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 Xyclade,

    Xyclade Xyclade Apr 22, 2014 2:28 PM in response to abelliveau
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    Apr 22, 2014 2:28 PM in response to abelliveau

    Also signed the petition, the post with the link seems to be removed for me though

  • by paigoomein,

    paigoomein paigoomein Apr 22, 2014 2:32 PM in response to ninomojo
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 22, 2014 2:32 PM in response to ninomojo

    The repair should be covered for 90 days.  Unfortunately, that provides absolutely no confidence that it's a lasting solution given the experiences that others have had with the MLB replacement.

  • by panemua1,

    panemua1 panemua1 Apr 22, 2014 2:40 PM in response to Xyclade
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 22, 2014 2:40 PM in response to Xyclade

    Yeah - Apple removed my post, because it contains "a poll or petition" and this is not allowed in this "technical forum"

     

    Wow - just WOW

  • by paigoomein,

    paigoomein paigoomein Apr 22, 2014 2:42 PM in response to panemua1
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    Apr 22, 2014 2:42 PM in response to panemua1

    Yep.  That is why I recommend subscribing to this thread--those posts still come through via email even though Apple is actively monitoring and editing/removing posts.

  • by paigoomein,

    paigoomein paigoomein Apr 22, 2014 3:04 PM in response to paigoomein
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    Apr 22, 2014 3:04 PM in response to paigoomein

    Search Google for "replace or fix all 2011 macbook pro with graphics failure"

  • by Xyclade,

    Xyclade Xyclade Apr 22, 2014 3:06 PM in response to abelliveau
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    Apr 22, 2014 3:06 PM in response to abelliveau

    Ok my post seems to have been removed as well. It is very unfortunate that they actively monitor for violations such as polls and petitions, but do not respond by even a single post regarding this issue, that seems to affect more and more people every day.

     

    I sincerely did not expect this, when buying a macbook pro of nearly $3000. And I also did not expect that even though this problem is similar if not exactly the same as the problem with the Imacs mid 2011, they did call those back but refuse to do something here.

     

    I really hope they step up and create some kind of arrangement, or they lose another customer, and I will probably not be the only one...

  • by pewang,

    pewang pewang Apr 22, 2014 3:25 PM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Apr 22, 2014 3:25 PM in response to abelliveau

    Just adding my laptop to the list of affected computers. Early 2011 MacBook Pro model. At this point practically unable to boot at all. When I can, I tend to get all sorts of graphical problems, especially around trying to use an external 27 inch monitor.

     

    Wished Apple would do something about this for crying out loud!

     

    Disgruntled mac user on the verge of becoming a windows user...

  • by jesusginard,

    jesusginard jesusginard Apr 22, 2014 3:29 PM in response to abelliveau
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    Apr 22, 2014 3:29 PM in response to abelliveau

    They've lost me as a customer for sure. Macbook pro fail, iMac late 2013 fail, iPhone 5 fail.

     

    By the way, have you checked out the ratings on their official facebook page? 1 star only...
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Apple-Inc/137947732957611?fref=ts

  • by guwaijeun,

    guwaijeun guwaijeun Apr 22, 2014 5:12 PM in response to abelliveau
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    Apr 22, 2014 5:12 PM in response to abelliveau

    And another one bites the dust. This is wholly frustrating: I had my gpu on my late 2011 Macbook Pro go out about 8 months ago. I spent $400 on a depot repair, only to have the same problem occur (garbled display, lines, trouble booting) within a week of getting it back. Sent it back, they replaced the hard drive/logic board/LCD, and all was well for about 6 months, when the symptoms returned. Now the computer just boots into a grey or blue screen. Tempted to get it reballed through Ebay, as it would cost half as much as Apple's depot repair and would apparently be many times more effective. The Macbook 2007 I bought 7 years ago is still running, and this Macbook Pro had to have major service after less than 2 years, and is now out of commission again after less than 3 years! I kick myself for not getting Applecare, but that would have just insured regular trips to the local authorized repair shop.

     

    Please Apple, own up to this and issue a recall! We purchased a high end laptop expecting a superior product.

  • by Skypetrus,

    Skypetrus Skypetrus Apr 23, 2014 12:01 AM in response to abelliveau
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    Apr 23, 2014 12:01 AM in response to abelliveau

    Aaaaaand ... count me in !:)

     

    One question, and please forgive if it has already been brought up, but I cannot go through previous posts rightnow: what if we just REMOVE the amd chip?- Will the i7 be INTELlligent enough just to aknowledge it and do graphics just with intel hd?

     

    Thanks,

    Pete

  • by Xyclade,

    Xyclade Xyclade Apr 23, 2014 12:06 AM in response to Skypetrus
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    Apr 23, 2014 12:06 AM in response to Skypetrus

    Personally i wouldnt risk it, you can reach the same result by using the gfxStatus tool. This tool allows you to force the macbook to use only the integrated graphics. But there might be others here who have different opinions, so feel free to look around a bit more :)

  • by stanton119,

    stanton119 stanton119 Apr 23, 2014 3:40 AM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (2 points)
    Apr 23, 2014 3:40 AM in response to abelliveau

    I visited the Genius Bar at Regent's Street, last Friday, despite being in contact with executive relations, I was told I will have to pay £408.

     

    Thankfully yesterday executive relations phoned up to say they would cover the cost of the repair under consumer laws; which is odd because I brought up consumer laws at the appointment to no avail!

     

    The new logic board is running a lot smoother, temperatures are down 5-10ºC and the fans are much quieter. Will see how long it lasts.

  • by graham113,

    graham113 graham113 Apr 23, 2014 3:59 AM in response to stanton119
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    Apr 23, 2014 3:59 AM in response to stanton119

    stanton119

     

    Thanks for posting that info on consumer law / Sale of Goods Act.

     

    I also have a 2011 MBP with gpu-related problems - do you have anything in writing from Apple as I need to convince the retailer I bought mine from that there was a fault with these computers which should be covered under Sale of Goods Act. If Apple has admitted that there is such a fault it would help with this.

  • by stanton119,

    stanton119 stanton119 Apr 23, 2014 4:03 AM in response to graham113
    Level 1 (2 points)
    Apr 23, 2014 4:03 AM in response to graham113

    Not really. At the Genius bar they wouldn't accept the Sale of Goods Act approach. TBH I think most of them do not know the law very well, so you maybe able to convince them. After 6 months its up to the consumer to prove the fault. I thought this discussions thread may be enough, but it seems to be done on a case by case basis.

  • by DMC440,

    DMC440 DMC440 Apr 23, 2014 6:12 AM in response to Skypetrus
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 23, 2014 6:12 AM in response to Skypetrus

    I'm not sure about the advisability or efficacy of physically removing the chip.  I can vouch for the gfxcardstatus method of avoiding its use.  The problem there is it doesn't keep its settings on reboot.  I'm trying to find a way to disable the AMD chip and there are a couple of things on this thread and elsewhere but so far nothing reliable.

     

    I realise we want Apple to take responsibility, accept there's an issue and offer a realistic solution.  But until then, I'm happy if I can find a work around.  I guess I'm lucky in that it's not my primary work machine that is failing and I can tolerate the downtime and messing about (up to a point) and can live with less than optimal graphics if it means the machine will keep limping along.

     

    I'll also stick with Apple - not out of any particular loyalty - but for 99% of the time there isn't another hardware maker or operating system I'd rather use.

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