MBP early 2008 dead GPU - Anything I can do with this?

[PKBeam]

I recently picked up an early 2008 MBP. Quick tests confirmed that the graphics card is faulty. The display and everything else work fine, though. Rather than let it waste away in a drawer, is there anything I could use the MBP for? Install a super lightweight OS?

 

[vmachiel]

You can't really install any os on it without the screen working for a least a little while. So.. recycle it?

 

[chscag]

I recently picked up an early 2008 MBP. Quick tests confirmed that the graphics card is faulty. The display and everything else work fine, though. Rather than let it waste away in a drawer, is there anything I could use the MBP for? Install a super lightweight OS?

Google for "reflowing the GPU on a 2008 MBP". You've nothing to lose but some time....

 

[PKBeam]

well actually I got it up and running by installing 10.6 via target disk. then I put 10.11 on it and it runs quite nicely, aside from semi-frequent crashes (related to graphics).

if the GPU finally craps out I'll try baking the logic board, if that screws it i'll just take the HDD out to use as a backup and try to sell the other parts for a profit.

 

[vmachiel]

Well there you go