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147798

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Dec 29, 2007
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I found a reasonable price on a used 15" MBP 2014 with discreet graphics. I've read about the issues with 2011-12 15" MBP. Is there anything to look out for with a 2014 model?
 
I don't think I've seen any widespread issues with the 750m variants. I had one since launch (late 2013) that has since been passed along to my wife and it's running as good as new. I can only speak for myself so take that for what it's worth. I'm optimistic that this is the card that breaks the terrible history Apple has been having with dGPUs. Only time will tell. My 650m was plagued with issues from the get go.
 
My 650m was plagued with issues from the get go.

Just out of interest, was that on the rMBP or cMBP? My 650M hasn't skipped a beat on the cMBP, but I know that Apple had an extended repair program for the 2012 rMBPs along with the 2011 15"/17" models.
 
Apple has determined that a small percentage of MacBook Pro systems may exhibit distorted video, no video, or unexpected system restarts. These MacBook Pro systems were sold between February 2011 and December 2013.

Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will repair affected MacBook Pro systems, free of charge. See below for details on affected models and service options.


Symptoms

An affected MacBook Pro may display one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Distorted or scrambled video on the computer screen
  • No video on the computer screen (or external display) even though the computer is on
  • Computer restarts unexpectedly



Products affected

  • 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models manufactured in 2011
  • 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina models manufactured from Mid 2012 to Early 2013



Identify your model
Use the "Check your Coverage" tool on the Apple Support site to determine if your MacBook Pro model matches the list of affected products below. Sample results:

check_your_coverage.png


Affected Models
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2012)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch Early 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch Late 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (Retina, 15 inch, Early 2013)


Note: If your MacBook Pro is not experiencing any of these symptoms and is not one of the products affected, you do not need to contact Apple.


Repair Process
Please choose one of the options below for service. Your MacBook Pro will be examined prior to any service to verify that it is eligible for this program and is otherwise in working order.

Note: If your MacBook Pro has any damage, which prevents the repair, such as a cracked screen, that issue will need to be resolved during service. You will be notified about any additional repair charges that are required.

Please back up your data before your MacBook Pro is serviced. Learn more about backup options.

  • Carry-in
    • Bring your MacBook Pro to a participating provider - Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider.
    • A technician will run a diagnostic test on the MacBook Pro to verify eligibility.
    • Repair turn around time will vary based upon parts and technician availability.
    • You will be notified when your MacBook Pro is ready for pickup.
  • Mail-in
    • Call Apple and request a postage paid box to send your MacBook Pro to the local Apple Repair Center.
    • A technician will run a diagnostic test on your MacBook Pro to verify eligibility.
    • The repair process takes approximately 5-7 days from the time your MacBook Pro is received at the repair center until it is returned to you.
    • After it has been serviced, your MacBook Pro will be returned to you by mail.


Additional Information
Apple is contacting customers who paid for a repair either through Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to arrange reimbursement. If you have not been contacted, but paid for a repair that you think was due to this issue, please contact Apple.

This worldwide Apple program does not extend the standard warranty coverage of the MacBook Pro.

The program covers affected MacBook Pro models until December 31, 2016 or four years from its original date of sale, whichever provides longer coverage for you.

Not yet. They are too new, but will probably be added in due time.
 
Just out of interest, was that on the rMBP or cMBP? My 650M hasn't skipped a beat on the cMBP, but I know that Apple had an extended repair program for the 2012 rMBPs along with the 2011 15"/17" models.

It was a Mid 2012 retina 15", we had two in my household. One had repeat issues with the dGPU (650m) and the other had reoccurring "exploding" pixels. I know lots of people have had great experiences with their circa mid 2012/ early 2013 MacBooks so I could have just had a run of bad luck but because of my awful experience with that particular model I wouldn't recommend the Mid 2012/Early 2013. My personal opinion is that the Late 2013 is the best value for $ in the used market right now.
 
It was a Mid 2012 retina 15", we had two in my household. One had repeat issues with the dGPU (650m) and the other had reoccurring "exploding" pixels. I know lots of people have had great experiences with their circa mid 2012/ early 2013 MacBooks so I could have just had a run of bad luck but because of my awful experience with that particular model I wouldn't recommend the Mid 2012/Early 2013. My personal opinion is that the Late 2013 is the best value for $ in the used market right now.

Hi, thank you for taking the time to respond.

I definitely agree with you. I'm not sure why the non-Retina 2012 model was so reliable with the same GPU, yet the rMBP had failures to the hilt.
 
Hi, thank you for taking the time to respond.

I definitely agree with you. I'm not sure why the non-Retina 2012 model was so reliable with the same GPU, yet the rMBP had failures to the hilt.

You're welcome. I think the 2012 retina just had teething issues. I never really looked in to what caused the issue there. That is curious regarding the 2012 cMBP, I wonder why that is.

Something to note, my 2012 had dGPU issues within 6 months, I can't exactly remember the timeframe. My Late 2013 is 2 and half years old now with no issues. For anybody who wants to jump in here saying that I'm making an assumption on all MacBooks based on my experience alone, I'm not. Just giving my personal experience here and maybe someone will find that helpful.
 
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