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ruimtl

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Mar 21, 2020
2
0
Hi!

I have an MacBook Pro Early 2011, and since last week, when I use all software that need the use of the ATI GPU, in the darkest zones of the images, there are full of flashing green dots.

Since that I have been read a ton of articles about a GPU issues in this MacBook's, but all of them seems to be more complicated them mine - the performance of my Mac remais the same as before this thread, only the screen image has the flashing green dots when its in use the ATI GPU, like when I use anyone of my Adobe apps, or the Skype, or even the Photos app.

To resolve this problem, or in an attempt to reduce the range of chances, I did the following actions:

.: reset the SMC

.: reset NVRAM

.: I had formatted the disc, and installed the most actual OS to this MacBook Pro, the High Sierra

.: I had clean inside my mac, but it's already clean because I had some caution with this point

And finally, I tested use a secondary display, and the image is perfect on the secondary screen, but at the same time, the MB screen continue with the flashing green spots!

My question is: if the secondary display image it's ok, this means that my GPU it's ok, and maybe it's a fail between the GPU and the screen? This make's any sense?... because this fail only happens when ATI GPU is in use.

Anyone have experienced any similar problem?... because COVID-19, here in Portugal all repair stores are closed, and isn't a good idea try to go to any kind of public space!

Note: sorry for my English, isn't the best...
 
It could be as you describe. But it could also still be early signs of the GPU failing; It can come in ways of many mysterious symptoms. The render path to the internal display may just be slightly different, touching the broken parts of the silicon. - You can use a tool to force use of only the integrated GPU. - But in the end, all MacBook Pro 2011s will have GPU death. So if you want to keep the machine I can highly recommend forcing only the iGPU to be used since eventually the Radeon chip will kick the dust.

This is just one of the available tools that allow you to force only the iGPU

 
@casperes1996 it's sad, but the early GPU failing can be the truth that I wasn't to see!

Thanks for your feedback - force to use the iGPU can be my destiny...
 
@casperes1996 it's sad, but the early GPU failing can be the truth that I wasn't to see!

Thanks for your feedback - force to use the iGPU can be my destiny...

Yeah, sorry. It's a long run though! 2011 to 2020. My 2011 only lasted like what? 3 years? - And you can still switch over to the iGPU and keep it going. Mine died entirely before I could set the iGPU only. Had to go out and buy a new one then, but then they released the repair program AFTER I had replaced it. At least it gave it some resale value
 
I fixed my with from this helpful link

make sure you start from page 1
no iGPU needed.
 
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