Bomb Bloke
macrumors regular
No, they're not the same thing. Passing the AHT tells you nothing about whether you'll pass the VHT (even if you loop extended tests for a day).
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Apple Initiates Repair Program for 2011-2013 MacBook Pros With Video Issues
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No, they're not the same thing. Passing the AHT tells you nothing about whether you'll pass the VHT (even if you loop extended tests for a day).
alexmarchuk
macrumors 6502a
Better late than never? What a joke
Luckily unlike many other affected people my issue is minor.
My early MBP with the dedicated graphics card worked well for about 2 years. Then over time it started shutting down under heavy GPU use. I images the thermal efficiency gradually got worse. What is the point of having a dedicated GPU that can fun certain games on high settings if doing so will cause it to overheat and cause a system shut down? This of course happens running under windows more often than in OS which cripples the GPU in order to prevent the issue.
Point is I have since then built a gaming PC. Over time I have noticed that I use my Mac considerably less since the desktop is considerably more powerful. You also notice over time that between games, browsers and certain programs like PS and light-room, you pretty much don't really need the OS experience.
I used to be an apple fan so to speak. But at the end of the day, as an engineer I simply want an efficient system that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to work as advertised. I had considered an upgrade, but the only comparable system they have (with a dedicated GPU) is their high end $2500 or in my case here in the Netherlands 2600 (almost $3000) MBP. Since the latest apple systems are treated as a disposable device which you upgrade from every couple of years.... it just seems like it would be stupid on my part to spend that kind of money. A MBP that I would replace after 3 years or so would equal $1000 a year.
Anyway, as it is, I will hang on to my 2011 15" MBP, run it in integrated graphics mode only when I want to be "mobile" and stick to my custom PC for the bulk of my gaming, image and video processing.
At the end of the say, Apple is no longer "it just works" company, looking at the recent software issues in Yosemite and iOS 8 on my iPhone 4s. Their latest OSs don't work on old systems like their previous generation OSs. Slowly as they grow they are becoming another MS. With that in mind, I am looking else where if I can get the same for less rather than paying a premium for such a disappointment.
Luckily unlike many other affected people my issue is minor.
My early MBP with the dedicated graphics card worked well for about 2 years. Then over time it started shutting down under heavy GPU use. I images the thermal efficiency gradually got worse. What is the point of having a dedicated GPU that can fun certain games on high settings if doing so will cause it to overheat and cause a system shut down? This of course happens running under windows more often than in OS which cripples the GPU in order to prevent the issue.
Point is I have since then built a gaming PC. Over time I have noticed that I use my Mac considerably less since the desktop is considerably more powerful. You also notice over time that between games, browsers and certain programs like PS and light-room, you pretty much don't really need the OS experience.
I used to be an apple fan so to speak. But at the end of the day, as an engineer I simply want an efficient system that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to work as advertised. I had considered an upgrade, but the only comparable system they have (with a dedicated GPU) is their high end $2500 or in my case here in the Netherlands 2600 (almost $3000) MBP. Since the latest apple systems are treated as a disposable device which you upgrade from every couple of years.... it just seems like it would be stupid on my part to spend that kind of money. A MBP that I would replace after 3 years or so would equal $1000 a year.
Anyway, as it is, I will hang on to my 2011 15" MBP, run it in integrated graphics mode only when I want to be "mobile" and stick to my custom PC for the bulk of my gaming, image and video processing.
At the end of the say, Apple is no longer "it just works" company, looking at the recent software issues in Yosemite and iOS 8 on my iPhone 4s. Their latest OSs don't work on old systems like their previous generation OSs. Slowly as they grow they are becoming another MS. With that in mind, I am looking else where if I can get the same for less rather than paying a premium for such a disappointment.
macduke
macrumors G5
I just saw on Twitter that it went on sale for half price: $8. Definitely worth it if you pick up a new iPad. The only issue I've had with it is that I had to turn off my "show desktop" hot corner on my iMac, which would sometimes cause it to crash to the login screen—which was one of the weirdest crashes I've seen. Once I did that I've had nothing but smooth sailing for the last couple weeks. Spaces, launchpad, mission control, notification center, and even some third party apps like BetterSnapTool work fine with it. Not sure why sliding everything out of the way to show the desktop when moving my mouse into the corner of the screen would make it crash but whatever. It's worth turning that off for this.
Traverse
macrumors 604
Oh my gosh, thank you! I just bought it. I have an old iPad 3, but I'll use the ipad as a static reference streen (PDF viewer) so lag isn't a huge deal.
Sadly, I can't test it until my Mac comes back from repair, but I wanted to jump on the deal.
Thanks again!
duffman9000
macrumors 68020
Same here, but I also "upgraded" the bluetooth to support continuity. I don't know what Apple will say about that.
Bomb Bloke
macrumors regular
The logic board replacement process does not require that your drive be wiped.
That said, at least one user in this thread has reported having their screen replaced for no apparent reason, plus Apple does state that your data is your responsibility, and it should be backed up before having the unit repaired - no matter what the fault.
And frankly, if it's important to you, you should be backing it up anyway. The whole point of a backup is to make one before things go wrong.
1. You can run it by holding 'D' at startup, or boot from a system software disc or USB flash drive and access it that way. Keep in mind this test is not 100% accurate - lots of people with this GPU issue pass the test and get sent home. To avoid that I took some screen shots of the screen glitching out, printed them and included it with a letter in the return box describing my issues. If you need the webpage that would cause my freak outs let me know and I'll send you a link.
2. I backed up my drive with Carbon Copy Cloner and did a OS reinstall before I sent it in. When I get it back I'll restore from my backup. Trusting your data to random people is risky - just think about all of the personal info you have in emails or other files and then think how easy it would be to copy some of it to a thumb drive in the techs pocket. No thanks.
I sent my mid 2012 rMBP in on Tuesday and it should be back tomorrow. Here's hoping they actually fixed what needed to be fixed - and used parts that weren't worse than what was in there already.
To everyone asking about bringing machines in without stock parts, you will be staunchly denied.
My early 2011 mbp failed because of these issues in July last year, I paid the $310 flat rate. Failed again two weeks ago--absolutely no video, no response to anything. I had swapped out the original SSD for a Samsung and the battery for something that wasn't such a POS. Problem is now I tossed my original battery, there is literally no way for me to participate in this program...I even asked over the phone if I could pay to have Apple put in a battery, but still no. The genius I spoke to (prior to this program being instituted) suggested that it was "extremely unusual" for a "new" logic board to fail after ~5 months and while installing my battery I could have fried the system. If I were a total moron, perhaps. I have been beyond frustrated, but maybe have cooled off enough to seek reimbursement for last year's repair. My machine is still useless and I refuse to buy until Broadwell hits later this year.
In the end what would this fix be? Another board that's going to crap out in 5-6 months?
My early 2011 mbp failed because of these issues in July last year, I paid the $310 flat rate. Failed again two weeks ago--absolutely no video, no response to anything. I had swapped out the original SSD for a Samsung and the battery for something that wasn't such a POS. Problem is now I tossed my original battery, there is literally no way for me to participate in this program...I even asked over the phone if I could pay to have Apple put in a battery, but still no. The genius I spoke to (prior to this program being instituted) suggested that it was "extremely unusual" for a "new" logic board to fail after ~5 months and while installing my battery I could have fried the system. If I were a total moron, perhaps. I have been beyond frustrated, but maybe have cooled off enough to seek reimbursement for last year's repair. My machine is still useless and I refuse to buy until Broadwell hits later this year.
In the end what would this fix be? Another board that's going to crap out in 5-6 months?
croasan
macrumors newbie
I'm very disappointed with the repair program. My 2011 MBP passed the VST test in the Apple Store one hour ago, but it obviously have the GPU failure (notice vertical lines).
The "genius" told me that he'll talk with a superior for check my particular case because it is possible that my MBP have a GPU failure but not the failure covered by the repair program (WTF?). I've had the GPU problem 12 month ago but I refused to pay the 500.
I've had all the glitches that people mentioned here and I survived with gfxcardstatus until now. I hope they considered repair the machines that passed the VST test.
The "genius" told me that he'll talk with a superior for check my particular case because it is possible that my MBP have a GPU failure but not the failure covered by the repair program (WTF?). I've had the GPU problem 12 month ago but I refused to pay the 500.
I've had all the glitches that people mentioned here and I survived with gfxcardstatus until now. I hope they considered repair the machines that passed the VST test.
Bomb Bloke
macrumors regular
croasan, it may simply be the case that your display is at fault, not the GPU that sends imagery to it.
Taking a screenshot when experiencing display corruption within OS X will typically make the difference clear. If the screenshot doesn't capture the problem, then you can be fairly certain the monitor is what's causing it, not the GPU.
Taking a screenshot when experiencing display corruption within OS X will typically make the difference clear. If the screenshot doesn't capture the problem, then you can be fairly certain the monitor is what's causing it, not the GPU.
croasan
macrumors newbie
Hi! It isn't the display, I'm sure because last year I took my MBP to an Apple Store and they told me that the dGPU died (I've experienced all the glitches that people post). Also last year I was programming in openGL when the error occurred and I'd to force the MBP to use the Intel GPU to continue with my work.
alexmarchuk
macrumors 6502a
Just received my rMBP back from service this morning.
My repair listed:
Now time to put it through its testing.
My repair listed:
- 605-3222 Logic Board, 2.6GHZ - Memory Errors/Not Recognized
- 605-3306 Cable, I/O, Flex - Enclosure - Defective Latch/Hinge
Now time to put it through its testing.
croasan
macrumors newbie
Good news for me! Apple genius just call me and he could replicate GPU error (I guess that the flipped typography in the system and the vertical dead pixel lines helped) and they're going to replace the logic board.
I'll stress my MBP upon arrival next week for check the GPU.
I'll stress my MBP upon arrival next week for check the GPU.
croasan
macrumors newbie
I think everybody have to use the stress GPU app and check the if the new solution is permanent. There are only two options:
1. The fix is really permanent and we have our old machines working (I doubt it).
2. The GPU's fail again (In 2015 I hope) and Apple will have a lot of MBP with the same problem. In an idyllic world they'll give new machines to us.
I got my mid-2012 back, and they replaced both the logic board (2.6GHz, 16GB) because of "Distorted Video", but also the Display Clamshell, Retina, 15" for "Incorrect Colors Or Tinting". This was a nice surprise because my screen had some minor discoloration areas that I had just learned to live with. I'm not sure if this new panel is an LG or Samsung but so far it doesn't look like it has a yellow tint or anything. I'm restoring from my backup now, so I haven't had a chance to stress the GPU yet. I'll also check the manufacturer of the display when I get it going again. Fingers are crossed that everything holds up and I have a machine with all new (or at least refurbished) guts.
New Screen Is Yellowed on the left side - and on the right side (specifically top right and vertically along the left side is pink) - This is what it was replaced with
Color LCD
LP154WT1-SJA2
DCN449300B6FDR4AH
Color LCD
I spoke with a manager at the depot. He Agreed with me that
1) The display should of never been replaced
2) The logic board was never touched.
He blamed this on insufficient details logged by the apple rep who I initiated the repair with.
Attachments
So I got my mbp this morning. They replaced the battery , logic board and keyboard and top and bottom case but took out my 16gb of ram and replaced it with 4 and only my ssd drive shows up and not my terabyte drive . The lady at apple is looking into it the situation . She said they would send me new ram . But the hard drive situation sucks cause I am going to have to open it up and see if they just threw out my 1tb drive or didn't connect it and left it in there . Anyone else had this problem? They said my ram had issues which im thinking was just cause it wasn't Mac ram.
Attachments
Bomb Bloke
macrumors regular
If your RAM was third-party, then they shouldn't've replaced it unless you payed them to do so out of your own pocket. Apple's repair programs and warranties and so on obviously don't cover parts you put in yourself, and they know full well the amount that the system shipped with.
Shaggs
macrumors newbie
i may be new to macrumors but i cannot figure out how to message you to ask. Anyways i would like to know that site that freaks out your computer.
Cheers
and have a good weekend
-d
My repair happened a couple of weeks before the program kicked in (I'm due a refund but haven't contacted apple yet) and I've been stress testing it several different ways since I got it back.
I've run FurMark off and on in a steady cycle of 2 min, 8 min, 15 min, and 30 min, as well as running it continuously. Each of these cycles have lasted 3-4 days a piece. Typing is slow right now because I'm running a stress test at this moment. That said, I've seen zero indication that this board is going to fail. Heat has been in the high 70's to low 80's C and there have been no graphical aberrations. It took the last board almost 3 years to fail, but I wasn't stressing that one 24 hours a day for 3-4 weeks straight, so I'd like to think that if something is going to go wrong, I'd see it soon if not already.
I'm hoping this means that these are modified, more sturdy boards. I've got nothing to base that on than anecdotal evidence though. If anything changes, I'll update.
I've run FurMark off and on in a steady cycle of 2 min, 8 min, 15 min, and 30 min, as well as running it continuously. Each of these cycles have lasted 3-4 days a piece. Typing is slow right now because I'm running a stress test at this moment. That said, I've seen zero indication that this board is going to fail. Heat has been in the high 70's to low 80's C and there have been no graphical aberrations. It took the last board almost 3 years to fail, but I wasn't stressing that one 24 hours a day for 3-4 weeks straight, so I'd like to think that if something is going to go wrong, I'd see it soon if not already.
I'm hoping this means that these are modified, more sturdy boards. I've got nothing to base that on than anecdotal evidence though. If anything changes, I'll update.
Give this post on io9 a try - caused my GPU all sorts of headaches: http://io9.com/two-and-a-half-men-was-really-a-black-mirror-episode-af-1687061480
quick update: now that I've gotten my system restored with the backup everything is running fine. I'm not experiencing any video glitches when the dGPU is active. My new display is an LG and looks great. All in all I'm very happy with this repair, and from the sounds of some of the stories in this thread I count myself very lucky.
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boomhower
macrumors 68000
I took mine in today. It's been dead on a shelf for several months so don't have much to lose. I didn't have an OS installed on the HD so the genius agreed to just ship it to the depot. He out on the paperwork I had an aftermarket drive which isn't correct. I had replaced it with an SSD but put the stock drive and ram back in. Even noted that it was cold lol. Well it's cold outside.
What sucks is I have to pick it back up at the Apple Store. It's three hours away. Only happened to be here as my wife had to have an operation done at a bigger hospital than we have back home. So a six hour round trip to pick it up. Now that really sucks.
What sucks is I have to pick it back up at the Apple Store. It's three hours away. Only happened to be here as my wife had to have an operation done at a bigger hospital than we have back home. So a six hour round trip to pick it up. Now that really sucks.