since personal attacks are allowed here, I'm asking: do you think he need your advice ?There is no point arguing with him Queen.... This dude adores Apple
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Radeongate III, 2011 MBP. A third graphics failure
- Thread starter Hank Meyer
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Off to take my 15" 2011 MBP to Apple this afternoon. About a week ago I started to experience slowness, random reboots, graphical issues. So I booked a genius appointment. This morning when I turned on the laptop made the chime no display on the laptop screen or via a connected external monitor.
Good is you have strong consumer protection in the UK, and your MBP is covered by the current extended warranty dGPU program. The bad is your MBP "must" fail Apple`s specific GPU test and you will highly likely only receive a refurbished board that will have still further questionable reliability. That being said if your MBP repeatedly fails due to Logic Board dGPU failure ultimately Apple will replace it with a new model, a point worth considering...
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Certainly sounds like the GPU
Good luck
Cheers. I don't use the laptop much, but it has sentimental value, so it would be nice to have it working probably again.
Thanks for the heads up on that. I had a feeling they would replace the Logic Board with a refurbished one. I wasn't aware of the repeated issue they would replace it for a new model.
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This is my understanding of the situation, and it appears to be validated here on the forum with several members receiving new rMBP`s after multiple instance of dGPU failure and subsequent Logic Board replacements.
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Thanks for the advise. I hadn't really paid much attention to this GPU issue as I hadn't experienced any issues at all until last week.
Problem is; if the MPB is not able to be tested for dGPU failure then Apple are not obliged to conduct any warranty repair under the dGPU extension program. If it will not boot you will have to resort to UK consumer protection or the good will of the Genius.
Stick with it and try to get it to boot in the store, if not continue at home and video any graphic distortion. As with all companies Apple want`s to minimise it`s exposure to this issue, although they themselves are at fault.
Ideally you want to see the graphic distortion with the Genius, I would also take pictures of the same, if Apple agree to repair under warranty pictures of the physical condition and ensure the Genius signs off his/her paperwork accurately reflecting the MBP`s condition; scratches, dents etc.
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Update -
Back from the Apple Store, we managed to get the laptop to boot. They ran their tests, and it passed! He took the laptop out the back and apparently cleaned the inside, also pushed a couple of cables in securely. So I've taken it home.
Back from the Apple Store, we managed to get the laptop to boot. They ran their tests, and it passed! He took the laptop out the back and apparently cleaned the inside, also pushed a couple of cables in securely. So I've taken it home.
The refurbishment of complex micro electronic assemblies is difficult in the extreme, as heat often beyond the original design criteria must be applied in a localised area to remove and replace failed components, frequently resulting in the reoccurrence of the failure or further issue arising.
Several years ago, I was involved in a case study regarding the reliability of complex electronic assemblies post refurbishment. The results confirmed that the refurbished boards were 7-10 times more prone to failure. The boards concerned meet and exceed Mil Spec, temperature rated to 150C. Being refurbished by highly skilled technicians with all the appropriate equipment and working environment. The clear answer was to cease refurbishment and to only replace failed boards with new known good boards, as refurbishment was simply not cost effective. The cost of these boards - $40K USD.
In short it`s of no surprise that Apple is not in a position to successfully refurbish the Logic Board on a $2,500 Notebook in volume. Those with 15" MBP`s outside of any warranty may be able to source a third party specialist who can remove and replace the dGPU, equally assuming all goes 100% the best you can hope for is similar performance to the original Logic Board. You also need to be sure that the rework is done correctly as some may simply apply localised heat to the dGPU, which may in the short term allow the dGPU to function for a limited period of time (sounds familiar)
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I dropped of my machine yesterday and specifically asked about the potential failure of the replacement board, mentioning that I had read about customers experiencing multiple GPU failures. I was assured that the problem had been addressed after the class action and that I would experience no further issues. I'm hoping that is true but since I do a lot of video and PS rendering (pushing the TIFF limit boundary) I'll surely find out before February 2016.
I would recommend that you search this specific forum, you will find multiple instances of cascading Logic Board failure due to the dGPU on the 15" MBP. Apple simply wants to minimise the exposure, and any associated negativity to the brand. Telling the customer that they "dropped the ball" is not an option.
Undoubtedly there will be variance with the replacement boards, you may get lucky, equally you may not. My understanding it; the same Logic Board, the same component, reworking these boards is highly likely to result in inferior quality and longevity. If you push the Notebook hard with a refurbished Logic Board chances are it will fail soon, rather than later.
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Take it back to Apple with pictures. As stated Apple wants to minimise their exposure. Your best interests are not their priority, more sales are...
Be polite, equally be firm elevate to the store manager as required. Your MBP is clearly indicating signs of imminent dGPU failure. Should your MBP fail to start it will not be possible to verify that the dGPU has failed, or if it passes the GPU test Apple wins...
Same as chess, you need to fully understand the game; Apple want`s to show a strong face of customer support, in the face of court action. In reality they produced a substandard product, that they now need to reduce their negative financial & press exposure too, which effects literally tens of thousands if not more owners/users. As your in the UK check your consumer rights, Apple is bound to rectify this issue, as long as this is a private Notebook and not bought on a business lease.
In short "the Apple has fallen very far from the tree"...
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Thanks again for your reply. I'll take it back at the weekend, with the pictures and video I took tonight. Just have a feeling that because it passed their test they won't do anything. It doesn't happen all the time. Since I took that photo, it's been up and running without any issues.
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Remember this is exactly what Apple wants you to think, perseverance is the key. Ensure that Apple documents all, I would also contact them online with imagery attached, once again to establish a strong documentation trail of issues directly related to graphic corruption. Apple wants to project a very specific image, in reality the sole objective is to make ever more revenue. This I have no issue with, equally Apple must be held accountable by the customer, frequently all to often this is not the case...
Speak with citizens advice, I believe that in the UK you are protected for up to 6 years on personal computers. Think of it as a siege, with patience you will win.
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That's exactly what I'm afraid of...BTW, The New York Times recently published a illuminating series about arbitration clauses that companies are including in their terms of use contracts to prevent class action lawsuits from being brought against them by their own customers in court. It's ludicrous. I love that instead of a bona fide State Governor, ex-President, or Civil Rights Lawyer in the position, our generation gets stuck with a former corporate defense attorney for a Chief Justice.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/01/b...-everywhere-stacking-the-deck-of-justice.html
This goes well beyond consumer rights. If these corporate attorneys can circumvent our inalienable right to have our day in court, than laptop repairs are going to be the least of our worries.
Indeed disappointing, equally a business tactic. The good is with a tangible product, the answer is simple don't buy and vocalise exactly why publicly. If Apple ever did this I would walk away instantly. Apple`s premise is simple to lock you into their echo system. Personally I prefer to remain open minded, using only the aspects of Apple`s hardware that add value to my workflow, the rest I have little interest in.
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walk away....until Google and Apple start making cars and put GM and Ford out of business. At that point shoe leather really will be our only option. The trouble is this eco system keeps growing and growing, minus the protections.
I had exactly the same issue in September. The Genius I dealt with took one look at the photo's, thanked me for doing his job for him and booked it in for repair.
The replacement logic board looks like a refurb and the machine still runs hot. Core CPU temps are at 71 deg C as I type this!
One other thing to note is that under UK law a consumer is also entitled to withdraw from the contract by returning the product in exchange for a full refund if the consumer rejects the goods within 30 days or if the product does not conform with the contract after one repair or replacement.
Something that Apple acknowledges http://www.apple.com/uk/legal/statutory-warranty/
So get the logic board replaced under the programme and if it fails again ask for a replacement machine.
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Then take a step to stop it, without customers they are absolutely powerless, as they say "don't feed the beast"...
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When my father had his 2011 MBP repaired, it passed all the tests even though the screen was pink when it booted. The Genius took it in anyway though, as there was an obvious problem. It's a shame they didn't do that to yours, it seems pretty clear it's not working properly!