Q: 2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

I Don't thin you can use an external display with gfxCardStatus it says so in the actual application help menu. Unless the newest version has changed.

The internal graphics chip is only setup to display to the LCD not via the digital output port.

Hi Estevo, unfortunately there is no way to circumvent this problem. If you are using gfxCardStatus to lock down the integrated GPU, you can’t use your external monitor.

As your computer is already showing signs of display corruption, the best solution is to use the integrated display+gfxCardStatus.

By the way, do I need to take it to the Genius Bar or will a certified repairer be able help me it if i'm trying to get the replacement for free? (They do warranty stuff so maybe?) Only reason I ask this is it's 3 hours to nearest Apple Store and 30 to the closest certified repairs. (Australian BTW)

So did anyone have any actual solution outside getting your bank account emptied at a genius bar? I spent over 3 grand on my 2011 15" mbp, not really wanting to spend more on faulty hardware that is likely to do it again!

I've tried eeeevvverything (except the resoldering etc)

It first occured for me with the graphics switching. Used the gfx app and ran it on the itel chip for a bit, but due to how it handled software, I'd have to reset often.

Eventually, it would do the grey screen spinning progress wheel lockup, to which it wouldnt return.

Now it gives me the 3 beeps of doom, or grey spin freezing.

I've ran extensive hardware checks (alt + D) via internet startup, and it found a failing harddrive (false, works fine in my mac pro tower). Switched to 2 diff harddrives, no dice. Either it just shuts off at grey screen, or when i try to reload the Mac OSX startup via changing the boot option, I get 3 beeps.

Ram modules are fine, tried 6 different ram chips in both slots and still beeps. Apple hardware test still says ram is fine.

At one point to test the AHT's hdd test I put in a dead SSD drive, to which it said works 100%. Really? Really??

So according to the AHT everything is 100% peachy, but I have both 3 beeps via the osx disc boot, or grey screen freezing via any HDD.

Huuum OK, and to use a data show projector ... any chance? I need to use it to lectures

Estevo, unfortunately I think there's no way because to use a projector your macbook needs to use the discrete gpu.

Hi Everyone,

Having issues too grey screen with red horizontal lines on boot up, then just shuts off. Already tried resetting SMC, NV-Ram/PV-Ram, 2 days ago was able to do the AHT (apple hardware test), standard and extended test, but system could not find any problems...

No Apple extended apple care, which would have ran out by now anyway. It is (was) a great Notebook, I might have to bite the bullet and order new Logic-Board, ranging from $600-799, I know Apple wants a lot more then that!

MacBook Pro 15" early 2011, 8gig memory, 750gb HD, AMD Radeon6750 with 1gb DDR5, and the Intel HD Graphics 3000, "anti glare display".

here a screenshot in single user mode:

I was wondering if there was any GPU test that could be run in single-user mode,

Still on topic? Any news about the macbook problem to share with us?

Tlynyrd wrote:

 

Hi Everyone,

Having issues too grey screen with red horizontal lines on boot up, then just shuts off. Already tried resetting SMC, NV-Ram/PV-Ram, 2 days ago was able to do the AHT (apple hardware test), standard and extended test, but system could not find any problems...

No Apple extended apple care, which would have ran out by now anyway. It is (was) a great Notebook, I might have to bite the bullet and order new Logic-Board, ranging from $600-799, I know Apple wants a lot more then that!

MacBook Pro 15" early 2011, 8gig memory, 750gb HD, AMD Radeon6750 with 1gb DDR5, and the Intel HD Graphics 3000, "anti glare display".

here a screenshot in single user mode:

I was wondering if there was any GPU test that could be run in single-user mode,

You will probably have to move the AMD extensions into a new folder if you want to reach OSX. Google "2011 Mac Graphics Card Failure Cornell" and its on the first page result.

Amazing how large this thread is and Apple wont respond or have a recall on faulty equipment.  This is my first MPB purchase that I got in 2011 13" screen.  I just got off the phone with apple support and the guy said he hasn't heard anything about what I was describing even though I'm typing here right on their own forums 431 pages into the issue.  I went with a MAC because I heard they had great support, great products that didn't break or get viruses, and I'm not seeing the support or the great product hold up.  This will absolutely be the first and last time I buy a MBP because of the lack of support from Apple on this huge issue.  I paid almost $3000 for this computer and I can go pay a fraction of that for a Dell and have it last just as long or longer... VERY FRUSTRATED and I will also be sharing my bad experience with others on this matter.

Anybody here can answer me this?

- Thunderbolt exit is connected with the discrete card so I can't connect my macbook into an external monitor ... OK, it's a fact .... and what about I use the firewire 800 port , with the proper via or hdmi adapter, and connect into a projector or another external stuff as a lcd tv ... is it possible or the firewire is related with the discrete card as well? please light me about how to connect my macbook "integrated only" on a projector. Thanks since now

Estevo Machado wrote:

 

Anybody here can answer me this?

 

- Thunderbolt exit is connected with the discrete card so I can't connect my macbook into an external monitor ... OK, it's a fact .... and what about I use the firewire 800 port , with the proper via or hdmi adapter, and connect into a projector or another external stuff as a lcd tv ... is it possible or the firewire is related with the discrete card as well? please light me about how to connect my macbook "integrated only" on a projector. Thanks since now

You should be able to find a USB external graphics card such as this one or maybe any of these work on OSX.

Joining this as well, unfortunately.

Haven't had a problem since I got in 2011 (december 2011). Then it needed a clean install and I did that 2-3 weeks ago.

Now it does about 1 time a day and it can ruin my day completely. I use my macbook professionally for music production, but it makes it almost impossible to work with.

I am on a Macbook Pro 8,2

2.2 Ghz i7 Intel Core

8 GB 1333 Mhz DDR3

Intel HD Graphics 3000 512 MB / AMD Radeon HD 6750M

OSX 10.9.3

15" late 2011 mbp: same thing here - dare I ask if Apple is recalling and repairing? Perhaps Apple is just too focused on its profits....

Apple is just a big big pile of ****..

More than 1.5 years into this mess and not a single word. Not even "we're looking into it". They are treating us like we are non existent. What, 10 Happy endings out of 1000s of reports. And we're supposed to be hopeful?

Quite literally, thanks for nothing apple.