Level 1

13 points

Graphics corruption issue continues in Mavericks 10.9.1

Bad news: A graphics issue reported for Mavericks 10.9 continues in 10.9.1. The drop-shadows surrounding some windows have no gradient or translucency, and in some cases, Finder windows show colored pixels in place of the content. My Mac configuration: MacBook Pro Model ID 6,2 - Mid-2010 15", Std RAM: 4 GB

Here is a screen shot, taken the day that 10.9.1 was released (December 16, 2013)

A workaround that has been posted in these threads [ System Preferences > Energy Saver > Automatic Graphics Switching (off) ] is not acceptable to me, since it reduces battery life significantly. Also, it is being reported that this workaround works only temporarily, and/or intermittently.

If you are experiencing this issue, please add to this thread. There were also reports in the Mac press that this might be one of the issues that Apple was working on for 10.9.1, but apparently not. Here's one article: http://9to5mac.com/2013/11/15/apple-seeds-first-os-x-mavericks-10-9-1-beta-to-de velopers-with-focuses-on-mail-graphics/

Here are two other discussion threads that reported the same issue with 10.9:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5506163?answerId=24150281022#24150281022

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5493333?answerId=24150278022#24150278022

Let's hope that Apple is monitoring this thread and issues a dot-release quickly, rather than having us wait until 10.9.2. Apple: please feel welcome to contact me for troubleshooting, if that can help.

Thank you.

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9), 15" Model 6,2-Mid-2010 4GB RAM

Posted on Dec 16, 2013 5:30 PM

67 replies

higgalls

Level 1

4 points

Dec 20, 2013 1:34 PM in response to Metalizer

JUst because a software update stops u seeing the problem doesn't mean the problem is actually fixed or that it was a software problem. They can mask some hardware issues with software updates.

THere has already been a know fault with many mid-2010 MacBook Pro graphics cards, but different symptoms. So our laptops don't have a good reputation for the graphics card having hardware faults.

Dec 20, 2013 1:47 PM in response to higgalls

since mine is a refurb model, I have to presume that any hardware problems had been rectified at the refurb factory.

It seems more likely that there has always been a compatibility problem between the Intel and nVidia graphics on the 2010 MBPs that were never ironed out.

higgalls

Level 1

4 points

Dec 20, 2013 2:07 PM in response to Metalizer

Sorry but I wouldn't assume that at all. It wasn't a recall that Apple issued. They were replacing the main board for those laptops where they could see the issue happening. If they didn't see it then they wouldn't waste money on a refurb laptop for nothing.

Steve H Author

Level 1

13 points

Dec 30, 2013 6:55 PM in response to higgalls

(Note: this reply is posted in two discussion threads, and some of us are following both threads)

Hello all, I brought the computer in to my local Apple retail store, where they swapped out the logic board/motherboard. I've been using the computer for a few hours now, and no problem yet.

By the way, this issue has surfaced often enough that Apple had a pre-defined diagnostics test expressly for it, and the Apple technician (genius) told me as such. The name of the test was 'mid-2010 Macbook Pro' or something like that. The repair was done at no charge to me whatsoever, even though my Applecare ran out in September.

Hopefully, this resolves the issue for good (although higgalls' update in another thread is not encouraging, that the issue re-surfaced). In any case, Apple should be given the highest praise for trying to make good on this issue. I could never imagine "Brand HP" or "Brand MSFT" providing anywhere near this level of support, especially given the out-of-warranty status.

- Steve

PS - funny, because the disposal unit in my kitchen sink gave out the same day, and even though it was 20 years old, and it was a Sunday, someone answered the 800 number and walked me through dismantling. Two super customer support instances in one day. Who'd have thought?

Steve H Author

Level 1

13 points

Dec 31, 2013 11:45 AM in response to Steve H

The problem has returned. I will take the computer in to the Apple store and have it looked at again. This repair case carries a 90 day warranty, so we'll see. I'll keep everyone posted. - Steve

1) Only the Finder is running. I am burning a disk of files from my computer, and the front-most window is the prompt to insert a disk to burn. There was no problem with the actual burn itself.

2) Finder and Firefox running. Finder window is at the front (status of burning a disk). Notice that the icons of some of the applications running in the menu bar are also currupted.

ianm2k4

Level 1

5 points

Dec 31, 2013 12:10 PM in response to Steve H

We'll mines gone in to have its logic board replaced. It does look like a hardware issue with the 'external' video card. Hopefully will get it back next week

Dec 31, 2013 9:28 PM in response to Steve H

I have a mid 2010 MacBook Pro with the standard 4 GB of memory. I have also seen the graphics corruption issue even in 10.9.1. I may have stumbled upon something that may help. This past weekend the corruption began to show again, after the memory maxed out. I rebooted and haven't had the problem since, despite me pushing the memory usage. What have I done different? I used to hold the power button until I would get the "old" popup with the "Restart, Sleep, Cancel, Shutdown" at which point I would press the S button to put it to sleep. But I have not been doing that since this weekend's restart. I push the power button briefly and it shuts off the screen and then can take a minute or two to go to sleep (light on front pulses). No graphics corruption and operation has been very smooth, whereas before I would frequently get stalls that would take some time to recover from.

We know that Mavericks is doing a lot to manage the memory, compressing unused portions, and trying to keep things from swapping to the hard drive. My thoughts are that by forcing a rapid sleep using the old popup, that there is something that corrupts the entire memory management process. This corruption becomes evident when the computer comes out of sleep. By letting Mavericks take the time it needs to go to sleep it could be keeping things properly cleaned up before sleeping.

I don't know if others that are having the video corruption are using the old popup but if you are, restart your computer and avoid using that method to put the computer to sleep. I hope this helps someone else. Or maybe it's nothing.

nbar

Level 5

7,037 points

Dec 31, 2013 9:30 PM in response to Orbitgeek

"I have a mid 2010 MacBook Pro"

MacBook Pro 15" Mid 2010 owners: Apple Support Communities

Dec 31, 2013 11:43 PM in response to nbar

Not seeing any of the problems referenced in that link. Just the weird shadows around windows.

Jan 7, 2014 4:13 PM in response to Steve H

Hey Steve,

Did you ever get this problem sorted? I was wondering what happened when you brought it into the Apple Store again.

All the best,

dave727

Level 1

0 points

Jan 7, 2014 10:23 PM in response to Cypocryphy

I, like Metalizer, recall similar stories of logic board changes to no effect back in the days of the the same corruption issues with 10.7. At that time, I had thought the Intel graphics were just bad (and they still may be), but Apple managed to fix the issue with software and it worked fine through 10.8. However, for some reason, 10.9 introduces the same issue again. My guess would be that new code that is going outside of the paths that the old fix addresses. Last time, it seemed that whole windows were garbled. This time, the corrupted shadows are more common, although I have seen whole windows garbled, too.

BobP1776

Level 3

698 points

Jan 8, 2014 7:34 AM in response to dave727

I'm seeing the same problem using 10.9.1 on a Mid-2010 MacBook Pro 17" (not 15").

The issue arises after pushing the graphics for a while -- e.g., watching animations.

Rebooting the machine seems to cure it (temporarily).

--Bob

Steve H Author

Level 1

13 points

Jan 8, 2014 7:53 AM in response to Cypocryphy

Hi - About 2 weeks ago, Apple replaced my logic board. I returned home with high expectations but within about a day, the problem returned. To review: in Energy Saver, forcing the Intel on-board graphics to save battery life makes the problem happen, and clicking the checkbox to enable use of both Intel and Invidia graphics still makes the graphics issue go away. Go back to Intel-only and problem returns. 95% of my application software usage is Firefox v25, Microsoft Office 2011 (Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook - v14.3.9 / Build131030 ), Adobe Photoshop CS5, Adobe Bridge.

But here's something I haven't thought of - I also use an iPad, and use Avatron's Air Display software to use the iPad as a second screen to the MacBook Pro. I have it set as a startup program, as the computer boots up.

My primary Apple Support resource has been an Apple retail store and the Genius bar. When the technician asked what software I use,I hadn't thought of AirDisplay (he was probably thinking that an application could be causing a conflict of some kind, if something hasn't been updated to run in Mavericks). When I got home, I turned off AirDisplay. Our graphics problem seems to have gone away. I haven't had it in a few days now.

The technician said that the next step would be to do an erase-and-reinstall, which I am very reluctant to do. So I'm hoping that this issue doesn't come back. Will keep you updated.

BobP1776

Level 3

698 points

Jan 8, 2014 7:55 AM in response to Steve H

The problem seems to show up after a period of more intense graphics use -- e.g., watching animations -- even when on wall power. No AirDisplay here. My guess would be either incorrect memory management (seems the most likely) or an over-heating problem with the graphics hardware.

--Bob

IRD85

Level 1

0 points

Jan 13, 2014 3:40 PM in response to Steve H

I too am having the same issue with my recent update to 10.9.1. I've got a MacBook Pro 2.53 GHz Intel Core I5 and 4GB 1067 MHz DDR3

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Graphics corruption issue continues in Mavericks 10.9.1