Picture Included. Mid 2012 13 inch Macbook Pro green/purple lines on screen. Freezes. Sometimes 3 beeps.

Hi everybody. I have a MBP Mid-2012, I bought it 1 year ago. I upgraded from 2 to 8 GB (4 GB x 2 SODIMM), and everything flawless. But 2 days ago, my MBP started with this issue. The color lines suddenly appear, the mac freezes and reboot. Even with a little knock anywhere, the same happened again. I read somewhere it could be a memory issue because of the 3 beeps (I got 'em too), and a "temporal solution" was to use only one memory slot, the one closer to the cover. I did it so, and 10 hours later the issue seems to be gone. It's ridiculous to use just one memory slot, but up to now, it's the unique solution worked for me. I hope this be useful for you.

I thought I'd chime in on this thread to give another example of a repeat offender for this problem (glitch/distortion freeze randomly and with pressure) with my Macbook 13" mid 2012. I had the problem at the beginning of 2015, did the logic board repair for ~$300, and it's occurring again. It's clear to me this is a systematic problem with these logic boards, which for me occurs after about 1 year of use (bought fall 2013). (I also was trying to be careful about overheating, keeping it on a flat surface, not moving it, shutting it down often - which I would recommend.)

I just removed the bottom RAM card (closer to keyboard), and it seems to stop the problem, at least from being physically caused by lifting/pressure. Hopefully it will last. I'm operating on 2GB Ram so I'll probably try to get a 4GB card, about $50 (do 8GB cards work ok in this model?). I may also try more experimentation with other methods of relieving the pressure as in this thread... Macbook Pro screen glitches, 3 beeps, NOT THE RAM.

So, I would recommend removing the bottom card method of resolving this, and not the Genius bar repair, which may just give you another faulty logic board.

HI. Yes, it suports 16 GB (8 GB SODIMM 1600 x 2 modules) with no problem.

I upgraded my RAM last week and it worked excellent!

I bought 16 GiB RAM (8x2) Corsair 1600 mhz and replaced the old ones.

Now I'm running El Captain and move my Mac to anywhere without worrying if any bump would freeze it.

I totally recommend the upgrade.

Hi,

Have you experienced the issue again?

I am facing the same issue.

Purple lines are there on my screen.

Followed by the beeping noise.

I was wondering, if it is because the Mac gets too hot.

Have ordered a cooling pad.

Have my fingers crossed.

Apple should really look into this.

Never expected this from Apple.

Very sad.

Hey, guys! I've got some news!

Early in this post I've said that my problem was solved, but last month I started getting those glitches again.

I decided to plug the two RAM memory cards, put the bottom cover and DO NOT place the screws.

Somehow, by doing this, I was able to move my Mac without worrying about the freezes.

So, check this option if you still getting errors.

My screws are a bit weird. They are acting like magnets... They attract each other when placed together.

Well, I'll try to replace them... Perhaps they are interfering on the electric circuit of the logic board.

This can explain why people change the logic board and still getting glitches and freezes...

Of course, this is my guess...

Last time I was at the genius Bar with a MacBook Pro, the technician applied pressure to a point on the underside while a screen diagnostic was running.

He explained that was the location of the graphics Hardware on the board, and applying pressure there would cause a marginal graphics processor to fail.

three beeps can often indicate a Memory problem. Many of these MacBooks share screen memory with main memory, so a main memory problem may indeed cause screen glitches.

There is a substantial recall program in effect for some of these MacBook Pros. But your MacBook Pro must be able to run and FAIL the VST test (which takes 15 minutes if it does NOT fail. If your Mac has deteriorated to the point it can not run the test, it is not eligible for the program.

And this applies to the 13-inch Macbook pros? And I'm sorry i just haven't seen that term used yet but what is the VST test?

sorry, not the 13-inch. I mis-read.

The Video Switching Test (VST) applies to Macs with Dual graphics, that switch back and forth between built-in Graphics and Discrete graphics (an extra graphics chip) and those are all 15 -in models.

Bu what i said about Macs sharing graphics memory with main memory applies to some 13-in models.

Hi

I had faced a similar issue and got the MLB replaced twice.

What ever be the issue with - Ram slot or graphics, since so many people are having the same issue with this specific MBP model, Apple should take cognisance and start a repair program.

I know so many people like me who use this model still because our professions bind us to use CDs and DVDs. And this is the last MBP model with inbuilt optical drive. And more so apple is still selling this model.

Can people suggest ways in which we can escalate the issue enough for apple to recognise and take some steps?

The best solution for the general problem is the same as the most selfish solution for yourself.

That is to present you problem Mac at the Genius Bar of an Apple store, and get it repaired. Or make a call to AppleCare and let them know you are having a problem (which leaves a trail by serial number).

Apple keeps careful statistics of what repairs are being performed. When repairs on a particular model or component become higher than they statistically should, they send a team of Engineers (inside Apple) to find out exactly why. This sometimes results in Repair Programs, to replace a certain class of computers or components. Such programs typically include the ability of folks who have previously paid for repairs to be reimbursed.

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The best way to have the problem ignored is to NOT notify Apple you are having a problem, and wait for Apple to find and fix the problem, and press a solution into your hand. If most Users with problems take this approach, the stack of broken Macs does not amount to anything troublesome, and Apple does not worry, because clearly there is no huge population of Macs that needed to be fixed.

You need to get on record as having a problem, especially if your warranty is expiring before you can get it fixed. This is not being diabolical, Apple would counsel you to do so as soon as possible. Then they have a better idea of what is breaking down in the field, and can apply resources to find out "why?"

Apple does not keep statistics about what problems are reported on the forums, and does not have any formal escalation procedures from here to Engineering. They do not even promise to read the postings on the forums.

If you want Apple to pay attention to your problem, you must call or visit them to make sure they know about it.

I got the same issue today. Exact same lines as in the picture at top and computer freezes up.

I did rest my hand on the machine to the left of trackpad and lines started going away/coming back, though everything else still frozen up. Restarted several times and same issue, generally after 3-8 minutes. Though now the lines only appear when I apply slight pressure to that point (as opposed to the opposite).

13 MacBook Pro bought Oct 2014 but when I checked serial # learned it was a mid-2012 (Thanks Best Buy for a 2-year old machine). OS X 2.56GHz Intel Core i5

Does Apple monitor this to know how many people have issues, or is there a better way to contact them?

From reading this thread, sounds like best course of action is to open up machine and take out RAM closest to keyboard? (I am nowhere near a genius bar)

look like a bad logic board.

those of you who have left one slot empty, is it still working?