Repaired logicboard, makes sense to buy Apple Care Protection?

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Level 1

8 points

Repaired logicboard, makes sense to buy Apple Care Protection?

I experienced troubled with fragmented screen randomly when displaying videos, send the MB into repair and got it back with a message that the logicboard has been replaced. There weren't provided a reason for why there were a fault on the logicboard so I'm a bit nervous that it could happen again. What can cause this and then Apple provide no reason?

My 1 year limited warranty expires this month so what if the logicboard is causing trouble in the future? If I buy an Apple Care Protection plan will it then cover possible repairs on the new logicboard? Or do I have a new limited warranty on by new logicboard?

The MB are used for studies, graphical design programs such as photoshop, streaming and similar things, if that makes a difference.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015), macOS Sierra (10.12.5)

Posted on Jul 4, 2017 8:57 AM

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Answer 1

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,306 points

Jul 4, 2017 9:03 AM in response to SabrineA.

The logic board contains all intergated circuts on the laptop. What could cause this? A problem with a circuit or device on the board. Could it happen again? Absolutely. Will it happen again? Unknown.

If a replacement is needed on a device out of warranty or without of AppleCare it can be nearly the cost of a new laptop.

If AppleCare is still an option then the logic board replacement cost could be folded into AppleCare several times over. Apple will replace with a new or refurbished board if the device is in warranty, it's entirely up to them and the warranty does not expressly say "in the event of ... you get a NEW logic board."

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Answer 2

tjk

Level 9

51,192 points

Jul 4, 2017 9:10 AM in response to SabrineA.

Hi,

I believe you have a 90 day warranty on the "new" (it may be used or refurbished, as allowed by Apple's written repair policy) logic board. If so, this should extend beyond the end of your one year warranty period. Check with Apple to know for sure.

The 2015s haven't shown a weakness in the logic board any more so than any other model of MBP (and far less than 2011-2013, and 2016 models). Given that, and the fact that the logic board may be used/refurbished, AppleCare is a tossup, as is all "insurance." In your situation, given what's already happened, I would be inclined to purchase the AppleCare. Check around for prices, as I've heard you can get it for a significant discount other places (google for it).

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Answer 3

SabrineA. Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 4, 2017 9:21 AM in response to JimmyCMPIT

I know what the logic board does -> It was more what could case it, as external factors; water/humidity damage, temperatures caused by programs etc.

It is exactly the cost that worries me. I got it changed this time covered by the warranty and thats fine, but what if it happens again in a year. It is only a one year old computer so i'm a bit annoyed it can't even last a year, what says it will last the next year then 😟

Is it both Apple Care + and Apple Care Protection plan that will cover if I need it to be replaced again?

It was more if the provided the same warranty on the new/refurbished component used for repairs, I have experienced this with other products so were wondering if Apple provided the same service of have a warranty on replaced components. It have just been pointed out to me this idea may be from the consumer law in the country I'm in.

I have otherwise been super happy about the notebook but if I need to change the logic board every year then it is quite a bummer on a expensive notebook.

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Answer 4

SabrineA. Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 4, 2017 9:17 AM in response to tjk

90 days doesn't do much, I hope. If it crashes within 90 days then it is really uphill from here.

I say new because for me it is new and therefore should function as new, otherwise a repair does not do much.

Exactly it is a change, if I need to replace it again then it may pay of if not then properly not. But as you say it has already happened, so I say there are a pretty high risk of it happening. It was more that i could be sure the plan actually cover repairs on logic board and that it is not one of the things they will not repair. I couldn't quite understand from the terms of AppleCare if they covered that type of repairs.

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Answer 5

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,306 points

Jul 4, 2017 9:28 AM in response to SabrineA.

Speak to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Repair Center and they can provide you with clarity on your question.

If Apple repaired the logic board they will sometimes identify what on the logic board failed on the returned paper work. If water was involved, yes, water causes serious problems, so does heat, so does extreme cold, so does "just using the computer" I support dozens of Macs, and I have AppleCare on all of them. What it costs us to provide that to everyone has more than once covered the cost of repairs on a number of iMacs and Macbook's that required Logic Board replacements for a variety of reasons.

The only factor that in almost all cases does not cause hardware damage are programs - with a notable exception; Spotify: A few iterations back it was clobbering SSD's and shortening their lifespan with constant write and delete functionality.

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Answer 6

tjk

Level 9

51,192 points

Jul 4, 2017 9:21 AM in response to SabrineA.

Yes, if the logic board was replaced by Apple or an AASP, the entire MBP would be covered the same as it is during the initial one year warranty.

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