moritzhberg
Level 1 (23 points)
Desktops

Q: Early 2011 MacBook Pro monitor issues.

Hello everyone, I have an early 2011 13" i5 MacBook Pro which I use with an external display (LG EA 93) via displayport. Although very random, I have been having weird issues with the screen, mainly when I wake the computer up from sleep with the monitor connected. On one occasion, the screen went like in the image below. sometimes, the LG screen just stays black, the mbp screen, flashes, however, indicating that it has detected a display. today, I woke the mbp from sleep, by opening the lid (with the screen already attached from a previous session) and the content of the internal screen had a red hue on them. I opened mission control, to find that the hue remained. After logging out, and back in, it was all fine.

 

Could this be indicating a graphics failure? I kind of hope not, as this machine is only 3 years old (purchased in June 2011).

 

Thanks a lot for your help, it is very much appreciated. image.jpg

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.4)

Posted on Aug 22, 2014 4:07 PM

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moritzhberg

Q: Early 2011 MacBook Pro monitor issues.

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  • by sterling r,

    sterling r sterling r Aug 24, 2014 8:59 AM in response to moritzhberg
    Community Specialists
    Aug 24, 2014 8:59 AM in response to moritzhberg

    Howdy moritzhberg,

     

    It sounds like you are seeing some odd graphical issues periodically on your computer. I would recommend you perform the steps in the following article to help troubleshoot or isolate the issue:

     

    Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1573

    Check connections

    When using an external display be sure to check the following:

    1. If you're using an Apple notebook, confirm the AC power cable or adapter is securely connected to the computer and the cable providing power to the display is also secure. It is always good to have your notebook connected to AC power when an external display is in use.
    2. Confirm display adapters are fully seated in their respective connections and that they are supported models and for the computer and display. Refer to these articles to assist you with adapter compatibility and further configuration information:
    3. Remove all display cable extenders, KVM switches, or other like devices and retest to determine if the issue is resolved.
    4. Try unplugging the video adapter or cable and then plug it back in.
    5. If more than one video adapter is in use (or "daisy-chained"), troubleshoot by using only one adapter.
      • Example: A mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter connected to a DVI to HDMI adapter is an unsupported configuration because there is a series of adapters in use.
    6. If available, try using a different display and or adapter (or use a different connector by using DVI instead of VGA, for instance).

    Reset the system

    You can reset the Mac's parameter RAM and SMC.

    Reset the resolution

    Start by resetting the Mac's parameter RAM. If the display does not come up, was previously set to an unsupported resolution, and still results in no video:

    1. Start up in Safe Mode.
    2. From the Apple () menu, choose System Preferences.
    3. Choose Displays from the View menu to open the preferences pane.
    4. Select any resolution and refresh rate that your display supports.
    5. Restart your computer.

     

    Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

    Cheers,

    Sterling

  • by moritzhberg,

    moritzhberg moritzhberg Aug 24, 2014 9:25 AM in response to sterling r
    Level 1 (23 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 24, 2014 9:25 AM in response to sterling r

    Hi Sterling r, thanks you for your suggestions. I might want to add that I did a clean install about six weeks ago, and the system still acts up. Today, for example, it changed the desktop wallpaper to the standard mavericks one whenever I add a desktop in mission control. When I logged out and back in, I found that it had reset my launchpad. I know it's just little things, but they are still very frustrating...

     

    Thanks a lot for your help. It is very much appreciated.

     

    Additionally, here is an image of the red hue which I described in my first post. Yes, that should be the leopard aurora wallpaper.

     

    image.jpg

  • by carlos121918,Helpful

    carlos121918 carlos121918 Aug 24, 2014 10:13 AM in response to moritzhberg
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Aug 24, 2014 10:13 AM in response to moritzhberg

    I have the same problem, i went to the Apple Store (Spain) and they said that, I ned to change the logic board… i've change the logic board twice and, i have the same problem.

    My Macbook pro is burning too.

    I think we need help…

  • by clintonfrombirmingham,Helpful

    clintonfrombirmingham clintonfrombirmingham Aug 24, 2014 10:37 AM in response to moritzhberg
    Level 7 (30,009 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 24, 2014 10:37 AM in response to moritzhberg

    carlos121918

     

    You have the issue as described (many times over) in this -> 2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card - thread.

     

    Basically the soldering of the GPU on 2011 15" and 17" was defective. Apple has issued no statements on the issue even though it's been well documented for over a year. As Carlos says, many people have had the same problem time and time again and some have gone through multiple logic board replacements. The only 'fix' to the problem is a well done BGA reballing with a shop that will give you at least a one-year warranty.

     

    No need to read the 500+ (and growing daily) messages - just sifting through them will do.

     

    Good luck,

     

    Clinton

     

    MacBook Pro (15-inch Late 2011), OS Mavericks 10.9.4, 16GB Crucial RAM, Crucial M500 960GB SSD, 27” Apple Thunderbolt Display

  • by moritzhberg,

    moritzhberg moritzhberg Aug 24, 2014 11:49 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham
    Level 1 (23 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 24, 2014 11:49 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

    The weird thing is that mine's a 13", and afaik the problem only occurs on the 15 and 17 inch models... When I asked how much it would cost to repair, they told me more than €1000, as they would be replacing the logic board, cpu and screen. Not with it for me. I'd rather buy a new machine with that money. As much as I'd consider it too early, it looks like it's time to upgrade :/

     

    I know this is a hard one, but how long would you say I have, before the entire machine dies?

  • by clintonfrombirmingham,

    clintonfrombirmingham clintonfrombirmingham Aug 24, 2014 12:28 PM in response to moritzhberg
    Level 7 (30,009 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 24, 2014 12:28 PM in response to moritzhberg

    I don't know why the techs would say that you need a new screen - your integrated GPU is certainly at fault but as the problem shows up on the external monitor as well, I don't see where you have a screen issue. ₤1000 is a lot to pay - I would ask the techs why you actually need the screen replaced (that should cushion some of the blow) but if they insist that's certainly too much to repair a 3 year old computer. Better of just buying new at that point!

     

    It sounds as if you've no time left on the machine if it won't display graphics on the external...

     

    Clinton

     

    MacBook Pro (15-inch Late 2011), OS Mavericks 10.9.4, 16GB Crucial RAM, Crucial M500 960GB SSD, 27” Apple Thunderbolt Display

  • by moritzhberg,

    moritzhberg moritzhberg Aug 24, 2014 12:36 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham
    Level 1 (23 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 24, 2014 12:36 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

    The techs said I need a new screen, as apparently, the connection is soldered to the logic board, and if they replace the logic board they would have to replace all of it (not quite so sure what he said exactly). Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's a physical connection from what I've seen in iFixit tear downs (in the top right corner of the computer, if you have the hinge facing away from you).

     

    I'm not quite sure what you mean when you say "It sounds as if you've no time left on the machine if it won't display graphics on the external...", because it can display on the external display (you can see it on the left in the second photo). Should have maybe mentioned, that with the red hue issue, the external display was fine. The hue was only on the integrated display.

     

    Thanks again for your help, Clinton, I hope we can get this resolved.

  • by clintonfrombirmingham,

    clintonfrombirmingham clintonfrombirmingham Aug 24, 2014 12:46 PM in response to moritzhberg
    Level 7 (30,009 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 24, 2014 12:46 PM in response to moritzhberg

    No, the screen is in no way soldered to the logic board - it's connected by a fairly simple cable. They're feeding you a line on that one!

     

    OH!!! I thought that the external monitor was showing artifacts at well (guess I didn't look close enough - although it doesn't look quite 'right' in the photo). In that case, you DON'T have a problem with the GPU, but it may be a 'screen only' problem. You don't need a new logic board - if the external monitor is working, that means that the GPU is working just fine: hence no need for a new GPU on a new logic board.

     

    It may very well that your screen is the ONLY problem - and that's much less costly than a logic board and a screen replacement. Run that by the techs and see what they have to say (and print out the photos showing the external monitor working - preferably just a shot with the Finder visible only).

     

    The techs should know better than to try and slip a logic board replacement through -> it may even be that the cable to the screen from the logic board is faulty!

     

    Best of luck,

     

    Clinton

     

    MacBook Pro (15-inch Late 2011), OS Mavericks 10.9.4, 16GB Crucial RAM, Crucial M500 960GB SSD, 27” Apple Thunderbolt Display

  • by moritzhberg,

    moritzhberg moritzhberg Aug 24, 2014 1:54 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham
    Level 1 (23 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 24, 2014 1:54 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

    Right, I think there is a bit of a misunderstanding here. I'll explain everything from scratch. The issue with the red hue only affected the internal monitor, but in the first image, both, the external and internal screen are screwed up. What also sometimes happens is that the external monitor remains black when I connect it (but the internal display flashes as if it was adjusting the resolution due to an external display having been detected).

     

    I hope this clears up any confusion, and sorry for being so unclear.

     

    Hope this helps.

    Thanks again

  • by clintonfrombirmingham,

    clintonfrombirmingham clintonfrombirmingham Aug 24, 2014 2:45 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham
    Level 7 (30,009 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 24, 2014 2:45 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

    Got your reply via email but not on the board - something that's been happening a lot to me recently.

     

    OK, well if the external monitor is acting up as well, then it is a GPU problem and would entail replacing the logic board. But, that being the case, I still don't see any reason that the screen would need replacing. Still, a logic board only replacement is going to cost a bundle and I don't think that the €600 or so that it would cost for a new logic board would be worth it (you may want to get diagnostics done at another Apple Store or AASP). In fact, that's the first thing I would do. You may get a less expensive estimate.

     

    Good luck, whatever you decide - I certainly wouldn't go the €1000 route, though.

     

    Clinton

     

    MacBook Pro (15-inch Late 2011), OS Mavericks 10.9.4, 16GB Crucial RAM, Crucial M500 960GB SSD, 27” Apple Thunderbolt Display

  • by moritzhberg,

    moritzhberg moritzhberg Aug 25, 2014 12:00 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham
    Level 1 (23 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 25, 2014 12:00 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

    To be honest, that's been happening to me too lately. Odd...

     

    I remember, when my hard drive cable broke down, I had to pay a fee upfront just for the diagnostics, and to be honest, I don't think I want to spend that if I already know that I will probably be getting a new machine regardless (and I don't see much of a point in investing in repairs on this machine).

     

    Now that you know(ish) whats wrong, do you think you can give me another estimate on how long I have left on this computer (I know, it's not an easy one to answer, and it's probably a "it could die tomorrow or in a year" situation)? Also, could this issue result in freezing and crashing when doing graphics intensive tasks (like transcoding video in Final Cut Pro X 10.1.2)? That's what happened to me a couple of weeks ago. Had to transcode a bunch of clips (maybe around 80) to proxy media and it would just freeze, and quit unexpectedly (it wasn't a complete system crash).

     

    Thanks again for your help with this.

  • by moritzhberg,

    moritzhberg moritzhberg Aug 26, 2014 1:35 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham
    Level 1 (23 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 26, 2014 1:35 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

    Right, after opening my computer today, and seeing a green hue on the screen, I think it's obvious. What was weird though, was that I put the computer to sleep, and woke it up again, and the screen was back to normal... Oh well, I've got my eye on the i7 13" retina MacBook Pro already anyway... Use that with 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD for mobile stuff (no video editing – lesson learnt) and I'll probably be getting a 6 core Mac Pro with 16GB RAM D500 and a 1TB SSD for heavy lifting.