abelliveau

Q: 2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

I have an early 2011 MacBook Pro (2.2 GHz Intel Core i7, 8 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 memory) running OS 10.8.2.  It has two graphics components: an AMD Radeon HD 6750M and a built-in Intel HD Graphics 3000. Since I've had the computer, the screen would get a blue tint when the computer switched between them.

 

However, as of two days ago, the problem has become substantially more severe.  The computer was working fine, when all of a suddent the screen when completely blue.  I had to force restart the computer.  Since then, the screen has gone awry on numerous occassions - each time necessitating a hard reset.

 

I installed gfxCardStatus, and have discovered that the computer runs fine using the integrated card, but as soon as I switch to the discrete card - the screen goes .

 

I am just wondering what my options are (any input on any of these would be appreciated!):

 

1) Replace the logic board.  Would this necessarily fix the issue?

 

2) Is there any way to "fix" the graphics card? 

 

3) Keep using gfxCardStatus and only use the integrated graphics card.  This is definitely the easiest/cheapest option, but to have such a computer and not be able to use the graphics card seems like a real shame.

 

4) Is there any other alternative?

 


MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2), 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7, 8 GB memory

Posted on Feb 1, 2013 4:45 PM

Close

Q: 2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

first Previous Page 655 of 891 last Next
  • by rennyz27,

    rennyz27 rennyz27 Nov 20, 2014 4:28 PM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Nov 20, 2014 4:28 PM in response to abelliveau

    After a few sad days surviving with gfxcard status, my Macbook Pro finally gave in. I couldn't get past the Apple logo. I had to go out and buy a 2012 Mac Mini server just to be able to continue working. I got it for a good price and installed both my SSD and 16GB RAM so I can at least continue working with the least interruptions.

     

    I didn't want to have to buy another computer, at least not now, but with the current situation I'm in I had no other choice. Rather solemnly, I packed up my Macbook Pro and power adapter into my laptop bag, almost as if I was 'burying' it. That's where it will rest until Apple finally decides to do something about this horrible mess.

     

    <Edited by Host>

  • by Baruch Stone,

    Baruch Stone Baruch Stone Nov 20, 2014 7:04 PM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (5 points)
    iTunes
    Nov 20, 2014 7:04 PM in response to abelliveau

    Like many folks here my AppleCare extended warranty recently expired for this model MBPro. However I made sure to buy the MBPro on my American Express credit card, as this card extends the manufacturer's warranty by one additional year. Since I bought Apple Care on the same invoice as the MBPro I have filed an extended warranty claim with AMEX. I am waiting to hear back from the claims examiner tho the intake rep indicated that this sort of claim is covered. If the claim is covered then I hope to hash it out with AMEX.

     

    You all may wish to check the credit card that you bought your MBPro with in order to find out if you can gain extended coverage.

  • by roberto_sc,

    roberto_sc roberto_sc Nov 20, 2014 7:27 PM in response to Baruch Stone
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 20, 2014 7:27 PM in response to Baruch Stone

    Sorry but I didn't have time to read all the other 654 pages, can someone please tell me if this problem is happening with the 2012 MBP as well?

     

    Is the petition only for the 2011 models?

  • by rennyz27,

    rennyz27 rennyz27 Nov 20, 2014 7:30 PM in response to roberto_sc
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Nov 20, 2014 7:30 PM in response to roberto_sc

    The petition is only for the 2011 Macbook Pros.

  • by MGSH,

    MGSH MGSH Nov 20, 2014 11:01 PM in response to MGSH
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Nov 20, 2014 11:01 PM in response to MGSH

    I should add that the discrete graphics card on my model is the AMD Radeon HD 6490M.

  • by mc_italy,

    mc_italy mc_italy Nov 20, 2014 11:30 PM in response to MGSH
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 20, 2014 11:30 PM in response to MGSH

    I ask myself, an Apple customer since 1985. How many times do we need to hear the same story. A logic board replacement is not a valid solution. We need something better. This is not rocket science-anyone with half a brain can understand.

  • by Streeme,

    Streeme Streeme Nov 21, 2014 1:59 AM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Nov 21, 2014 1:59 AM in response to abelliveau

    Kinda "solved" for me, by paying nearly 600€ to the Apple support.

    Hope that the class action filed in California may produce effects for other countries where the machine was sold (and most likely repaired as well).

  • by Jauhari,

    Jauhari Jauhari Nov 21, 2014 4:55 PM in response to rennyz27
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Nov 21, 2014 4:55 PM in response to rennyz27

    <Link Edited By Host>

  • by carl wolf,

    carl wolf carl wolf Nov 21, 2014 3:48 AM in response to rennyz27
    Level 6 (14,625 points)
    Nov 21, 2014 3:48 AM in response to rennyz27

    "4. Write a letter to Tim Cook using the template..."

     

    Nothing says personal initiative and individuality like a form letter.

  • by point918,

    point918 point918 Nov 21, 2014 4:45 AM in response to carl wolf
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 21, 2014 4:45 AM in response to carl wolf

    Agreed Carl, but here we wouldn't expect individual letters to actually be read would we? This is about numbers surely.

    Crude I know, but realistic.

  • by eris23,

    eris23 eris23 Nov 21, 2014 5:03 AM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Nov 21, 2014 5:03 AM in response to abelliveau

    Update on the diagnosis of  my failed early 2011 17" macbook

     

    Just to recap - original Motherboard (Logicboard) fried itself after 2.6 years - replaced free under AppleCare.

     

    Replacement fried itself after 7 months and has just been  diagnosed as (Logic board replacement due to GPU failure) - quoted cost to fix 550 UK pounds !

     

    As I am in the UK I have some protection under UK consumer law and will be pursuing both Apple and the retailer who did the AppleCare replacement to fix AGAIN for free as clearly a 7 month lifespan for a motherboard means the original repair  was clearly NOT  fit for purpose by any reasonable definition.

     

    I will be updating the case I have open with Apple too ... more information in the Apple database  about the problem they claim doesn't exist.

  • by GavMackem,

    GavMackem GavMackem Nov 21, 2014 12:42 PM in response to point918
    Level 1 (15 points)
    Nov 21, 2014 12:42 PM in response to point918

    Numbers - they already know for sure exactly how many of these logic boards fail it's just a pr gimmick.

     

    I see the Apple happy clappy yes men jobsworths who actually do not own an affected 2011 MBP have been hard at work toiling away winding up angry users. I hope you are all proud of yourselves when you look in the mirror shining your statue of the company that can do no wrong whatsoever.

     

    if you are in the UK - the SOGA is key and they will fold over it.  We are very fortunate in the UK unlike the poor users everywhere else left to foot the bill.

  • by point918,

    point918 point918 Nov 21, 2014 1:08 PM in response to GavMackem
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 21, 2014 1:08 PM in response to GavMackem

    Gav -- I believe if there is any resolution to be had in this issue, it will be through sheer weight of numbers -- and the negative waves created 'bleeding' out into Apple's whiter than white image. So -- form letters have their value in that context, however sneery-dismissive agent provocateur Carl wants to be.

  • by @kdl,

    @kdl @kdl Nov 21, 2014 1:40 PM in response to abelliveau
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 21, 2014 1:40 PM in response to abelliveau

    Update on my Macbook: after visiting the GeniusBar and being quoted $600 for logic board replacement, I decided to do some research on this issue before making a final decision. I followed the tips of joining petitions, filling out surveys, writing to Tim Cook, etc. With no solutions on hand, thought I'd try contacting Apple Support one more time and at least voice my disappointment in their lack of action in general; this way I'd have an open case if a recall or anything of the sort is offered in the future. With very little time spent on the phone, I was forwarded to a supervisor who seemed very familiar with this problem, was very friendly and authorized an out of warranty repair/replacement of logic board for me. I was pleasantly surprised but still am very skeptical about this being a long-term solution. At the present, my Macbook is at Apple service and I was just informed that the logic boards are on back order with no ETA - no surprise there. I will meanwhile cross my fingers and post an update on further progress as it happens.

  • by GavMackem,

    GavMackem GavMackem Nov 21, 2014 4:52 PM in response to point918
    Level 1 (15 points)
    Nov 21, 2014 4:52 PM in response to point918

    My post was pulled instantly - I suggest you check the email digest and you will see it there in all its glory. there was not a single thing in there which broke the community rules, only the truth which is unpalatable to some unfortunately.

     

    <Edited By Host>

first Previous Page 655 of 891 last Next