dedicated graphics shuts down (?) ... stuttering videos and low framerate graphic performance

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Level 1

5 points

dedicated graphics shuts down (?) ... stuttering videos and low framerate graphic performance

Hi,

Since quite some time now I have an issue with my macbook pro that seems to be related to the dedicated graphics card and/or the dynamic switching from integrated to dedicated.

The computer runs fine and then suddenly, while watching a flash video, a high resolution html5 youtube video, or playing the video game hearthstone the frame rate of the video / video game drops dramatically.

The only fix is a reboot of the computer and then it is fine again for some time.

It might be related to the power management as it seems to occur more often when on battery or when the battery is low.

I have gfxCardStatus 2.3 installed and when this happens it still tells me that I am running on the dedicated graphic card.

Is that a known problem and is there a fix to it?

I tried to turn off "automatic graphics switching" in the energy saver settings. But this did not help.

specs:

Macbook Pro 15inch Mid 2010

8GB RAM – 2.66 GHz i7

NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M 512 MB graphics

OS X 10.9.5

Thank You!

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5), Mid 2010 – 8GB RAM – 2.66 GHz i7

Posted on Apr 3, 2015 6:34 AM

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Answer 1

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Apr 3, 2015 7:06 AM in response to Batholdy

The model identifier 6.2 MBP that you have has experienced GPU problems. There was a replacement program, but that has expired.

I suggest that you make an appointment at an Apple store genius bar and have the MBP evaluated for FREE. Mention the GPU issue because there is a special test for it.

If it turns out that the discrete GPU is the problem, then you can download this application which will allow you to disengage the discrete GPU and use only the integrated one. This will compromise graphics performance.

https://gfx.io/

A permanent solution would be a logic board replacement.

Ciao.

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Answer 2

Batholdy Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 3, 2015 7:34 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Thank you for the quick reply.

I had a logic board replacement under this program three or four years ago.

I think the issue was that the computer would just turn black without any cause.

This was resolved by the new logic board.

Do you know if this stuttering / failure of the GPU is also related to a faulty logic board?

I can not remember this happening the year after the logic board replacement – only in the last one to 1 and a half years this is happening

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Answer 3

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Apr 3, 2015 7:38 AM in response to Batholdy

Batholdy wrote:

Do you know if this stuttering / failure of the GPU is also related to a faulty logic board?

I can not remember this happening the year after the logic board replacement – only in the last one to 1 and a half years this is happening

Make that appointment at an Apple store genius bar. They can ***** that definitively and the evaluation will be FREE. I cannot give you a meaningful answer.

Ciao.

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