Failing 2011 Macbook pro GPU

lavrishevo · Oct 13, 2014

My 3.5 year old early 2011 MBP just started giving me all kinds of problems because of the failing AMD GPU. Anyone else have any luck with getting Apple to replace the logic board under any kind of warranty or replacement program? I have a genius appointment this evening and I am hoping for the best. What a nightmare. This model has not been as reliable for sure. Replaced battery, 1 fan, and the keyboard in 3.5 years. Now GPU is failing...

TheIguana · Oct 13, 2014

Apple doesn't consider the GPU failure issue with the 2011 MBP a wide spread enough issue to offer an extended warranty or replacement program. As we get further and further away from 2011 I think it is becoming more and more remote that Apple will provide such a program.

For repairs, many people on this forum have had their computer repaired or replaced under Applecare within their 3 years of coverage. Those without Applecare and beyond the first year of warranty have had to pay for out of warranty logic board replacements.

Apple has offered many of these folks a flat rate repair (the cost escapes me right now), but at the end of the day your just getting another logic board that will likely crop up with the same issue again.

awests · Oct 13, 2014

My early 2011 MBP GPU went out on me last year. Out of warranty replacement for the logic board was ~$300. No problems since.

yjchua95 · Oct 13, 2014

lavrishevo said:
My 3.5 year old early 2011 MBP just started giving me all kinds of problems because of the failing AMD GPU. Anyone else have any luck with getting Apple to replace the logic board under any kind of warranty or replacement program? I have a genius appointment this evening and I am hoping for the best. What a nightmare. This model has not been as reliable for sure. Replaced battery, 1 fan, and the keyboard in 3.5 years. Now GPU is failing...

My 2011 has been up and running without any problems...until the Radeongate debacle bummed me.

I got it reballed with leaded solder and applied the thermal paste nicely on both the CPU and GPU. Now it's running really slick and cool (idle temps of around 39-45ºC).

I even overclocked the GPU to 800/900 (core/clock in MHz) at 0.955V, and it doesn't even overheat. This was done via Boot Camp.

lavrishevo · Oct 14, 2014

yjchua95 said:
My 2011 has been up and running without any problems...until the Radeongate debacle bummed me.

I got it reballed with leaded solder and applied the thermal paste nicely on both the CPU and GPU. Now it's running really slick and cool (idle temps of around 39-45ºC).

I even overclocked the GPU to 800/900 (core/clock in MHz) at 0.955V, and it doesn't even overheat. This was done via Boot Camp.

Can you explain what you mean by "reballed?" Is this better then having the logic board replaced?

saturnotaku · Oct 14, 2014

lavrishevo said:
Can you explain what you mean by "reballed?" Is this better then having the logic board replaced?

Basically, this means re-applying the solder that connected the GPU to the logic board. The stuff Apple put in there originally was unable to stand up to heating and cooling cycles. There are lots of services available that can do this, typically at a cost of US$200 or less, and it's a much better solution than getting the logic board replaced if you're out of warranty.

My 2011 MBP's GPU has yet to fail, but I'm still covered by AppleCare until July of next year. If it goes after that, I'll definitely use a re-balling service to fix it.

lavrishevo · Oct 14, 2014

Thanks. Did not make it to the Apple store but I will still see if they are willing to fix it.

I started looking online and found a company on eBay that will do it for about $100

http://www.ebay.com/itm/231185592718

Gav Mack · Oct 14, 2014

lavrishevo said:
Thanks. Did not make it to the Apple store but I will still see if they are willing to fix it.

I started looking online and found a company on eBay that will do it for about $100

http://www.ebay.com/itm/231185592718

That's when you send them the logic board and they reball the gpu. Fine if you know what you're doing taking a logic board out, if not get someone who really does know. If you can specify using lead solder I would take that option they fail less than lead free reballs I have learnt through years of having boards done.

lavrishevo · Oct 14, 2014

I think I could do it but I'm not sure if I want to. Still hoping Apple will replace the board.

The other thing is I have found various other services, for about $100 - $200 more, that will replace the GPU with an updated version from 2012. Anyone else think this is the better way to go vs having the old one reballed. The updated chip from what I understand permanently fixes the problem. Or is it related to degrading thermal paste over time. I have read that some have had success by just replacing the thermal paste on the heat sink.

Gav Mack · Oct 14, 2014

lavrishevo said:
I think I could do it but I'm not sure if I want to. Still hoping Apple

The other thing is I have found various other services, for about $100 - $200 more that will replace the GPU with an updated version from 2012. Anyone else think this is the better way to go vs having the old one reballed.

A newer but identical GPU, ideally lead soldered by far the best option. If they use your existing GPU it's a reflow, not a reball and most of the time they don't last that long before dying again. Make sure they use less paste and polish the contact plates on the heatsink assembly, they run far cooler and fail far less polishing those copper bits.

I'm still hoping Apple will do the right thing too but they simply arent, leaving the user with the bill and hassle to fix it. Save your invoice in case they finally cave in and announce a repair program so you can be reimbursed.

lavrishevo · Oct 14, 2014

Gav Mack said:
A newer but identical GPU, ideally lead soldered by far the best option. If they use your existing GPU it's a reflow, not a reball and most of the time they don't last that long before dying again. Make sure they use less paste and polish the contact plates on the heatsink assembly, they run far cooler and fail far less polishing those copper bits.

I'm still hoping Apple will do the right thing too but they simply arent, leaving the user with the bill and hassle to fix it. Save your invoice in case they finally cave in and announce a repair program so you can be reimbursed.

Great. Thanks for your advice and clarification on the terminology. I'll update as I go. Right now I am leaning towards a company like this if Apple says no:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EXCHANGE-MA...473619668?pt=Motherboards&hash=item19f45872d4

Gav Mack · Oct 14, 2014

lavrishevo said:
Great. Thanks for your advice and clarification on the terminology. I'll update as I go. Right now I am leaning towards a company like this if Apple says no:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EXCHANGE-MA...473619668?pt=Motherboards&hash=item19f45872d4

Looks ok but doesn't say whether they use lead or not - I refer all mine to a company called bga-repairs here in the uk who I know use lead solder, a new gpu and polish the plates. Out of the 9 I've referred not one has failed which is a rather better success rate than Apple's dreadful depot boards. Lead solder is between 35-45c less heat to the logic board which has had plenty of heat cycles as it is. Seeing the scorch marks on Apple's depot boards where it's been soldered too hot I would rather take mine to a specialist who uses that environmentally unfriendly lead which are still exempt in mission critical industries such as defence, energy and infrastructure..

I own a 2011 but have repasted and polished my own cooling system. 20c drop on idle temperatures. If my gpu does fail I won't be sending it to Apple that I can be certain of!

California · Oct 14, 2014

lavrishevo said:
Great. Thanks for your advice and clarification on the terminology. I'll update as I go. Right now I am leaning towards a company like this if Apple says no:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EXCHANGE-MA...473619668?pt=Motherboards&hash=item19f45872d4

Gav Mack said:
Looks ok but doesn't say whether they use lead or not - I refer all mine to a company called bga-repairs here in the uk who I know use lead solder, a new gpu and polish the plates. Out of the 9 I've referred not one has failed which is a rather better success rate than Apple's dreadful depot boards. Lead solder is between 35-45c less heat to the logic board which has had plenty of heat cycles as it is. Seeing the scorch marks on Apple's depot boards where it's been soldered too hot I would rather take mine to a specialist who uses that environmentally unfriendly lead which are still exempt in mission critical industries such as defence, energy and infrastructure..

I own a 2011 but have repasted and polished my own cooling system. 20c drop on idle temperatures. If my gpu does fail I won't be sending it to Apple that I can be certain of!

Leaded vs Lead free solder:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptXBfJ--Ri8

lavrishevo · Oct 14, 2014

Apple Store has a $310 flat rate they offered for a new main board. Still going to see if Apple Care will take care of it. Or I may go third party. Multiple choices here. Even at $310 it's not too bad. Probably worth it considering I get the whole board.

Apple_Robert · Oct 14, 2014

lavrishevo said:
Apple Store has a $310 flat rate they offered for a new main board. Still going to see if Apple Care will take care of it. Or I may go third party. Multiple choices here. Even at $310 it's not too bad. Probably worth it considering I get the whole board.

I seriously doubt you will do better for a brand new board than $310.

Gav Mack · Oct 14, 2014

lavrishevo said:
Apple Store has a $310 flat rate they offered for a new main board. Still going to see if Apple Care will take care of it. Or I may go third party. Multiple choices here. Even at $310 it's not too bad. Probably worth it considering I get the whole board.

That's the refurb depot board for 310 bucks I was so complimentary about earlier.

afmbp · Oct 22, 2014

Hi,

I was wondering if its safe/ good idea to download the new Yosemite update on my Macbook Pro 2011 which has recently started to suffer from graphics card failure?

The problem is especially evident at the start up, generally my mac will shut down when asleep and when I attempt a normal startup I will get a pink screen.

I have found that this can only be resolved by attempting multiple different startups (verbose, sing user reboot, NVPRAM, SMRC...) until it switches on again to a blue/ grey scree.

Do you think I should attempt to download Yosemite? or will it only cause further problems....

Gav Mack · Oct 22, 2014

afmbp said:
Hi,

I was wondering if its safe/ good idea to download the new Yosemite update on my Macbook Pro 2011 which has recently started to suffer from graphics card failure?

The problem is especially evident at the start up, generally my mac will shut down when asleep and when I attempt a normal startup I will get a pink screen.

I have found that this can only be resolved by attempting multiple different startups (verbose, sing user reboot, NVPRAM, SMRC...) until it switches on again to a blue/ grey scree.

Do you think I should attempt to download Yosemite? or will it only cause further problems....

I wouldnt. If you are in London and its your first logic board fail I would find bga-repairs shop on ebay who are in Hereford and ship it to him to have a fresh AMD GPU lead reballed on your logic board. You'll find the AMD 2011 repair listed think its £179.

So far I have referred 9 there and none have broken down again which is a superb failure rate compared to a refurb Apple depot board. Apple legally cannot reball using leaded solder but independents can and if or when mine fails bga-repairs will be fixing it and not Apple. He too realises that polishing the plates and using less and better thermal paste saves him on warranty repairs like I've found with it as a preventative measure.

And if anyone asks I haven't earned a single penny on referrals - Just like everything I do I want it to work and not come back with a problem. Same applies to re balling these GPU's on the 2011 and bearing in mind Apple charge £410 for a depot board in the UK which fail often it's a bit of a bargain. If I had AppleCare on my late 2011 (which I havent) I wouldn't get my board with its first failure done for free I would pay instead for the best repair I could have - with lead solder.

lavrishevo · Nov 10, 2014

Just an update...

I have been running around the US with work and forcing the GPU to stay on integrated had worked but then finally yesterday she would only boot to a white screen. Only way to get her up was to manually remove ATI/AMD kext from the preferences but she runs terribly this way now. Dropping her off at the Apple Store tonight for a new motherboard. Tried to convince Apple Care to cover it but they of course don't even admit it is a problem.

lionkin · Nov 10, 2014

lavrishevo said:
Just an update...

I have been running around the US with work and forcing the GPU to stay on integrated had worked but then finally yesterday she would only boot to a white screen. Only way to get her up was to manually remove ATI/AMD kext from the preferences but she runs terribly this way now. Dropping her off at the Apple Store tonight for a new motherboard. Tried to convince Apple Care to cover it but they of course don't even admit it is a problem.

My previous laptop was early 2011 15inch macbook pro. I pay flat rate of $310 and they repair my laptop six times. I was fortunate all of the six repair was cover by 90 day warranty. Last week apple genius bar offer me brand new 15inch macbook pro retina display and I accept the offer. My current laptop gpu is intel iris pro and I am happy with that.

lavrishevo · Nov 10, 2014

lionkin said:
My previous laptop was early 2011 15inch macbook pro. I pay flat rate of $310 and they repair my laptop six times. I was fortunate all of the six repair was cover by 90 day warranty. Last week apple genius bar offer me brand new 15inch macbook pro retina display and I accept the offer. My current laptop gpu is intel iris pro and I am happy with that.

Wow. Lucky you. New MBP. I don't think Apple is going to offer my anything. Not even a free cookie.

brdeveloper · Nov 10, 2014

lionkin said:
My previous laptop was early 2011 15inch macbook pro. I pay flat rate of $310 and they repair my laptop six times. I was fortunate all of the six repair was cover by 90 day warranty. Last week apple genius bar offer me brand new 15inch macbook pro retina display and I accept the offer. My current laptop gpu is intel iris pro and I am happy with that.

It looks like a way to get the radeongate solved, although it's not free. It's better than paying the full price for a retina MBP, though.

1- Send your "radeongate" Mac to an AASP;
2- After fixed, install the heaviest 3D game you can and launch the demo mode until your gpu gets broken again.
3- Repeat 1 and 2 until Apple finally offer you a new machine.

It's not really a recall, but it's better than nothing.

Eternal 28 · Nov 10, 2014

My 2011 Macbook pro is acting up again two weeks after having the logic board replaced. I hope apple will offer to replace this unit as this is an inconvience having to drop my laptop off and be without a work machine.

MagicBoy · Nov 11, 2014

brdeveloper said:
It looks like a way to get the radeongate solved, although it's not free. It's better than paying the full price for a retina MBP, though.

1- Send your "radeongate" Mac to an AASP;
2- After fixed, install the heaviest 3D game you can and launch the demo mode until your gpu gets broken again.
3- Repeat 1 and 2 until Apple finally offer you a new machine.

It's not really a recall, but it's better than nothing.

Try the Unigine Valley benchmark. It's much more effective.

My second board lasted 30 seconds before it started artifacting...

poiihy · Nov 11, 2014

TheIguana said:
Apple doesn't consider the GPU failure issue with the 2011 MBP a wide spread enough issue to offer an extended warranty or replacement program. As we get further and further away from 2011 I think it is becoming more and more remote that Apple will provide such a program.

For repairs, many people on this forum have had their computer repaired or replaced under Applecare within their 3 years of coverage. Those without Applecare and beyond the first year of warranty have had to pay for out of warranty logic board replacements.

Apple has offered many of these folks a flat rate repair (the cost escapes me right now), but at the end of the day your just getting another logic board that will likely crop up with the same issue again.

What do they do with old logic boards and parts? Do they throw it away or recycle them or refurbish them and make new macs out of them?

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