Q: 2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

Has anyone heard of GPU problems with the newer, high end MacBooks? Are they still getting as hot as the 2011 models?

Tlynyrd wrote:

 

Has anyone heard of GPU problems with the newer, high end MacBooks? Are they still getting as hot as the 2011 models?

Dunno what model you mean exactly but they seem to get hot too.

Is Anyone Having MacBook Pro Retina Display Graphics Issues?

Macbook pro 15 inch (late 2013) gaming and overheating issues

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1741688

Cramming more power in allways the sams or even smaller cases, dunno, can't go well imo.

Even if  they claim the new cpus or gpus use smaller transistors, like 22 or even 14nm, they usually put more in for extra power.

Generathing more heat again.

Also, on the newer CPUs the voltage regulators are on the chip itself now, instead of on the motherboard, generating heat too.

Another thing to consider is they are not user upgradable or repairable.

Want to upgrade memory? Nope, soldered to motherboard.

Battery fails, want to replace? Glued....

etc

Think upgrade- and/or repairabilty is something to consider when buying new stuff.

<Link Edited by Host>

Tlynyrd wrote:

 

Has anyone heard of GPU problems with the newer, high end MacBooks? Are they still getting as hot as the 2011 models?

There are but most of them have contributing factors such as dust, particles and fluff blocking the heat-pipes causing them to overheat.  The retinas have a hugely improved cooling system inside compared to our 'classic' unibody MBP palm tree layout.  I have re-pasted both the 15 inch Retina +Nvidia GPU models 2012/13 and still got big temperature drops over the way Apple do it.  For those who game and overclock their GPU or render who want their systems to run harder for longer while cooler.

My open letter to Tim Cook:

Tim-

As both a 2011 MacBook Pro owner and a shareholder (not a small amount of shares), I was trying to see this issue from both sides. Yes, there is more than enough circumstantial evidence to indicate that Apple has produced a flawed MacBook Pro design that produces too much heat which then does damage over time to internal components, particularly "attacking" the connection of the GPU to the logic board. But... how should Apple address this issue to satisfy both their customers (who have a real issue) and shareholders (who want to see a financially balanced response)?
  

Not every 2011 MacBook Pro owner is experiencing this issue; however, the "minority" is certainly more than an anomaly.  It is those of us who use the machines in a more taxing way (video rendering, high end graphics, plugging in an external monitor) who are getting bit by this issue. However, we are still using the machine well within its intended use and the machine is failing. How can Apple see this in any other way but as an issue they should own?
  
As a shareholder, I'd certainly like Apple to fully investigate and make a fiscally responsible assessment of how to handle this situation.  No need to spend money where it is not necessary. Yet, with this issue being well documented for over a year in publications and on Apple's own forums, I think there is more damage already done to Apple's reputation than any monetary outlay could every equal.
  

For example, despite very nice handling by your Executive Relations department, every time I have a work project due, I am in fear.  This issue is like a ticking time bomb, I never know when the GPU will fail next, rendering the machine unable to boot. Now, I am having issues with USB devices not mounting reliably. This only happened because of a swapped logic board that introduced a new issue that now must also be resolved.  My reaction is I've decided to defer or eliminate future Apple purchases until I see how this issue is handled *and* I've stopped recommending Apple computer products (I'm a consultant who has easily been part of more than 1000 Mac sales over the years).
  

There are countless stories of people who have been through three or more logic board swaps (some at their own expense) and they are still suffering. This leads to very ill will and a tarnished reputation for Apple. Many are stating "I paid for a premium product and it should last more than 2 years". I'm one of them.
  

I do understand that Apple cannot simply do one-off repairs and solutions, but in my eyes we are way past this being a "might have an issue with a few machines" and instead think, even as a shareholder, "CODE RED!"
  
This is evidenced by this thread: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4766577 now approaching a MILLION views and over 7400 replies. It is nearly criminal to see people report that when they bring their machines in to an Apple Store that the Geniuses are still saying they've never heard about this issue.  It is disingenuous and immediately makes Apple look shady.  It is also below the intelligence level of your loyal customer base.
  

I've always been treated with respect by Apple, eventually reaching fair resolutions to my issues. I've owned dozens of Macs ever since the 128K. I am seriously hoping Apple's position changes soon. This is not a small issue and it isn't going away.

It's largely two factors for the hardware IMHO - the quality of the work, condition and thorough enough testing on the refurbished depot boards they fit, and secondly the official engineering guidelines to install these logic boards in relation to the heatsink and thermal paste which attaches to the CPU & GPU.  The current guidelines which are largely the same since 2008 for this chassis I have found to be seriously flawed to put it mildly for these 2011's, shortening the life of the replacements, driving owners insane by having their MBP away for weeks on end.  They need to be retrospectively changed.

With all these problems above at this current moment I would not want my GPU replaced by Apple on an official repair program and have advised my clients not when AppleCare has expired and the GPU fails - instead Apple should consider a voluntary rebate offer on a case by case basis after submitting my invoice with its serial number for getting my logic board reballed with a fresh AMD GPU from a local professional reballing service which doesn't use these incorrect methods that Apple currently use to cool the two chips on the logic board.  Currently a depot board is like rolling a dice and it's not a gamble I would want to take if I was paying for it.

In my opinion a macintosh 'Pro' machine - Macbook Pro, Mac Pro in the vast majority shouldn't last just 2-3 years - they should last the entire lifetime of the supported build of OSX.  Most of them actually do - but these 2011's certainly do not!

GavMackem

I know you've mentioned to go this route, but have you or your clients actually had any success if having Apple issue a rebate for the repairs not performed by Apple?  Or, is this simply a hypothetical of how you would want to see things move forward?

paigoomein wrote:

 

GavMackem

 

I know you've mentioned to go this route, but have you or your clients actually had any success if having Apple issue a rebate for the repairs not performed by Apple?  Or, is this simply a hypothetical of how you would want to see things move forward?

I cannot ever confirm or deny it - I do not wish to go into a legal minefield commenting on clients behalf, very different to the work I've done.  It would be up to my clients to comment and not me.  If mine failed - different ballgame but it hasn't, most likely because the CPU and GPU run very cool.

I will say this though strictly hypothetically - those who live in countries with strong consumer laws like we have in the UK with the Sale of Goods Act and justice such as our 'small claims court', in theory sending a letter to executive relations in your country regarding a rebate might not be such a terrible idea.

I've never had a problem with my early 2011 15 inch Macbook Pro - until yesterday, when it developed precisely the problem described here (graphical glitches followed by a system crash).

I just sent Apple a feedback report, and I'll also visit my local Apple store and see what they can do (judging from what I have read, an expensive logic board replacement is all they will offer me, since my warranty is no longer running).

Real sorry to ask this, but has anyone come up with a viable way to handle this paper weight problem without hurting the owners pocket too much? or is shelling out close to 40% of the original cost of the machine the only solution?

giftson wrote:

 

Real sorry to ask this, but has anyone come up with a viable way to handle this paper weight problem without hurting the owners pocket too much? or is shelling out close to 40% of the original cost of the machine the only solution?

Yes.

D3us (me), bga_repairs, ps3specialist, maybe some others, dunno.

We fix em cheaper and longer lasting then Apple does.

btw, I asked a few days ago but maybe got lost in the mix, what country are you in again D3us?

can't find a reballer in France so I have to broader my sight..

bga_repairs, if you get to read this post, I would like to get in touch, sent an email yesterday through your ebay address, don't know if it got delivered or whatever.

thanks guys

Belgium

think you're the closest, how can we get in touch, I don't see no way to send private messages through the forum

Check me 

right here?

well, basic stuff, like price, delay, guarantee, can I bring or must I ship?