How to be sure my graphics card is the problem

Question

Level 1

25 points

How to be sure my graphics card is the problem

Hi to all!

This is really hard to explain, since there is lots of behaviours.

MacBook (late or early 2011, not sure and can't check it now)

It won't boot most of the time (gray screen). When it does (sometimes I get it after dozens of tries), it won't open after a Sleep session. I neither won't reboot, nor shut down.

There's sometimes (not all the time, recently it was fine) graphics bugs. That made me think that it a graphics card problem. So to be at least capable of using it, I tried this:

Resolved - Force 2011 MacBook Pro 8,2 with failed AMD GPU to ALWAYS use Intel integrated GPU (EFI variable fix) | MacRum…

It didn't work... meaning it couldn't reboot after (gray screen forever), although the process seemed to have worked fine.

I could reboot in Safe Mode, and have a look at how it looks.

How can I know if it's 100% a graphics card problem?

I tried the Apple hardware check, and there were nothing wrong in the results.

Thanks a lot!

Logic Pro X, OS X Yosemite (10.10.1)

Posted on Jan 28, 2018 10:01 AM

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Answer 1

Allan Jones

Level 9

77,786 points

Jan 28, 2018 10:13 AM in response to denis9009

One easy test is to attach a external monitor. If the symptoms also show on the external monitor, the problem most likely lies at the logic board level, including graphics hardware. And you do not have a "card." The video hardware is integral with and soldered to the logic board. The only proper fix is a new logic board.

If there are no symptoms on the external monitor, then the problem most likely lies with the display, its cabling, or a gadget called an inverter.

MacBook (late or early 2011, not sure and can't check it now)

If your MBP turns out to be a 2012 model, please see this:

MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Jan 28, 2018 10:20 AM in response to denis9009

In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test and ask specifically for the VST (Video Systems Test)

Genius reservation http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

on-line https://getsupport.apple.com/GetproductgroupList.action

check warranty https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do

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Answer 3

denis9009 Author

Level 1

25 points

Jan 28, 2018 3:23 PM in response to Allan Jones

Thanks Allan!

Well, for now, I just can't boot it, even in Safe Mode. So even if I would connect an external screen...

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Answer 4

denis9009 Author

Level 1

25 points

Jan 28, 2018 3:28 PM in response to leroydouglas

Merci leroydouglas!

I see that I could talk on the phone with an employee. I'll check that, but I'm starting to think that I'll have to bring it to a repair store (**** it, that would be the first time in my life, I've always repaired my computers by myself).

I don't even know what is the problem.

If I would be sure that it's the hard drive, for instance, I'd change it myself. Easy.

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