MBP 15 inch mid 2015 logic board failure worth repair

[olos]

I have a MacBook Pro 15 Inch Mid 2015 model, it is good as new, no complaints- fast and shiny, feels better than the brand new 13 inch MacBook Pro I got from work, until its logic board failed. Repair quoted by apple store is $578 plus tax. Is it worth it?

The newer models all cost minimal 2k. Other than the dead logic board, I am very pleased with the notebook with no desire to upgrade. Just seem such a waste to recycle it.

 

[chscag]

Your MacBook Pro in good working condition might be worth anywhere from $300 to maybe $450 (estimated). Spending $578 to repair it doesn't make sense in my opinion. But the choice is yours of course.

 

[olos]

Anyone else can share their thoughts?
I'd really appreciate. The new MBPs at 14 or 16 inch cost> $2000
Other than the dead logic board, my MBP looks and works like new, really no complaints.
My only fear is that the logic board fail again after 90 day warranty. I can deal with it if it fails in a year.

 

[thedreamking]

I've been reading these forums for a while now but I made an account so I could reply to your thread.

I have a mid-2012 mbp retina, and somewhere around 2016/17 I had the logic board die on mine. I was in a very similar position to the one you describe - $500+ to repair a computer worth roughly that (give or take), or drop $2k+ to replace it? The second option wasn't really an option at the time due to being a student with a low-paying job, so I went with the repair. 4+ years later and I'm typing this post on the same computer, so I'm quite happy with the decision I made. I've also been fortunate in that it's the only repair this machine has required in the almost 10 years that I've had it now. Now, that said, I've recently started to see a bit of odd behaviour out of the computer that reminds me a bit of the first time it happened (hdmi and usb ports on the right side cause some weird stuff to happen sometimes), so there's a chance it could be on its way out again, but even if it goes soon the repair still feels like it was decent value to me, and besides, I now have a new 16" MBP coming to replace it, so it lasted me to pretty much exactly where I needed it to.

Obviously there's no way to guarantee you'll have a similar experience, but if you weren't planning to upgrade your machine for a few years anyway then the repair might be a good shorter term solution for you too.

I hope this was useful to you in some way!

 

[cubbie5150]

IMO, if you can afford a newer machine (maybe look at refurb/used market?), that's the way to go. At least the way I look at things. If you simply cannot afford to spend more than the cost of repair, then that's that. Your decision is made for you.

 

[Fishrrman]

Just wondering... what "went bad" on it?
What were the symptoms...?

 

[olos]

Just wondering... what "went bad" on it?
What were the symptoms...?

Tbh there was no signs or symptoms. I was working on it as I do always and it simply powered off and would not start again.
Genius bar checked everything and concluded it is the logic board.

 

[olos]

IMO, if you can afford a newer machine (maybe look at refurb/used market?), that's the way to go. At least the way I look at things. If you simply cannot afford to spend more than the cost of repair, then that's that. Your decision is made for you.

I've been reading these forums for a while now but I made an account so I could reply to your thread.

I have a mid-2012 mbp retina, and somewhere around 2016/17 I had the logic board die on mine. I was in a very similar position to the one you describe - $500+ to repair a computer worth roughly that (give or take), or drop $2k+ to replace it? The second option wasn't really an option at the time due to being a student with a low-paying job, so I went with the repair. 4+ years later and I'm typing this post on the same computer, so I'm quite happy with the decision I made. I've also been fortunate in that it's the only repair this machine has required in the almost 10 years that I've had it now. Now, that said, I've recently started to see a bit of odd behaviour out of the computer that reminds me a bit of the first time it happened (hdmi and usb ports on the right side cause some weird stuff to happen sometimes), so there's a chance it could be on its way out again, but even if it goes soon the repair still feels like it was decent value to me, and besides, I now have a new 16" MBP coming to replace it, so it lasted me to pretty much exactly where I needed it to.

Obviously there's no way to guarantee you'll have a similar experience, but if you weren't planning to upgrade your machine for a few years anyway then the repair might be a good shorter term solution for you too.

I hope this was useful to you in some way!

Thank you both so much for your kind replies.
It was nice to hear that your repair lasted another 4 years. Honestly I would be pleased even if it will last only a year. If average price of a 14/16inch MPB is 2k and average life is 5 years then it is roughly that much.
I am simply satisfied with its performance (mainly use for cloud based office work and photoshop/lightroom) with no desire to upgrade. Besides, upgrading a new computer that costs 2.5 K every five years is not really my life style.

 

[TechRunner]

Everyone has their own threshold of "what makes sense", but for me, if it's going to cost more than what the computer is worth, I would sadly not bother. With M1 MBAs on sale for $799 this time of year, I would save a little extra and go brand new.

 

[olos]

Everyone has their own threshold of "what makes sense", but for me, if it's going to cost more than what the computer is worth, I would sadly not bother. With M1 MBAs on sale for $799 this time of year, I would save a little extra and go brand new.

My first reaction was not to bother with repairs but to get a new one, thinking it will cost around 1200. Not until I find out that any macbook of 14 or 16 inches would go at least 2000k (My state also has a 10% sales tax).
I need the 14 or 16 size for post processing photos without external monitor. I don't have or desire an extra monitor or desktop so this would be the main work station.

 

[TechRunner]

My first reaction was not to bother with repairs but to get a new one, thinking it will cost around 1200. Not until I find out that any macbook of 14 or 16 inches would go at least 2000k (My state also has a 10% sales tax).
I need the 14 or 16 size for post processing photos without external monitor. I don't have or desire an extra monitor or desktop so this would be the main work station.

Gotcha. The MBA screen would be too small for your needs. 16" would be best, but that $2499 starting price!

 

[olos]

Just to be clear, in the mid 2015 retina model, the SSD is not soldered onto the logic board so the repair should save all the data, yes?

 

[MBAir2010]

Try starting your MacBook by tappping these points with a thin screw driver

 

[olos]

Try starting your MacBook by tappping these points with a thin screw driver

Thank you. Staff at the genius bar said the logic board is dead. I am not good at fixing things at all.

 

[Miltz]

I have a MacBook Pro 15 Inch Mid 2015 model, it is good as new, no complaints- fast and shiny, feels better than the brand new 13 inch MacBook Pro I got from work, until its logic board failed. Repair quoted by apple store is $578 plus tax. Is it worth it?

The newer models all cost minimal 2k. Other than the dead logic board, I am very pleased with the notebook with no desire to upgrade. Just seem such a waste to recycle it.

How is your 2015 model better than the new 13 MBP? makes zero sense. The 13 MBP should beat it in every metric except screen size.

 

[olos]

How is your 2015 model better than the new 13 MBP? makes zero sense. The 13 MBP should beat it in every metric except screen size.

Screen size is pretty important. I mostly use photoshop, cloud based apps, and MS office apps for work without external monitor.
Imaging you have a car that can go 200 miles/hours vs one that can go 80 miles/hour yet the speed limit is only 60.
There is no real-use difference.
What I know is that if I have both around, I tend to grab the 15 inch for work, probably due to screen size.

 

[thekev]

Anyone else can share their thoughts?
I'd really appreciate. The new MBPs at 14 or 16 inch cost> $2000
Other than the dead logic board, my MBP looks and works like new, really no complaints.
My only fear is that the logic board fail again after 90 day warranty. I can deal with it if it fails in a year.

You probably have a 6 year old drive in that thing. SSDs are not immortal, and most of them won't die to write counts. Your battery is probably not brand new. Your keyboard is not new.

Screen size is pretty important. I mostly use photoshop, cloud based apps, and MS office apps for work without external monitor.
Imaging you have a car that can go 200 miles/hours vs one that can go 80 miles/hour yet the speed limit is only 60.
There is no real-use difference.
What I know is that if I have both around, I tend to grab the 15 inch for work, probably due to screen size.

External monitors are far far better for this. It's not even close. You're probably just used to the flexibility of a laptop.

 

[olos]

You probably have a 6 year old drive in that thing. SSDs are not immortal, and most of them won't die to write counts. Your battery is probably not brand new. Your keyboard is not new.



External monitors are far far better for this. It's not even close. You're probably just used to the flexibility of a laptop.

For sure. Much easier to work with a notebook than chained to a desk with monitor. One less thing to own & less clutter in the house

 

[thekev]

For sure. Much easier to work with a notebook than chained to a desk with monitor. One less thing to own & less clutter in the house

I understand the appeal. It's just that the ergonomics are garbage. Good ergonomics mean your eyes are level with your display, your head does not shift forward, and your elbows maintain an approximately right angle when typing. It's not really possible with a laptop without some kind of docking mechanic.

 

[Thirio2]

The other thing to consider is battery health. It probably would be a good idea to replace the battery since the logic board needs to be removed for that anyway. That adds extra expense. At the end of the day it is your choice.

 

[olos]

I ended up authorizing the expensive apple repair. Since this notebook is only 5-6 years old, I cannot afford another 2.5k that will last only 5 years. $600 repair is still insanely pricey, almost the price of a new iphone

Thank you everyone for the discussion. I appreciate your input much!

 

[thekev]

I ended up authorizing the expensive apple repair. Since this notebook is only 5-6 years old, I cannot afford another 2.5k that will last only 5 years. $600 repair is still insanely pricey, almost the price of a new iphone

Thank you everyone for the discussion. I appreciate your input much!

You should consider a cheaper notebook. 5 years past date of discontinuation or replacement is when Apple marks things as vintage. Also if you're in the US, they should have offered a flat rate depot repair for less than that.

 

[EugW]

I have a MacBook Pro 15 Inch Mid 2015 model, it is good as new, no complaints- fast and shiny, feels better than the brand new 13 inch MacBook Pro I got from work, until its logic board failed. Repair quoted by apple store is $578 plus tax. Is it worth it?

No, the 2015 models are quite cheap these days.

You can get a good condition used mid-2015 15" MacBook Pro with 16 GB RAM, Core i7, usable battery, and 512 GB SSD for around that amount, no tax. I am assuming US dollars here.

I personally just bought a mint condition used early-2015 13" MacBook Pro with 8 GB RAM, Core i5, near new OEM battery, and 128 GB SSD for <US$360 including shipping, no tax.

Your MacBook Pro in good working condition might be worth anywhere from $300 to maybe $450 (estimated). Spending $578 to repair it doesn't make sense in my opinion. But the choice is yours of course.

You pricing seems quite low. $300 is not right for even a base model 15" in good condition. They can be had for <$450, but AFAIK not $300 unless in poor condition.

EDIT:

I ended up authorizing the expensive apple repair. Since this notebook is only 5-6 years old, I cannot afford another 2.5k that will last only 5 years. $600 repair is still insanely pricey, almost the price of a new iphone

I just saw this. $600 for this repair. Hmm...

 

[Nordichund]

I agree about the battery needing to be changed on an older MacBook. I have a 2008 and a 2014 and both work fine, except if I disconnect the mains they power down within minutes. Actually the 2008 logic board seized up in about 2012. Norwegian consumer law states a product is guaranteed for 5 years, so Apple changed it. Worked fine for about a week then died again. Apple fixed it again. I still use it to just log onto FB, nothing else,(I refuse to use any of my other devices to log onto FB) but it works fine. Even the old hard drive chugs along well. Again the 2014, except for the battery is still excellent, for the less demanding software.

You have to do as you please and what is best for your current needs. I have to admit if any of the 2 machines I have mentioned died now, they would be in the recycling bin faster than I could say 'Steve Jobs'.