2006 17" 2.16 MBP A1151 2G ram ATI RadeonX1600 graphics card
This machine has been a workhorse from day 1. The major weakness for me is the ATI VPU crashes when in Windows hard boot and working with sizeable 3D cadd files (when the GPU is working harder and gets hot). This problem has progressed exponentially lately and I am concerned the card is going to fail completely. I am beginning to sense minor anomalies when in MacOS now as well.
I recently did a clean install and did not re-install FanControl yet; FanControl does make a difference in keeping the temps down. I also run an Antec cool pad under the machine which helps cool the bottom case
I have read in other forums that the video 'inverter' can be the issue. Can this part be tested effectively and what is its part number.
I have also read that the CPU is separate from the logic board. True or False?
I have read in other forums that the original Apple thermal paste has been known to dry out and crack and that a cleaning and re-application of high quality thermal paste to the CPU and GPU improves but doesn't necessarily solve this situation.
Another option is what some call 're-balling'; removing the original solder and re-soldering the GPU ( the original solder sans lead is susceptible to heat/cold stress and ends up cracking). If anyone has been successful with this in Macs (I've heard it gets done in PCs), do tell.
The true fault of this heat issue lies in the ATI drivers (gathered from other forums/sources) but neither AMD nor Apple choose to step to the plate and present a solution. It's the 'wait until all the units are obsolete and dead' corporate approach at its finest.
Now for the real question which has been asked in other threads but I have found no true answer or proof of success. If I must replace the logic board (in order to replace the video card), how can I determine which if any successive model logic boards are compatible with my machine? Which video cards are more robust and stable than the ATI Radeonx1600? The 2006 2.33 board appears to be identical in every aspect except for the CPU speed; if anyone can dispel this assumption, please do. I have read that the 2.33 board under Leopard has issues making sticking with the 2.16 a more stable option.
I am in no position to buy a new machine so please don't make the suggestion. I am also reasonably capable and competent to make the parts change. I just want to identify my parts option(s).
Thanks
This machine has been a workhorse from day 1. The major weakness for me is the ATI VPU crashes when in Windows hard boot and working with sizeable 3D cadd files (when the GPU is working harder and gets hot). This problem has progressed exponentially lately and I am concerned the card is going to fail completely. I am beginning to sense minor anomalies when in MacOS now as well.
I recently did a clean install and did not re-install FanControl yet; FanControl does make a difference in keeping the temps down. I also run an Antec cool pad under the machine which helps cool the bottom case
I have read in other forums that the video 'inverter' can be the issue. Can this part be tested effectively and what is its part number.
I have also read that the CPU is separate from the logic board. True or False?
I have read in other forums that the original Apple thermal paste has been known to dry out and crack and that a cleaning and re-application of high quality thermal paste to the CPU and GPU improves but doesn't necessarily solve this situation.
Another option is what some call 're-balling'; removing the original solder and re-soldering the GPU ( the original solder sans lead is susceptible to heat/cold stress and ends up cracking). If anyone has been successful with this in Macs (I've heard it gets done in PCs), do tell.
The true fault of this heat issue lies in the ATI drivers (gathered from other forums/sources) but neither AMD nor Apple choose to step to the plate and present a solution. It's the 'wait until all the units are obsolete and dead' corporate approach at its finest.
Now for the real question which has been asked in other threads but I have found no true answer or proof of success. If I must replace the logic board (in order to replace the video card), how can I determine which if any successive model logic boards are compatible with my machine? Which video cards are more robust and stable than the ATI Radeonx1600? The 2006 2.33 board appears to be identical in every aspect except for the CPU speed; if anyone can dispel this assumption, please do. I have read that the 2.33 board under Leopard has issues making sticking with the 2.16 a more stable option.
I am in no position to buy a new machine so please don't make the suggestion. I am also reasonably capable and competent to make the parts change. I just want to identify my parts option(s).
Thanks