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MBP 2011 GPU died AND Start up stops. Need advice

N

Nightwing32

macrumors member
Original poster
May 5, 2018
36
4
I have a MBP early 2011. The GPU started failing but I never tried any of the fixes because the flickering would stop after a few seconds.

2 nights ago, it shut down randomly and I think it corrupted the startup. Plus with the bad GPU, I could never boot up my computer. I eventually was able to apply the EFI variable fix from the stickied thread to boot into safe mode.

HOWEVER, I still can't boot up normally. The progress bar just stops halfway when it's loading. It will only boot up if I press shift and go into safe mode.

Does anyone know how I can fix this start up issue from safe mode?

Thanks,
Keith
 
If the problem is RadeonGate and the discrete GPU has failed, the best option is to start shopping for a replacement.

There have been threads posted here describing how to permanently disable the discrete GPU (the computer will boot and run using the integrated GPU). Might be worth a try.

But otherwise, repair is no longer practical.
Time for a replacement.
 
Last edited:
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why new? if 7 years laptop works (but in this case need new gpu) and there is no need to get better performance so why buy new one?

go search replacement for gpu
 
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In theory, everything could be replaced by soldering new ones. if Nightwing21 is sure GPU is bad then just go for 3 party repair shop and they can say if they could repair it. ;-)
 
roque said:
In theory, everything could be replaced by soldering new ones. if Nightwing21 is sure GPU is bad then just go for 3 party repair shop and they can say if they could repair it. ;-)
Click to expand...
Will do. The epi variable fix is not permanent for me and its a pain typing in the code over and over.

I have a brand new ssd in this machine right now. Any tips on what i should do?
 
Okay, now that this is dying if I wanted to pick up a NEW macbook pro with the least amount of errors which one should i go for? I don't mind buying an older model. I just hard about another potential lawsuit in the new MBPs, so I don't want to do deal with another issue 3 years down the line...

https://9to5mac.com/2018/05/12/apple-keyboard-lawsuit/
 
Macbookprodude said:
What if one's 2011 is running fine ? I have a 2011 15 inch and the AMD GPU works fine on mine. Do I need to do this mod ?
Click to expand...

No, but I personally recommend using a laptop cooler (a pad with fans that goes under laptop) to help keep it cool and prolong its life.
 
OP:

If you have an SSD in the 2011 MBP, you can:
- open the back cover
- take the SSD OUT
- get a USB3 enclosure or a USB3/SATA adapter/dongle like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-2-5-...8&sr=8-1&keywords=sabrent+usb3.1+sata+adapter
- connect the SSD to the adapter (or put it into the enclosure) and mount it up on your NEW MacBook.
(Note: you need a Phillips #00 driver to take the screws off the MBP cover. You'll need a TORX T-6 driver to take "the bosses" out of the sides of the drive itself)

My opinion only, and others will strongly disagree:
I WOULD NOT buy a 2017 MacBook Pro -- they have a very high incidence of keyboard failures, and the repairs (once out of warranty) are VERY expensive.
If you absolutely, positively have to buy a replacement, I'd recommend a 2015 design MacBook Pro, either 15" (these can still be bought BRAND NEW) or 13" (available through Apple refurbished store).
Yes, it's "an older design", but IT WON'T BREAK ON YOU like the 2017 keyboard will.
 
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Fishrrman said:
OP:

If you have an SSD in the 2011 MBP, you can:
- open the back cover
- take the SSD OUT
- get a USB3 enclosure or a USB3/SATA adapter/dongle like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-2-5-...8&sr=8-1&keywords=sabrent+usb3.1+sata+adapter
- connect the SSD to the adapter (or put it into the enclosure) and mount it up on your NEW MacBook.
(Note: you need a Phillips #00 driver to take the screws off the MBP cover. You'll need a TORX T-6 driver to take "the bosses" out of the sides of the drive itself)

My opinion only, and others will strongly disagree:
I WOULD NOT buy a 2017 MacBook Pro -- they have a very high incidence of keyboard failures, and the repairs (once out of warranty) are VERY expensive.
If you absolutely, positively have to buy a replacement, I'd recommend a 2015 design MacBook Pro, either 15" (these can still be bought BRAND NEW) or 13" (available through Apple refurbished store).
Yes, it's "an older design", but IT WON'T BREAK ON YOU like the 2017 keyboard will.
Click to expand...
Thank you. I heard about the keyboard issues, and I don't want to deal with another Apple class action lawsuit.
Where would you buy the 2015 new Macbook pro? Or is there an alternative laptop you would recommend? I can go PC if so...
 
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"Where would you buy the 2015 new Macbook pro? Or is there an alternative laptop you would recommend?"

I've been a Mac user for 31 years and don't touch Windows. I can't recommend any product from "that side" because I have zero knowledge of them.

To see the still-new 2015 MacBook Pro, do this:
- go to https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/
- click the "buy" button
- click "15 inch"
- scroll down
- it's the 2.2ghz 256gb option (Two Thunderbolt 2 ports)
- The CPU and storage can be upgraded through "build to order".

I'd also suggest checking the Apple Refurbished store as well.
 
Fishrrman said:
"Where would you buy the 2015 new Macbook pro? Or is there an alternative laptop you would recommend?"

I've been a Mac user for 31 years and don't touch Windows. I can't recommend any product from "that side" because I have zero knowledge of them.

To see the still-new 2015 MacBook Pro, do this:
- go to https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/
- click the "buy" button
- click "15 inch"
- scroll down
- it's the 2.2ghz 256gb option (Two Thunderbolt 2 ports)
- The CPU and storage can be upgraded through "build to order".

I'd also suggest checking the Apple Refurbished store as well.
Click to expand...
Sweet. Thank you
 
I wouldn´t give any more money to new Apple hardware anymore. It´s more or less fact that their quality is going downhill big hand, prices just keep going up and there is no way you can keep one of the current machines for an adequate lifetime. If you want them to cvhance that, stop buying their hardware and services.

Buy a used one via ebay or CraigsList or go hackintosh to keep using mac OS and be done with it.
 
roque said:
In theory, everything could be replaced by soldering new ones. if Nightwing21 is sure GPU is bad then just go for 3 party repair shop and they can say if they could repair it. ;-)
Click to expand...
In theory, but practically it costs more than a new logic board cos the process for reflow soldering is not cheap and usually only worth it in mass production.
 
Don’t know if it’s worth reballing a seven year old machine, but I had my 2011 MBP reballed a little over two and a half years ago and it’s still working fine.
Probably the only thing I post about in the MBP threads these days, given how out of date my machine is :)
 
I don't think it's worth repairing, sadly, but we're about 2.5 weeks away from WWDC where new 2018 MacBook Pros could well get introduced. It's unknown if they will introduce a fix for the well documented problems though - all will be revealed when these machines get their teardown from the usual places.
 
Nightwing32 said:
Will do. The epi variable fix is not permanent for me and its a pain typing in the code over and over.

I have a brand new ssd in this machine right now. Any tips on what i should do?
Click to expand...

Do not go and have the GPU resoldered. It would be a temp fix at best and few companies have the skill and equipment to be able to do it. The board to GPU solder is only part of the issue, there is solder in the GPU you cant access which is what really kills the chips.

It should have been fixed during the extended warranty period Apple announced, but that time has passed.

You can either buy a replacement board, with the knowledge it has the same built in defect and will go, or you can buy a new computer and sell the old one on ebay for parts.
 
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