Q: 2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

So I'm thinking I'll just bite the bullet and pay whatever amount it costs to fix my logic board and GPU.  Or should I wait for this issue to be resolved by Apple, which may never happen?  I've gone as far as to sign the petition and even tweeted Tim Cook about the issue (both are probably feudal means activism), but I need my computer to ******* work now.

After this fix, I'm done with apple.

Im so upset, ive been having the exact same problem. Was using my macbook pro (15 inch early 2011) Screen went black all of a sudden. Wouldnt come back on. Rebooted and since then i either get grey or Blue screen, nothing else, unless i boot to safe mode. Every so often it works but as soon as i open chrome, imovie or anything other than disk utility, it crashes and the fans go wild. Another thing is if i got to settings and switch automatic graphics card switching on or off, it crashes as soon as i click it. Definitely a dodgy graphics card. Ive lost all faith in apple, which i use for my business and always recommended to anyone looking for technology. Never again, unless apple takes responsibility and offers free replacements or repairs. Never wanted to ever switch back to windows but this is really unnaceptable from a company that prides itself on build quality, reliability and customer service

My third Logic Board in my MacBook Pro 2011 lasted for over 7 months (unfortunately) - since the morning I get a grey screen at startup again, one time blue stripes, and Apple Care ended in June. Any suggestions? I will definately not pay for (a broken) Board No.4 !!

Log files say

[AGPM Controller] build GPUDict by Vendor1002Device6741

fGPUIdleIntervalMS =0

I've been pouring over this issue and recently downloaded GFXcardstatus which allows you to either use discrete graphics or integrated graphics.  So far my computer is running okay.  I can actually use graphic intensive apps.  However I'm unsure how long this will last.  Hopefully this will be a good temporary fix till Apple decides to fix this issue.

I also opened my computer and cleaned my fans with some canned air.  So maybe cleaning also helps this issue.  I've also heard of people putting new thermal paste on their GPU with some success, as well as going as far as removing their logic board and baking them in the oven at 150 degrees for 7 minutes.  I'm no where near doing that just yet, but seems like there is some temporary fixes out there.

Hopefully apple will recognize this issue before I take these drastic measures.

Hi, could you tell me how to better use this GFXcardstatus program? I'm not sure which should  switch to as I use when I work with photoshop and other adobe programs, as well as things like itunes and spotify, safari. I'd really, really appreciate!

I was running FCP on discrete graphics which I believe is my radeon 6770m.  Integrated is the Intel 3000 chip.

I'd recommend discrete but don't take my word for it.  I'm learning too.

Based on what I've read, the problem we're experiencing occurs when these 2 chips are dynamically switching between each other.

Back to Genius Bar tomorrow looks like I will have to pay £435 for a new logic board.

very disappointed with my £2000 MacBook Pro which lasted only 2.5 years.

I tried reballing 2x with an experienced techie on ebay, I also had the GPU replaced.

None of this worked.

3 Weeks without my work machine has meant I've lost money.

Speaking to Apple by phone on several occasions is a waste of time.

They are unable to replace the logic board free of charge.

What other options are there to mac?

I tried a friends Acer laptop and it was rubbish.

Is anyone using a good laptop under $800?

JPH39 wrote:

 

What other options are there to mac?

There are thousands of different Windows laptops to choose from.

I don't see anymore my last reply from yesterday, that's weird?

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This forum is heavily censored by apple. Anything negative about apple is removed.

Steve Jobs is turning in his grave at the poor treatment of customers.

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Merci, Thanks, gracias!

"This forum is heavily censored by apple'

This forum has Terms of Use, terms that you (and the others) gave your word not to transgress, yet you did. Now we know what your word is worth it is not necessary to put any credence to what you say.

Hang in there. I know it's frustrating. Mine is doing the same thing. At least you're not alone. This thread is gaining momentum. What I've started doing is working for about 2-3 hours and shutting down for 15 minutes or so. Reboot and start again. It ***** but at least it keeps me going.

I had to quit work early Friday because mine crashed 3 times. I have an appointment with a Genius tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

For me the problem is the GPU getting too hot. It makes sense because I'm working with HD and 4K video files all day. I know you didn't need to know all that.

It is very frustrating since Mac users tend to push our machines hard every day for hours on end. So I would try to resolve this as soon as possible. Mine and many others on here have gotten worse over time. I'd try to fix it sooner rather than later.

I start school on monday, as a graphic designer, this is the worst possible scenario I could have.. no working laptop with all my software. I can lose scholarships. I don't even know what to do, having no money for this awful repair that seemingly doesn't even work. I wish apple at least made it so we can give them our old laptops and get replacements, as it's not fixable.

I'm in denial.. :C

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