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Macbook Pro Late 2011 Startup Graphics Issue
- Thread starter Seandesigner
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- That isn't really a problem then, since it doesn't affect use. It could very well be just a software glitch.
Yes it could be but it is super annoying and never happened before and garrantee there is some geek in Cupertino who could fix it.
Just chiming in again, It does seem as though the guy in the apple store was correct. A number of you are all having the same issue. Still doesn't make it normal/acceptable behaviour.
As JTToft has said, it probably is just a software glitch. One that may be resolved in the future... (unlikely since it was happening on the previous version of the OS also. Besides, the late 2011 machines will be obsolete in a couple of years anyway with no more OS updates)
However I absolutely do not agree with JTToft that just because it doesn't affect use that it isn't a problem. It's the first thing you see when you switch the machine on. First impressions stick. It creates the idea that there may be a problem even if it isn't significant. Back in the day Apple purposely chose a plain simple clean startup sequence in order to portray the idea of simplicity, quality and approachability, moving on from the flashing screens and scrolling text of windows machines.
The Cynic in me would say that if it is a software glitch, and it is relatively widespread at this age of machine, it's planting the seed for making people think it's time to upgrade to something newer. To be honest though, with the prices of the newly announced machines, I wont be able to do this unless i win the lottery. (but that's for another thread)
As JTToft has said, it probably is just a software glitch. One that may be resolved in the future... (unlikely since it was happening on the previous version of the OS also. Besides, the late 2011 machines will be obsolete in a couple of years anyway with no more OS updates)
However I absolutely do not agree with JTToft that just because it doesn't affect use that it isn't a problem. It's the first thing you see when you switch the machine on. First impressions stick. It creates the idea that there may be a problem even if it isn't significant. Back in the day Apple purposely chose a plain simple clean startup sequence in order to portray the idea of simplicity, quality and approachability, moving on from the flashing screens and scrolling text of windows machines.
The Cynic in me would say that if it is a software glitch, and it is relatively widespread at this age of machine, it's planting the seed for making people think it's time to upgrade to something newer. To be honest though, with the prices of the newly announced machines, I wont be able to do this unless i win the lottery. (but that's for another thread)
- I take your point. My coloured bar disappeared after a few boots, and I don't shut down my machine that often anyway, so I don't really have an opportunity to see it. Yours hasn't gone?
Although these are 5+ year old machines that have had their logic boards replaced for free out of warranty by Apple. Some little issue isn't unreasonable.
Uh, sorry dude but considering what I paid for this machine and Apple's attitude on perfection, I do belive that it is unreasonable and more so because it could be easily fixed especially if yours just dissapeared after a "few boots" which I kinda doubt and don't see happening here. BTW, do you work for Apple or just have a lot of their stock?
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Well said.
- Neither. I just haven't seen this issue on more than two or three boots, I'd say, on my machine. I understand it's annoying if it happens on every boot, but it doesn't in my experience.
I just installed Sierra on my late 2011 MacBook Pro 15", and I have exactly the same startup image and issue.
I have this on my Late 2011 15" with AMD 6770m graphic chip. Exactly like this. I think this may be normal. It was not there with 10.7 till 10.8 I think. But it was definitely "introduced" sometime.
I have the same issue. MacBook Pro 15 early 2011, changed the motherboard with the Apple GPU problem program. Installed Sierra and started the glitch and black screen. Reset PROM, etc, I did not with File Vault.
I have a problem with Photos, that use a lot GPU and CPU. I think this overheat this machine, the recharger is gone. It burn it.
And nothing changes with the New macOS Sierra 10.12.3 (16D32)...
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I have the same issue with my late 2011 macbook pro, exactly @Endogineco said, but only with glitch on boot.
Apple said they can not make the replacement again, because its out of warranty. OMG
Apple said they can not make the replacement again, because its out of warranty. OMG
I never really minded the distortion on startup and I agree with you that some little issue isn't unreasonable, but some big issues never really were resolved. I wasn't even all that bummed when an Apple representative told me that many of the logic board were refurbs, and I even gave Apple a pass when they put the wrong (lower tier) logic board in my 2011 (which they eventually did fix). However, many of the logic board replacements used the same board version with the original design defect.
So I would have preferred that Apple began the replacement program with, and only used, the logic board which supposedly had the changes made to mitigate what was a terrible design/implementation and a giant embarrassment for both Apple & AMD, both of whom initially deflected responsibility in the manner that Lockheed has done with the F-35.
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i found this thread looking for a solution for the same thing. ive had this 15" late 2011 macbook pro for a long time and it was just now that the screen artifacts came out, while booting, the exact same circumstances as OP. mine came out only sometime after i did NVRAM reset. already on 10.12.3 when it occurred. further NVRAM and SMC resets did nothing, but i havent seen more than a few reboots to confirm if it goes away eventually. the rgb colored pixel lines come out midway through the loading bar on the white screen and then the screen turns black for a moment then comes back on to finish. it loads completely without error and i can use it through my session without any related problem. although, i agree this is a bit disconcerting, with that feeling that someday the gpu or logic board will completely turn over and die.
the last few posts about it being mentioned as a software issue rather than hardware does a bit to reassure, but still, those rgb pixel lines do seem troubling. i sure hope what @uptownnyc said was true, that this was a known software issue with apple and a future patch will solve it.
the last few posts about it being mentioned as a software issue rather than hardware does a bit to reassure, but still, those rgb pixel lines do seem troubling. i sure hope what @uptownnyc said was true, that this was a known software issue with apple and a future patch will solve it.
I have an early 2011 MBP that just started this yesterday, it does all the things everyone else talks about but freezes mid way through the boot up. I can hear the fans running but it just sits there..?? Any suggestions on what to check or do now? I already tried all the resets but nothing has changed. Feeling extremely frustrated since I have a huge presentation on computer that was not backed up to an external drive...Any help / suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
It sounds like your GPU has failed from the faulty design. If so, one way to get it to boot is to overheat it, where it will then shut itself down, and then immediately turn it on which will force the computer to boot with integrated graphics (instead of the discrete GPU, which is the source of the problem)...this procedure isn't for the faint of heart and obviously carries its own risk.
If you want to verify if your GPU has failed, you can take the computer to the Apple Store and ask them to perform the VST on the computer. This test will be free.
I'm 3 hrs from the nearest Apple Store. What's the safest way to overheat the computer with the minimal risk to damaging it?
Thanks for your input.
I don't think there is such thing as 'safest'. I've used the method described here to overheat it, and wrapped the computer in plastic wrap to trap the heat and restrict airflow. Obviously, this is a do-at-your-own-risk given it could cause its own additional problems, and I would only recommend it after ruling out any and all other causes, plus exhausting any alternative options, leaving you at a point where the computer has no real value to you should something else go wrong.
The VST is the most definitive test to determine that your issue is definitely from this specific issue (that is, the bad GPU design.) Apple may still diagnose the issue via mail in (even though they will not service it one way or another.) An Apple Authorized Repair Center would also have the tools needed to perform the VST.
http://www.asyncro.com/2014/03/24/macbook-pro-discreate-graphics-card-issue-fix-updated/
(The methodology described here for killing the dGPU has been met with mixed success.)
(obviously, even if the overheating works and the computer boots, you can't shut it down without having to repeat the process unless you manage to permanently kill the discrete graphics.)
Finally, if this is your issue, I have sent a letter to Apple asking that they release an EFI/OS update that permanently kills the dGPU, because the computer can run fine with integrated only, but the way the system boots up prevents this from happening. Please consider sending an Apple a letter with the same request - if they hear from enough owners, perhaps they will release this update, restoring most functionality to what is currently a useless machine.
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You could also take it to an authorised specialist and they should run the same test for free
I had an update last night 10.12.4 Beta and I have rebooted several times since with no graphic anomaly