I'm doing this for my grandad, when his mac mini is turn on all he can see is "loads of different colours and they are all pixels/squears" Does this mean the graphics card has gone? Or is it something different?
Kind regards,
Jack
Mac mini
Perhaps you could more closely identify the Mac Mini because there
have been several builds under that name, & with different hardware.
• How to identify Mac mini models - Apple Support
Some model version owners had reported issues, so to know which
one your grandad has may be helpful. However depending on the
exact build model (year, graphics, CPU, etc) it may be easier to be
on the lookout for a different model. Or have an AASP look into it
to see if the hardware can be repaired at reasonable cost.
Integrated hardware fixed to the logic board makes some of these
newer most compact Macs most difficult to repair; yet there are
modules that could be swapped out in some instances. A good idea
is to look into the iFixit Repair Guides for Mac; and see the guide to
repair specific series your grandad owns. Gives you an insider view.
• Mac Mini iFixit Guides: https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Mac_Mini
Not sure what else to say; except depending on the Mac Mini build
year, there had been more graphic issues; and the GPU is affixed.
A thread of certain Mini issues (GPU) exists in ASC discussions.
Good luck & happy computing! 🙂
You may have to contact an Apple Store with Genius (set appointment ahead of visit) to discuss
this matter; or contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider, to see what it may take and get an
estimate of parts and labor required to restore its function. This may tell you if the unit would be
better replaced (given cost of newer or already repaired older unit, if official repair at resale) for
the monies involved. The low-end new Mini has certain constraints in as-shipped hardware; so
the upgrade path on those would be to buy the higher spec unit, at initial retail purchase.
Sometimes an SMC reset may help, but not always; a hardware failure had been the cause of
other users odd graphic effects in the Mini. Some iMacs also had GPU issues requiring repair.
• Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support
• How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support
• Get help with video issues on external displays connected to your Mac - Apple Support
Depending on the details you did not specify in original question, (OS X version, configuration, &
other specifications, re: age and built model year of the unit, etc) the results may vary. - Also note
diagnostic fees may apply for issues not covered under warranty or the AppleCare Protection Plan.
Good luck & happy computing! 🙂
If it is a 2011 Mac Mini with discrete NVidia graphics chip than it is likely this problem
When I turn on my Mac Mini all i can see is coloured squears
