Q: 2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

krow01 wrote:

 

So, just a quick update of someone who just went through this. I can't emphasize enough; go with a flat rate repair.

If you happen to live in the US and don't care about wasting 300 bucks for something that has a high chance of breaking again in anywhere between a couple of hours and few months that actually looks like a decent option. Other than that: not so much.

In the realm of realistic options for the time being, this is the most reasonable fix. They aren't fixing them for free or even acknowledging the problem at this point. So if you want a working macbook the options are a.) reflow for a temporary fix b.) repair through a retailer ($750+) c.) flat rate repair which fixes anything else wrong with your device or d.) buy a new MacBook.

Why not reballing the GPU? Around 180 shipped back to as far as I have read, "fixes the problematic solder that deteriorates over time due to the heating issues." As much as I've read on this thread, that seems to be the "permanent" solution as opposed to the shoddy reflow or replacement of logic board from Apple, most likely "refurbished" at this point. I haven't read all the posts, so please let me know if I'm missing something as I need to send my machine out for repair.

I've heard here the argument that reballing the gpu may possibly void the possibility of Apple ever working on one's machine. I doubt that unless they were to get lab forensics on the solder used in the gpu reballing in comparison to the what they use in their factories. I doubt that they are or would even want to be that sophisticated. LOL

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I'm curious.  Hypothetically, what if the problem wasn't with the heat, solder, logic board, and gpu?

I mean some mbp owners have already replaced their logic boards and at best only brought temporary relief.

Sure the heat explanation makes sense and we all bought into it, right? But has anybody heard of even one long term success story after an owner replaced the logic board?  Surely, at least one logic board replacement would been done properly, don't you think?

Just asking what if.

Good question. They identified my MagSafe board as part of the problem as well and replaced that too. Will report back if this continues to work.

I can guarantee you that if you have the same problem the rest of us here have, you'll be back here within a day or 2.

Yep but if that happens then they can just take it back to the Apple store as it's within the 3 month warranty. And if it keeps happening then they will most likely give the person a replacement computer.

Ok, so mbp owners are angry that the logic board, solder, heat, and gpu is the stated problem.

My question is, would the mbp community be relieved or more angry if the problem turned out to be something else entirely?

If hypothetically Apple discovered the problem was something else entirely, say a $5 fix which is far cheaper than a logic board replacement, do you think at this juncture Apple would be more or less likely to step forward with a fix?

The things is, it's definitely the GPU. I mean, what else could it be if the computer works when the integrated graphics is being used? If Apple recognizes that the GPU is the issue then a program would be put into effect and people who paid before to have their computers repaired would be refunded.

And no, I don't believe at least one logic board replacement would be done right because it can't be. Most if not all of the boards being put in are refurbished. All of the boards have this "defect" and they are all produced the same exact way. Only way to fix this is to produce boards that don't have the defect.

destinationpsp prefers not to answer hypothetical questions.  How about the rest of you?

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mbp owners are rightfully angry that the logic board, solder, heat, and gpu is the stated problem.

My hypothetical questions are:

1. Would the mbp user community be relieved or more angry if the problem turned out to be something else entirely but was 100% corrective?

2. If Apple discovered the problem was something else entirely, say a $5 fix which is far cheaper than a logic board replacement, do you think at this juncture (and with the angry mob mentality) Apple would be more or less likely to step forward with a fix?

I answered your original question.

And

1. They'd feel the same way as the current issue is "100% corrective."

2. Let's say Apple is ignoring this issue because of its expense, in that case they'd be more likely to step forward with a fix If the problem was a $5 fix.

Still don't see what the point of hypothetical questions is, the issue has been pinpointed as the GPU.

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The point of my hypothetical questions, dest...psp, is that the questions may not be so hypothetical after all.

For example, Apple has unofficially stated what they think the problem is but not everyone at Apple will admit this.  But if that was the problem, then those replacing their logic boards should never encounter the issue again.  Yet, we know that within days or weeks the problem returns.  Yes, some say Apple is using recycled logic boards but that's probably folklore.  Since there is so much money and reputations down the drain, it certainly does not make any sense to recklessly induce further damages.  If indeed this were the proper fix.

Again, if this were the problem and fix then Apple most likely would have to issue a recall regardless of the cost but Apple has not issued a recall.

I suspect Apple hasn't a clue what the real problem is and if people like you want to believe their speculations, perhaps that works to everybody's advantage while they continue to look for the real problem and solution.

If the problem was here at the soldering joints, then Apple's behavior and the results of those replacing their logic boards makes no sense.

BTW, how many years have you believed this to be the cause and how long have you gone without a fix?

I'm just sayin'...