Q: 2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

I wanted to update the thread, in case its useful to anyone.

Though the removal of the ATI/AMD driver solution did allow me to Time-Machine Back-up and get some basic work done, the severe lag, inability to handle iPhoto, and the headache I was getting from the green horizontal pin-stripes led me to an Apple Genius Bar here in Maryland. Though they wouldn't say anything direct, they did seem to be aware of the issue (ie, when asked what I was there for, I replied "the infamous 2011 MBP GPU issue" and they nodded and signed me in; and a higher level manager said to the genius helping me "oh, it's another one of those".)

After hooking the ethernet cable to what I'm assuming is their internal test servers and restarting while holding down the "N" key, the basic hardware check didn't reveal any issues. They then hooked up to an external display (an old Acer monitor - I'm surprised they don't have cinema-display's sitting around for this) and confirmed that it was a GPU issue as the output was also corrupted.

They then offered 2 logic board replacement options:

1) in-store repair; would take a couple of days to get the part, and then a day or two to fix; ~$700

2) send out regional repair center -- other items may be diagnosed and fixed (she asked if I had a back up as they might just replace the SSD if they think its failing) = flat rate of $310 plus taxes/shipping - could be shipped back directly to my house rather than back to the Apple Store.

I need the laptop for my work, so I chose option 2.

9/17 - I dropped it off

9/19 - Product Received by Repair Center

9/19-9/22 - Diagnosing

9/22 - status changes to Repair in Progress, but date is listed as 9/23 (they can time travel in the infinite loop)

*****

<Edited by host>

Question:  If I find a person to reflow my chip, will this be a good long term solution?  Or am I really f'd until Apple thinks this is problem worthy of their attention?

1. Reflowing is not a permanent solution (reflowing = hair dryer / oven / hopefully better techniques). The issue will come back, and this could damage other parts of your computer in the process.

2. Reballing with lead solder and a fresh GPU is a permanent option (so it seems from those who've had it done).

The first is an at-home hack that may temporarily restore functionality. The latter has seemed to work permanently for many people.

Okay, I'll try to find a chip to get placed on my logic board.  It has to be less expensive than a new logic board.

<Post Edited By Host>

Don't do that. You should first find a reballer in your area and they will supply a fresh chip. The total cost is often reported as ~$200 USD, although I cannot personally testify.

Warning: Please be aware that IF you reball the GPU through a 3rd party, this will likely void any eligibility for a replacement program for this hardware fault, or any future hardware faults.

Add me to the list :-(

MBP 15" Ultimo 2011 2.4 GHz i7 AMD 6770M OSX 10.9.4

DIstorted display with horisontal lines. Reeboots. Then dead. Apple logo with horisontal lines. Grey screen forever. Blue screen.

Now won't boot att all.

Authorized Apple Service Provider says new Logic-board. Cost: around $1000

I'm having the same issue.

My Macbook pro has gone down with this problem.  I've managed to borrow a friends for the moment to work with so now need to make a decision what to do with mine.

I live in London but can't seem to get an appointment with the Genius Bar at any store (which seems ridiculous).  So do I wait for a slot to try to see if I can get a free repair under UK consumer law or do I go for a rebelling?

If I go for a rebelling anyone know of the best place to have it done in London?  I've googled it and come up with the following companies.  Anyone any experience?

http://www.macguys.co.uk/graphic-problems

Macguys claim that you don't need a new chip and they give some blurb about the 'reball' using 'latest infra Red technology' and charge £150

http://www.tfixrepairs.com/services/apple/macbook-repairs/

Tfixrepairs say that they replace the GPU and charge £200.

Anyone know of any other places?

Hello,

i have the same Problem with my Mac Book Pro 2011.

Black screen but external DVI/HDMI is working.

An classical Hardware Production Issue.

Wait for an Solution for this Issue.

Merci,

Sebastian

lloyd708

tfixrepairs has an excellent reputation from Londoners - on a couple of other boards that I read they come up tops. I've read of at least 3 dozen customers and all have been quite pleased with the service.

Good luck,

Clinton

MacBook Pro (15-inch Late 2011), OS X Mavericks 10.9.5, 16GB Crucial RAM, Crucial M500 960GB SSD, 27” Apple Thunderbolt Display

HI Aaron,

I live in Quebec too but I was not able to get a free fix like you I am out 600$ and the logic board is showing issues after 2 days out of repair. I'm brining it back to the Fairview store, but I will be filing under the Quebec CPA for a new computer if possible without the faulty AMD component. Would it be possible to have your case number so I can use you as a reference that falls under the same provincial jurisdiction?

You can email me at my throwaway email: r dot charb90 at gmail.com

Thank you!

lloyd708 wrote:

http://www.tfixrepairs.com/services/apple/macbook-repairs/

Tfixrepairs say that they replace the GPU and charge £200.

Anyone know of any other places?

I know Tfixrepairs.

Would be my choice.

Sad to be part of this club now. Scrambled screen for a few seconds then usually goes black or blue and I have to shut down. Usually get's stuck at GSOD after reboot.

I'm also new to having this issue.  I guess I'll see what the geniuses say

Well, I  thought this was going to be taken care of. Hot a call this morning that my problem was due to corrupted system files and not hardware. They couldn't answer why I had this problem when booting into recovery mode or Windows. The call was a courtesy call warning me not to use a time machine backup. When I asked if I could use the migration assistant to bring over the user account I was told no. Wouldn't that leave the system files alone?  Also, when I reinstalled the OS off the Web in recovery mode, didn't that give me a fresh install?  No answer to that. Time to work the machine hard once I get it back and see if I can get it to fail. Very  disappointed...