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lion_nel Author

Level 1

13 points

Mac-Mini 2011 - AMD Radeon GPU Failure

Hello everyone, I meet with my mini 2011 (AMD video card) the same problem as the MacBook and iMac to the same generation. Apple has launched an extended warranty for Imac:

iMac (27-inch): AMD Radeon 6970M Video Card Replacement Program - Apple Support

macbook :

http://www.macrumors.com/2015/02/19/2011-macbook-pro-repair-program-apple/

But nothing for the mini that has exactly the same problem. There are other mini users who have had problems:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7436149?searchText=2011%20AMD

Mac mini mid 2011 display issue AMD radeon 6630m

And many others I'm sure.

I know he is selling fewer mini but that does not excuse either. I return from GeniusBar that tells me that this has nothing to do. And presents me a motherboard change quote the price of a new mini. I grant that it takes to Apple supports this as repair for MacBook and iMac to the same generation with an AMD video? I am taking advice and opinions. Thank you for your help.

Mac mini

Posted on Mar 26, 2016 7:08 AM

Top-ranking reply

gokko

Level 1

4 points

Posted on Jun 20, 2017 1:37 PM

I disabled Radeon card. Not perfect solution but it works.

Boot your mac in single user mode (Press cmd+s while booting)

Mount your root partition in read/write mode ( mount -uw / )

Move all ATI kernel extensions to another directory ( mkdir /ATI;mv /System/Library/Extensions/ATI* /ATI )

and reboot your mac.

After any MacOS update, ATI kernel extensions will be replaced. So you have to repeat this steps.

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48 replies

lion_nel Author

Level 1

13 points

Jul 22, 2016 11:02 PM in response to electric_larry

In Europe the repair is about 400euros. I suggest you you formally complain to Apple. This will probably change anything, but you never know. Then the repair level, as there is a manufacturing defect in the GPU, it is useless. Indeed, it will fall down irretrievably.
Better to avoid the last mini. Anemic processors, and very price too high. still poor reliability at Apple.

too short warranty too.

lllaass

Level 10

210,459 points

Jul 23, 2016 12:35 AM in response to lion_nel

You said "as there is a manufacturing defect in the GPU, it is useless".

Not really true. The problem is with the soldered connection between the GPU chip and the logic board. That is why baking frequently works

lion_nel Author

Level 1

13 points

Jul 23, 2016 12:50 AM in response to lllaass

To be precise the exact problem, and known, Apple and the following: This is the graphics chip that has a flaw. It is the connections between the silicon chip and the BGA substrate which eventually crack with time and heating / cooling cycles. And DIY is to heat the motherboard in an oven do not fix the problem.

If it works, it just saves a little time and nothing more.And irretrievably, it will end in failure again.

Berc

Level 1

4 points

Aug 18, 2016 10:39 AM in response to lion_nel

I have one of the affected minis. First bake worked for a month. Second bake worked for 5 days. Heat gun worked for 1 week. This is so widespread, Apple should address it.

lllaass

Level 10

210,459 points

Aug 18, 2016 10:42 AM in response to Berc

What makes you think the Mini problem is widespread?

lion_nel Author

Level 1

13 points

Aug 18, 2016 10:49 AM in response to Berc

I'm not surprised.
This confirms my words.
Apple will do nothing except classaction.

lion_nel Author

Level 1

13 points

Aug 18, 2016 10:51 AM in response to lllaass

it's a joke ?
Since the video chip is defective ... the majority of mini-AMD will be affected ...!
As Imac and Macbook same generation are and will be affected.

lion_nel Author

Level 1

13 points

Aug 30, 2016 11:27 PM in response to lion_nel

I went up the subject.
Come choose your testimony.

Carmelid

Level 1

4 points

Sep 1, 2016 12:05 AM in response to lion_nel

I have the same problem. MacOS El Capitan running on Mac Mini 5,2 with 2,7Ghz Intel Core i7, 16Gb RAM and AMD Radeon HD 6630M 256 MB-grapichs. Thought it would last forever (just like my mid 2009 MacBook Pro I'm currently typing on), but no. I haven't even been using it much, and when I do it's basically just Safari, Spotify and Preview that I use on it. I really don't feel like putting it in the oven, but I'm thinking about downgrading the OS, I read somewhere that the Metal API can cause trouble. Worth a try at least... Anyways, you are not alone in having these issues!