2011 MBP Died

[Huntn]

My 2011 MBP (see signature) just died on me, a computer that has been more than adequate for mobile gaming for almost 5 years. I'll be taking it into the Apple Store next week for a prognosis. While using it, the screen went blank, it self initiated a restart, it hangs 50% into startup, the screen goes blank, and then it restarts again and will do this endlessly if I let it. I suspect a graphics problem? On line there are references to "Mac hangs at 50%" and suggesting resetting the NVRAM, tried that no help. Any clues?

 

[keysofanxiety]

My 2011 MBP (see signature) just died on me, a computer that has been more than adequate for mobile gaming for almost 5 years. I'll be taking it into the Apple Store next week for a prognosis. While using it, the screen went blank, it self initiated a restart, it hangs 50% into startup, the screen goes blank, and then it restarts again and will do this endlessly if I let it. I suspect a graphics problem? On line there are references to "Mac hangs at 50%" and suggesting resetting the NVRAM, tried that no help. Any clues?

Yeah matey sounds like the GPU is shot. At least you'll be getting it sorted free-of-charge through your consumer law so you'll be covered. 🙂

 

[chrfr]

My 2011 MBP (see signature) just died on me, a computer that has been more than adequate for mobile gaming for almost 5 years. I'll be taking it into the Apple Store next week for a prognosis. While using it, the screen went blank, it self initiated a restart, it hangs 50% into startup, the screen goes blank, and then it restarts again and will do this endlessly if I let it. I suspect a graphics problem? On line there are references to "Mac hangs at 50%" and suggesting resetting the NVRAM, tried that no help. Any clues?

You may be covered by Apple's repair extension for graphics problems: https://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro-videoissues/

 

[Huntn]

Thanks, I'll report back...

 

[Huntn]

Great News! Just got back from the Apple Store and my MBP is suffering a graphic something (coordinator?) problem, I don't think it is a graphic card failure (my model has dedicated graphics), but it is covered by an extended Apple Quality warranty (my 3 year Apple Care ran out last year). So, what would have been a $300 repair is covered, new motherboard, so maybe I can get another 3 years out of this. 🙂🙂

Is this a reason to really like Apple? 🙂 I'm wondering if owners of 4 year old PC laptops with heat issues, could expect a free replacement?

 

[garirry]

Great to hear! Hope it works fine!

 

[Max(IT)]

the culprit was the gaming .... The 2011/2012 model suffers from GPU heat-related failures, and gaming is accelerating that.

 

[MagicBoy]

It was an AMD GPU failure.

If the price is now $300 then it's come down. I got quoted £700+ a year ago.

 

[Max(IT)]

It was an AMD GPU failure.

If the price is now $300 then it's come down. I got quoted £700+ a year ago.

it is covered by extended warranty

 

[duervo]

If they told

Great News! Just got back from the Apple Store and my MBP is suffering a graphic something (coordinator?) problem, I don't think it is a graphic card failure (my model has dedicated graphics), but it is covered by an extended Apple Quality warranty (my 3 year Apple Care ran out last year). So, what would have been a $300 repair is covered, new motherboard, so maybe I can get another 3 years out of this. 🙂🙂

Is this a reason to really like Apple? 🙂 I'm wondering if owners of 4 year old PC laptops with heat issues, could expect a free replacement?

GMUX chip is what it sounds like to me. It's the chip in MBP that is responsible for the graphics switching capability. It connects to the dGPU first on boot. Any problem with it will cause your system to fail to boot, because it effectively won't "see" any GPU. That's also why any system with a bad dGPU in it will fail to boot.

If that is what was failing, then I highly doubt that your long term gaming was the root cause of the issue, as pointed out by somebody else here.

 

[Huntn]

If they told


GMUX chip is what it sounds like to me. It's the chip in MBP that is responsible for the graphics switching capability. It connects to the dGPU first on boot. Any problem with it will cause your system to fail to boot, because it effectively won't "see" any GPU. That's also why any system with a bad dGPU in it will fail to boot.

If that is what was failing, then I highly doubt that your long term gaming was the root cause of the issue, as pointed out by somebody else here.

I think that's it! 🙂

the culprit was the gaming .... The 2011/2012 model suffers from GPU heat-related failures, and gaming is accelerating that.

I game with it often with the fan blowing...

It was an AMD GPU failure.

If the price is now $300 then it's come down. I got quoted £700+ a year ago.

I have no real idea if this individual component is replaced or if the entire motherboard is replaced. Anyone know? My impression is motherboard.

 

[MagicBoy]

I have no real idea if this individual component is replaced or if the entire motherboard is replaced. Anyone know? My impression is motherboard.

Replacement logic board, which is the apple term for a motherboard. The CPU and GPU are soldered on and therefore not individually replaceable (or upgradeable) without specialist equipment.

Apple don't do board level repairs for an individual customer. The faulty parts can then be refurbished and reused centrally.

it is covered by extended warranty

The repair extension got announced end of Feb 2015. When mine failed in May 2014 Apple had their collective heads in the sand denying there was an issue.

Any other pearls of wisdom for me?

 

[chrfr]

The repair extension got announced end of Feb 2015. When mine failed in May 2014 Apple had their collective heads in the sand denying there was an issue.

Apple will reimburse earlier paid repairs on this one, so if you paid, submit a claim.

 

[MagicBoy]

I didn't. I used UK consumer law to negotiate a no-cost repair. After they gave me the comedy quote.

The replacement logic boards failed numerous times, so Apple replaced the machine in the July. Hopefully the quality of the parts for the extended repair programme have improved. I can't fault the customer service.

Anyway, this is going off topic... 😉

 

[Max(IT)]

Replacement logic board, which is the apple term for a motherboard. The CPU and GPU are soldered on and therefore not individually replaceable (or upgradeable) without specialist equipment.

Apple don't do board level repairs for an individual customer. The faulty parts can then be refurbished and reused centrally.



The repair extension got announced end of Feb 2015. When mine failed in May 2014 Apple had their collective heads in the sand denying there was an issue.

Any other pearls of wisdom for me?

calm down ....
they can refund you if you had it serviced by AASP / Apple Store

 

[MagicBoy]

I'm perfectly calm.

Do you have reading comprehension issues?

 

[macjunk(ie)]

I think that's it! 🙂



I game with it often with the fan blowing...



I have no real idea if this individual component is replaced or if the entire motherboard is replaced. Anyone know? My impression is motherboard.

Think it is just the motherboard...It is not a permanent solution. The replacement motherboard is also a ticking time bomb...

 

[Huntn]

Think it is just the motherboard...It is not a permanent solution. The replacement motherboard is also a ticking time bomb...

This one lasted 4 years and since I built a PC in late 2013, I don't game on it nearly as much. I have high hopes I'll get at least 2 more years out of it.

 

[Huntn]

Picked up my 2011 MBP today from the Apple Store.
They replaced the Motherboard, Memory , and Guide Camera Cable at no charge to me under an Apple Graphics Quality Program, although the computer is 4 years old and out of Apple Care Warranty. They can afford it and it keeps customers like me coming back for more. Picked up a new ipad for the wife today. 🙂🙂

 

[Queen6]

The replacement Logic Boards are generally refurbished, so if pushed they tend to fail again rapidly for the very same reasons. Recommend that you put it through it`s paces, if the board is new (unlikely at this point) it will stand up, if it`s been refurbished highly likely it will fail. Come February 2016 you will be on your own with it and any further associated costs. Remember these Notebooks were allegedly designed for professional/prosumer use, not to be baby`due to poor thermal design.

Apple do this to save on cost, as they have no alternative on the face of court action, it also superficially keeps the customers happy, equally had Apple adequately designed the MPB in the first place none of this would have occurred in the first place for the countless tens of thousands of affected owners/users. Great example of Apple at their very best & worst...

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/radeongate-iii-2011-mbp-a-third-graphics-failure.1935768/

Q-6

 

[Mac-key]

My 2011 15MBP had the same issues, and I too, got a new motherboard for free... however not sure how long this one will hold out.

My question, do the 17MBP's from 2011 have the same GPU issues? Or was this restricted to the 15 inch models?

 

[Queen6]

My 2011 15MBP had the same issues, and I too, got a new motherboard for free... however not sure how long this one will hold out.

My question, do the 17MBP's from 2011 have the same GPU issues? Or was this restricted to the 15 inch models?

Yes as it`s the same component in both 15" & 17". The only differentiator is the 17" has slightly better cooling thanks to it`s larger chassis. The 17" is also on Apple`s extended dGPU warranty list, which confirms the above.

Realistically your limited to two options; use the Notebook lightly and try to keep the dGPU temperature below 70C or the opposite push it as hard as possible, likely resulting in dGPU failure again (especially with a refurbished LB), forcing Apple to effect further repair, repeat forcing Apple to ultimately replace the system. Personally I would choose the latter as this mess is on Apple in the first place, nor would I choose the easy option of selling the same to an unsuspecting individual.

IMO Apple should have been forced to replace all these affected systems with new units that are fit for purpose, as the design of the 2011 15" MBP is inherently flawed. If you use the 2011 lightly the issue may well never arise, equally if you engage the dGPU frequently it`s simply a matter of time before the Notebook will fail.

n.b. the dGPU warranty extension ends Feb 2016

FWIW we also own a 15" 2011 to date it`s run as expected, equally the clock is ticking...

Q-6

 

[Mac-key]

Yes as it`s the same component in both 15" & 17". The only differentiator is the 17" has slightly better cooling thanks to it`s larger chassis. The 17" is also on Apple`s extended dGPU warranty list, which confirms the above.

Realistically your limited to two options; use the Notebook lightly and try to keep the dGPU temperature below 70C or the opposite push it as hard as possible, likely resulting in dGPU failure again (especially with a refurbished LB), forcing Apple to effect further repair, repeat forcing Apple to ultimately replace the system. Personally I would choose the latter as this mess is on Apple in the first place, nor would I choose the easy option of selling the same to an unsuspecting individual.

IMO Apple should have been forced to replace all these affected systems with new units that are fit for purpose, as the design of the 2011 15" MBP is inherently flawed. If you use the 2011 lightly the issue may well never arise, equally if you engage the dGPU frequently it`s simply a matter of time before the Notebook will fail.

n.b. the dGPU warranty extension ends Feb 2016

Q-6

Well I guess that answers my question... I WAS looking to buy a 2011 17MBP to replace my 2011 15MBP, not anymore.

I don't push my GPU too hard (I never game) BUT I am a professional video guy, so I do a lot of editing.

 

[Queen6]

Well I guess that answers my question... I WAS looking to buy a 2011 17MBP to replace my 2011 15MBP, not anymore.

I don't push my GPU too hard (I never game) BUT I am a professional video guy, so I do a lot of editing.

That`s probably what is pushing your MBP`s dGPU and like as not with external displays. You would be far better served with a Retina or a desktop solution. The very best you can hope for with the 2011 is comparable performance to when it was new, reality is significantly less as the Logic Board will likely be refurbished.

Q-6

 

[macjunk(ie)]

My 2011 MBP, failed one, AFTER the replacement. It failed at a worse time too...I was coding for an interview! I thought I will never get an Apple laptop again but I did 🙂 Only this time, I got the base 15 with an upgraded SSD to 512GB..no graphics card. If you can sell the 2011 now, I would recommend that strongly. It is just unreliable. It will fail again...it is just a matter of time. BTW...I have had this problem 3 times now 🙂 The 2007 model, 2010 model and 2011 model. All three times I promised I am not gonna buy Apple again...failed three times courtesy OSX. Windows is still not there yet...