: bought an MacBook Pro (2007 bis 2011) 17-inch Hi-Resolution Widescreen Display

    Intel Core 2 Duo

    4 GB RAM

    GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT

    http://www.apple-history.com/mbp_mid_07

     

    with iCare Protection Plan (warranty of 3 years)

     

    13.08.2008: Logicboard broken - the computer starts but the screen is black. Within the 3 years warranty -> repair. Problem: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2377


    13.08.2008: Got the repaired MacBook back with a new logicboard.

  • by D3us,

    D3us D3us Apr 2, 2014 1:00 AM in response to Aurora_Borealis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 2, 2014 1:00 AM in response to Aurora_Borealis

    Aurora_Borealis wrote:

     

    Same problem here with a MacBook Pro 15" 2.0 GHz Late 2011.

     

    When I spoke about this thread, he just replied that is was not relevant because people could post anything on the internet.

     

    Long story short: Apple refused to do anything and denied any knowledge of this problem.

     

    I am very frustrated with this experience. It is definitely not what I would expect from a "premium" device that is just over 2 years old.

    So, according to apple most people posting here are liars?

     

    If it doesn't excist for them they don't have to do anythng about it.

    Cheaper and avoids bad publicity of another failing device again.

     

    Hardware wise I am still wondering what is more "premium"  on an apple computer over other ones?

    They use the same hardware/componts used in standar PCs/laptops.

    But... they do (try to) make it more compact using the same thermal design.

    Better performance with same thermal specs = more risk for breaking.

  • by Noltari,

    Noltari Noltari Apr 2, 2014 4:57 AM in response to Noltari
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 2, 2014 4:57 AM in response to Noltari

    So, after going to the Apple Store again, they decided that 4 logic boards broken with GPU issues are enough, so they are giving me a brand new laptop in exchange for my Early 2011 17''.

     

    Nice move Apple, I was starting to change my mind about how Apple treats its customers .

     

    Regards.

  • by ddbrierton,

    ddbrierton ddbrierton Apr 2, 2014 5:33 AM in response to Noltari
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Apr 2, 2014 5:33 AM in response to Noltari

    That's the first bit of good news in this entire thread, I think. Let's hope this is a trend.

  • by clintonfrombirmingham,

    clintonfrombirmingham clintonfrombirmingham Apr 2, 2014 5:39 AM in response to ddbrierton
    Level 7 (30,009 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 2, 2014 5:39 AM in response to ddbrierton

    ddbrierton wrote:

    Let's hope this is a trend.

    Let's hope that four logic board replacements isn't a trend! I've exactly one year remaining under AppleCare and have already had one logic board replaced...

     

    Clinton

  • by ddbrierton,

    ddbrierton ddbrierton Apr 2, 2014 5:40 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Apr 2, 2014 5:40 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

    My 3rd has just failed ...

  • by clintonfrombirmingham,

    clintonfrombirmingham clintonfrombirmingham Apr 2, 2014 5:50 AM in response to ddbrierton
    Level 7 (30,009 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 2, 2014 5:50 AM in response to ddbrierton

    ddbrierton wrote:

    My 3rd has just failed ...

    Are you still under AppleCare? Or within 90 days of the last logic board replacement?

     

    Clinton

  • by ddbrierton,

    ddbrierton ddbrierton Apr 2, 2014 6:01 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Apr 2, 2014 6:01 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

    Nope :-(

     

    The first, original logic board failed just within my 2 year warranty under EU regulations. The second one failed within its 90 day warranty. But this third one has no warranty whatsoever. I haven't had time to take it to Apple yet. But even if they replace it for free I can have no confidence that it won't fail like all the others.

     

    I'd be interested to know what replacement they offer Noltari. Because if it is just a refurbished version of the same model then all the same problems will apply.

     

    I said earlier, but just so it's clear, mine is an early 2011 17" MBP 2.3 GHz with AMD Radeon HD 6750M discrete graphics and Intel HD Graphics 3000 integrated graphics.

     

    All 3 times the problem has been due to the discrete graphics failing.

  • by alexfromheilbronn,

    alexfromheilbronn alexfromheilbronn Apr 2, 2014 6:52 AM in response to Noltari
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 2, 2014 6:52 AM in response to Noltari

    I hope Apple has enough brand new 17'' MBPs once the exchange starts. Is that what you are getting, a 17"?

     

    Mine is also a 17" MBP, early 2011, 2.2 GHz i7 with AMD Radeon HD 6750M and Intel HD Graphics 3000

  • by ddbrierton,

    ddbrierton ddbrierton Apr 2, 2014 7:05 AM in response to alexfromheilbronn
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Apr 2, 2014 7:05 AM in response to alexfromheilbronn

    I very much doubt that Apple has *any* brand new 17" MBPs. They haven't made them for a while now. Either they are going to replace Noltari's with a similar spec new MBP, or with a refurbished 17" MBP. But the trouble with the latter possibility is that a refurb 2011 model will likely have the exact same problems.

  • by The_Moves,

    The_Moves The_Moves Apr 2, 2014 8:53 AM in response to The_Moves
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 2, 2014 8:53 AM in response to The_Moves

    So has anyone thought about flashing a rom to disable to card? If it is even possible?

     

    Does anyone know if when the Macbook is booting up, does it use the Descrete or Integrated?

     

    I don't currently own a 2011 MacBook pro though...

  • by Prapon,

    Prapon Prapon Apr 2, 2014 8:57 AM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 2, 2014 8:57 AM in response to abelliveau

    Me too early MBP 2011 , just happen this morning.

    I have many works to do. omG

    How i gonna do quick??

  • by triffski,

    triffski triffski Apr 2, 2014 9:13 AM in response to The_Moves
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Apr 2, 2014 9:13 AM in response to The_Moves

    I believe it uses whichever chip was active last, my MBP can sometimes boot stripy then switch to normal at the point where verbose boot would normally finish and the OS GUI kicks in. I would assume an SMC reset would override this and boot using integrated graphics, which seems to be the case here.

  • by The_Moves,

    The_Moves The_Moves Apr 4, 2014 8:31 AM in response to triffski
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 4, 2014 8:31 AM in response to triffski

    Is there anyone who would want to make an attempt with this? I've not found much info in regards to disabling a GPU. It might be possible to brick the GPU purposely with a specefic ROM, and then unbrick it with the stock rom.

     

    I have experience flashing an NVIDIA card, not ATI/AMD at the moment.

     

    I am also looking for one with a Matte High Res Display

     

     

     

    <Edited By Host>

  • by Mark Armstrong1,

    Mark Armstrong1 Mark Armstrong1 Apr 2, 2014 9:48 AM in response to The_Moves
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Apr 2, 2014 9:48 AM in response to The_Moves

    Sure, depends on what you think cheap is.

     

    I just bought a new MBP, so my 2.2 i7 w reflowed GPU is getting reflowed/reballed (whatever it is) again (free, not by apple of course) and it will be working, but I'll put it on fleabay for sale.

     

    I think w loaded SW, I can get it to about $800 to $1,000. Maybe not.  Doubt it will go over $1K, since these particular MPBs are tanking in value rather quickly.

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