Screen flicker/Freeze Crash
For the love of god does anyone know why this is happening? My computer is unusable, crashes at lest 3 times a day...
MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4)
Any error message?
16 replies
Nope no error message. Apple support suggested I reset the System Managment Controller by pressing left SHIFT/CNTRL/OPTION and POWER with computer off. I have done this and the issue has not presented itself yet (been about 3 hours) Not convinced something so simple could fix something that seems so sinister but I will continue to update. I am pretty sure I will see the issue return before long.
-Andrew
You did not specify what model and what screen size.
is this a 2011 model?
Early 2011
15 inch Macbook Pro
OS 10.8.4 Build 12E55
Welcome to the JUNGLE !
I got the same problem, same machine.
Has the apple support suggested fix done anything for you?
I'm pretty sure this is because of this disfunctional Discrete Graphic Card.
Apple support ask me for a replacement of the motherboard!
******* Expensive!
If you continue to have problems, take the machine to an Apple Store for testing.
I'd really love to find a way to represent how widespread and prolific this issue has become - it's hard to determine how many individual users are affected in ~2,000 posts across 3 different threads on this site alone. It's also difficult to see if there are any trends in terms of the processor/GPU combination, when problems began, what may or may not have resolved problems, etc.
To this end, I've created an anonymous Google survey to collect some information about our issues in a centralized location:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PuJ2QS2Ri7fw9HVaNHLQ4OYZCb99zonc96HmhTWEAoY/vie wform
This survey doesn't ask for any identifying information, but asks questions about your MacBook Pro - model, OS, issues you've experienced, contact and repairs pursued, etc. I welcome any suggestions for additions, deletions, or modification of questions. I'm hoping that having this information collected in a uniform and accessible way will make it easier for us to see trends and to document for Apple and others the affected products.
You can view a spreadsheet with the questions and responses collected at:
I have read from several posts that this is indeed a graphics cards issue. Also that Apple was offering to fix machines free of charge, even those out of warranty. Can anyone confirm a similar issue and solution from Apple?
There is a recall, testing, and possible exchange program in place for 15" MacBook Pro 6,2 2010:
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010): Intermittent black screen or loss of video
Your best bet is always to make an appointment and take it ot the genius Bar for a free evaluation, in warranty or out.
Early 2011 not acepted!
The point I was trying to make is that Apple itself keeps statistics on these things, and when a problem trend is identified, they do indeed take approppriate action. It the case of the MacBook 15" 6,2 2010, that action was an improved test and a motherboard replacement program for those that failed. They do indeed run their own recall programs without government action or class-action lawsuits.
If you think your Mac has a problem, let them check it. An appointment at the genius Bar for an evaluation is FREE. It may be something else that has an easy fix. It may help point out a trend that needs to be addressed.
Appreciate all the assistance guys. One more question. I bought the Macbook on Ebay, how would I go about finding out whether or not the unit is still under warranty?
I wanna keep this updated for other users who might be experiencing similar issues. I have found out from Apple that the past owner of the machine had repairs done 2 months ago. They replaced 8GB (4x2) 1333Mhz RAM as well as the Logic Board (Motherboard). Apparently these items were replaced in presence of the same issues I am experiencing now. So I will be taking the machine in Friday for a hardware test to see if the replaced hardware is still faulty/is actually the issue afterall. I will keep you updated.
-Andrew
Screen flicker/Freeze Crash