Macbook Pro screen glitches, 3 beeps, NOT THE RAM

My Macbook pro has been having screen glitches randomly with lines appearing on the screen and then it suddenly shuts down. Sometimes It beeps 3 times (what everyone claims is a ram issue) and sometimes it does not beep and will just start right back up again. I'm currently using it right now and it seems to be okay but this is always the case. It works fine and then all the sudden it glitches and shuts down. I


I have had the Ram replaced TWICE and have had the ram readjusted in case it has fallen out of place. my computer has passed every hardware test imaginable. Sometimes when I scroll on safari, chrome or anywhere (when its working) the screen glitches and lags really bad. MY computer is literally unusable. I am in nursing school and my computer is vital PLEASE someone help me!!!!


Here is just some details and extra info about what I've tried and researched:

I am currently using it in "safe boot" mode and I turned the SMS (sudden motion sensor) off.

I have done so much research on this issue here is what I have found thus far, obviously the ram issue, A GPU issue, A logic board issue (lets pray its not), a battery issue or a issue with Mavericks. Could it be something I downloaded?


Mac details:

13 Inch MacBook Pro Mid 2012

Processor: 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5

Memory: 4GB 1600 MHz DDR3

Version: 10.9.1

Graphics Intel HD Graphics 4000 1024 MB


This is what it says under SYSTEM INFORMATION Hardware>Memory.Memory Slots:


ECC: Disabled

BANK 0 / DIMM0

Size:2GB

Type:DDR3

Speed:1600MHz

Status:OK

Manufacturer: 0X02FE

Part Number:0x45424A3230554638424455302D474E2D4620


then it has BANK 1/DIMM0 and basically says the same thing

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.1), SOMEONE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP

Posted on Aug 5, 2014 3:32 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 31, 2017 8:38 AM

I had the same problem (3 beeps, horizontal colored lines) with my 13" MacBook Pro (A1278 mid-2012) and it manifested itself a few minutes, sometimes an hour, after the computer was turned on. Then, after it happened once, it would restart, and then happen again right away.


I tried replacing the RAM, I tried switching the RAM around in the different slots in various combinations. Then, it came down to me replacing the logic board. I ordered the right part online (661-6159), I followed all the instructions step-by-step (MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2012 Logic Board Replacement - iFixit). Meanwhile, I noticed a ton of dust in the fan vent and under the logic board, so I cleaned all of that up. Also, I noticed that on the original part, there was basically no thermal paste left between the copper heat sink and the processor. When I tried to turn on the MacBook, nothing happened. I think the part was DOA, so I am sending that back for a refund now. Then, it occurred to me that the issue might actually be due to the MacBook overheating. I cleaned up all the crusted thermal paste, removed all the caked-on dust from underneath the logic board, in the fan and in the heat sink venting slots. I put everything back together with a fresh layer of thermal paste, closed everything up, and.... like magic, everything works now.User uploaded file

174 replies

Aug 14, 2014 1:45 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

I also noticed when i opened the "console" it said Kernel: previous shutdown cause: -60

so i googled it..... and fond this what do you think??

-60 is badMDBErr (bad master directory block error)

It indicates that there is something wrong with the drive, and Disk Utility not being able to repair the drive supports this. Back up your data, erase using Disk Utility and reinstall OS X.

also if i were to do this if i had everything backed up to time machine would any info be lost? do i need to back up to a jump drive also?

Aug 14, 2014 3:12 PM in response to ashlyn7371

Since you said that you had someone adjust the RAM bays, apparently changed one of the RAM modules and the beeping has topped, indicates that there was a RAM issue but apparently that has now been resolved.


ashlyn7371 wrote:


if i had everything backed up to time machine would any info be lost? do i need to back up to a jump drive also?

If you have your data on a disk with Time Machine, your data is reasonably safe. I do not know what you mean by a 'jump drive', but two backup are always better than one. I use Time Machine and a separate clone HDD made with carbon Copy Cloner as my backups.


Based on what you have said, it does seem that a replacement HDD is in order.


Ciao.

Apr 9, 2015 8:07 PM in response to ashlyn7371

I wonder if we're finding a new problem with the Mid 2012 computer. I am a tech and just came across this problem. Same symptoms. Customer's problem originally started with the graphics issue. Unsure if that would crash the system or glitch then allow continual usage. I think it would crash the system. Customer took computer to Genius who ran tests. At that moment the hard drive crashed or at least revealed itself as having a problem. Later through me, I was able to confirm the hard drive was having an issue and seemed very separate from the graphics issues. This whole time me and the customer would get beeps intermittently maybe once every 5 restarts. After confirming corrupted hard drive I replaced hard drive. I then replaced ram directly after getting beeps. Next startup I got no beeps and started to install a new OS. This is where i am now with no issues at all. No beeps and no graphics issues. Intermittent issues are tricky. I could simply move the laptop to another desk and the ram or graphics issue could return in other cases. Only time will tell. For intermittent issues I offer the customer the option to take home and try with a long explanation that this was a test and to call if they still had issues. Or it would be another three days for further testing. I have had times where things don't get fixed and was unknown that it was not fixed simply because the computer was never moved.


I've had faulty or finicky power supplies or power outlets fry logic boards and ram at same time. But not ram and hard drive. Was it just coincidental that the hard drive failed at same time. Never had I had bad or failed ram cause graphics issues in that way. The closest thing I had was a computer repeating an open window almost smearing it across the screen then crashing to a frozen state.

Apr 16, 2015 8:24 PM in response to ashlyn7371

Hey all. I have a mid 2012 macbook pro and have had the same problems as well and my screen would freeze and look like the picture Jerinv06 posted above. I had the hard drive and RAM replaced 2 weeks ago, but the problem has persisted. I have run hardware tests and everything has come back fine. I have a genius bar appointment tomorrow and will update tomorrow (hopefully i remember) with what the genius bar comes up with. Crossing my fingers its not the logic board somehow and that they can figure out the issue.

Apr 18, 2015 8:04 PM in response to lukester43

Just as a quick update, I took my macbook into the apple store and right away they told me my logic board was shot. So I went with the flat rate repair, which is $280 total for me with tax, and they replace anything/everything inside the computer that is broken or needs to be replaced. Not happy it was the logic board, but I was expecting much more than $280 for my repair.

May 20, 2015 2:22 PM in response to ashlyn7371

****LONG TERM SOLUTION*****.


Hi everyone. I also am having these exact problems. Just for everyone's benefit, here are links to all other threads I can find with people who are also experiencing the same problems. It seems to me this is a fault that is present in many Mid 2012 macbook pros.User uploaded file

Macbook Pro screen glitches, 3 beeps, NOT THE RAM

Field of vertical lines all over Macbook Pro screen? (+ freezes, beeps)

Macbook Pro purple lines on screen?

Macbook Pro display glitches and laptop freezes

Re: Screen froze, purple lines, three beeps. Help!


I have a Mid 2012 MacBook pro and experience all of the same issues as described on all of these threads.

  • laptop will randomly freeze
  • glitches then appear on the screen, mouse stops moving, keyboard is unresponsive
  • the laptop then shuts down and won't turn on again
  • it then starts beeping 3 times while the screen remains black. I have to hold down the power button to stop the beeping
  • sometimes, after the screen freezing and glitching, it will restart
  • some days it will only happen once, other days it will literally happen 6 or 7 times
  • can happen while watching videos, just browsing on safari or it can happen while still on my home screen. It is completely random.
  • I have run system diagnostics, i have wiped the laptop and reinstalled the Operating system, I have brought it to an apple technician who didn't know what is wrong with it. I have wasted hours on the phone to apple support who have just said its out of warranty and they can't cover the costs even though I have told them that this seems to be a manufacturers fault.


The bottom line is, I bought this MB just over two years and spent a lot of money on it, I have taken perfect care of it, never dropped it or spilled anything on it and it is always kept in a protective bag. It therefore is completely unacceptable that I should be experiencing these issues with one of the most highly regarded brands around. It's not good enough and we should not have to incur costs to repair these faulty laptops.


***SO, THE LONG TERM SOLUTION***

I went to the genius bar today and had a chat with a very helpful individual who told me that apple will not recall or release a 'repro' on a line of products based on what people say on forums. Apple will only cover the costs and accept fault if they see that there is enough people experiencing the same issues on the same line of products. She said that we need to go to http://www.apple.com/feedback/ and fill out tis feedback form. If enough peole do it, Apple will see that this indeed is a fault with 2012 MacBooks!

This means they will cover the cost of people who are experiencing these problems!

I know it's not an immediate solution, but it seems to be the only way Apple will realise and hopefully the, accept the fault.

May 20, 2015 2:27 PM in response to Jerinv06

****LONG TERM SOLUTION*****.


Hi everyone. I also am having these exact problems. Just for everyone's benefit, here are links to all other threads I can find with people who are also experiencing the same problems. It seems to me this is a fault that is present in many Mid 2012 macbook pros.User uploaded file

Macbook Pro screen glitches, 3 beeps, NOT THE RAM

Field of vertical lines all over Macbook Pro screen? (+ freezes, beeps)

Macbook Pro purple lines on screen?

Macbook Pro display glitches and laptop freezes

Re: Screen froze, purple lines, three beeps. Help!


I have a Mid 2012 MacBook pro and experience all of the same issues as described on all of these threads.

  • laptop will randomly freeze
  • glitches then appear on the screen, mouse stops moving, keyboard is unresponsive
  • the laptop then shuts down and won't turn on again
  • it then starts beeping 3 times while the screen remains black. I have to hold down the power button to stop the beeping
  • sometimes, after the screen freezing and glitching, it will restart
  • some days it will only happen once, other days it will literally happen 6 or 7 times
  • can happen while watching videos, just browsing on safari or it can happen while still on my home screen. It is completely random.
  • I have run system diagnostics, i have wiped the laptop and reinstalled the Operating system, I have brought it to an apple technician who didn't know what is wrong with it. I have wasted hours on the phone to apple support who have just said its out of warranty and they can't cover the costs even though I have told them that this seems to be a manufacturers fault.


The bottom line is, I bought this MB just over two years and spent a lot of money on it, I have taken perfect care of it, never dropped it or spilled anything on it and it is always kept in a protective bag. It therefore is completely unacceptable that I should be experiencing these issues with one of the most highly regarded brands around. It's not good enough and we should not have to incur costs to repair these faulty laptops.


***SO, THE LONG TERM SOLUTION***

I went to the genius bar today and had a chat with a very helpful individual who told me that apple will not recall or release a 'repro' on a line of products based on what people say on forums. Apple will only cover the costs and accept fault if they see that there is enough people experiencing the same issues on the same line of products. She said that we need to go to http://www.apple.com/feedback/ and fill out tis feedback form. If enough peole do it, Apple will see that this indeed is a fault with 2012 MacBooks!

This means they will cover the cost of people who are experiencing these problems!

I know it's not an immediate solution, but it seems to be the only way Apple will realise and hopefully the, accept the fault.

Jul 25, 2015 9:34 AM in response to davidh_10

I just posted this in a similar thread about this issue:


I have a 2012 Macbook Pro 13" with the same symptoms as the original poster. For me it is related to RAM as suggested by the 3 beeps, but it is not the RAM itself. It is one of the RAM slots on the logic board. After taking one of the chips out I am running problem free for over a day (fingers crossed!). And that's running Yosemite on 2GB which is saying a lot.


The slot that was bad was the one closest to the keyboard. If there is RAM in that slot I can just tap on the computer and cause it to shut down. When there isn't RAM there, no problems. I can tap and nothing happens. Hope this helps someone....I'm not sure if I will take it to Apple even though the Applecare is up or just buy an 8gb chip and run off of just that.

Aug 17, 2015 12:56 PM in response to ashlyn7371

Any updates with getting this fixed? I think it's crazy that Apple suspects the customer to pay for this. I payed 1300$ for my mid-2012 MacPro 13 inch and I'm now starting see the symptoms everyone else is seeing. After only 2 1/2 years too...


I switched the RAM chips around and used compressed air to blow some of the dust out. Even though I haven't tested it adequately enough, I doubt that will work as a solution. I'm thinking this could be a overheating issue.

Aug 18, 2015 6:53 PM in response to igbee

I have been having this problem for more than a year and I have this post and another about this problem bookmarked. I just tried your advice with moving one of the Ram sticks to the upper slot and keeping the one closest to the board empty and I can confirm that this works!!


Im not sure if anyone else mentioned it but asides from happening randomly, this glitch also happened when i put pressure on the bottom left of it. But when I just keep the slot closest to the board empty I no longer run into this issue when I put pressure on the bottom left. I will keep testing it and see if it happens again randomly so ill keep everyone posted.

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Macbook Pro screen glitches, 3 beeps, NOT THE RAM

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