2010 MacBook Pro Graphics Card Issue

Hi,

Install gfxCardStatus and set to "i" (integrated graphics only): https://gfx.io This will switch from you discrete GPU to the one integrated on the Intel chip. If it works, you'll lose some graphics performance, but it should stabilize things.

Tallmanirl wrote:

As the parts are no longer made for my mac, it has been suggested to me that I get a refurbished graphics card. However I’m also told this could require a new logic board. Is that the case?

Yes, a new logic board with a 'healthy' discrete GPU.

Another suggestion was could the problem have resulted from a preference being changed?

If so, how could I change it back?

No, the discrete GPU is malfunctioning and the problem cannot be resolved by any System Preferences setting.

Ciao.

Tallmanirl wrote:

I'll have a look at that but what graphics performance would I lose? How well would it work with Photoshop?

I don't know how much performance you'd lose, but it will still work with Photoshop. The only way to find out how much is to try it. A new logic board would cost you quite a bit, like $750 at ifixit.com, plus it's very difficult to change out. I think I'd gfxCardStatus a try.

You're welcome. 🙂

First picture, "Integrated Only"

I hate to tell you this, but you have a bad GPU that cannot be replaced. It is soldered to the logic board, and that means the fix is to replace the logic board. Those range from $350 to $750 depending on the exact model you have. To replace it yourself, ifixit.com rates it as "difficult" (I'd rate it as very difficult). https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+17-Inch+Unibody+Logic+Board+Replacement /3447