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dgalvan123

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Feb 16, 2008
686
22
Is it possible to replace a Macbook Pro Logic board with one from a slightly different model?

More specifically:
My logic board died (verified at Genius bar) in my 2009 Macbook Pro 17" 2.8 GHz, A1297, MC226LL/A.
Repair through Apple would cost $600+ (to replace with the same exact logic board).

Looking on eBay, I find I can buy a replacement logic board (exact same model) for $489, and then I could use iFixit to replace it myself. (have done multiple similar repairs in the past)
However, there is also an option for a replacement logic board from the same year (Mid 2009) with the same model identifier (A1297), but it is a 3.06 GHz model. This higher-speed model is available for $400.

Will the 3.06 GHz logic board work in my mac? If so I could save $89, and have a slightly upgraded mac.

Here is the mac: I have:
http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...o-2.8-aluminum-17-mid-2009-unibody-specs.html

Here is the logic board I'm wondering will fit:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mid-2009-17...sh=item3abbc07850:g:TQYAAOSwa-dWnrnf#shpCntId
 
As long as the board with the faster processor comes with the cooling system. I can't be certain if the heatpipe is different to handle the higher heat output of the faster CPU.
 
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Replace C7771. I explained the issue in this thread. Your machine is one that is affected by the same problem.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/random-restarts-kernel-panic.1955993/

Here's a video on it.

If your machine has 0.316v on C7771, then you have that problem.

If you buy another board, you are just buying another board with the same cap that is the same age that will suffer the same problem. DO NOT BUY ANOTHER FAILING BOARD!

At the very least, if you do buy another failing board, replace C7771 with a polymer film so the replacement board doesn't fail. It's a fairly straightforward swapout.

Good luck!
 
Replace C7771. I explained the issue in this thread. Your machine is one that is affected by the same problem.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/random-restarts-kernel-panic.1955993/

Here's a video on it.

If your machine has 0.316v on C7771, then you have that problem.

If you buy another board, you are just buying another board with the same cap that is the same age that will suffer the same problem. DO NOT BUY ANOTHER FAILING BOARD!

At the very least, if you do buy another failing board, replace C7771 with a polymer film so the replacement board doesn't fail. It's a fairly straightforward swapout.

Good luck!

I realize this post is a couple years old now but I just started having GPU problems on my beloved 17” mbp. I was wondering you could tell me if I have this same capacitor? My serial number is C02G53A4DRJG model number is A1297. If this is the issue do you still do these repairs?

Thanks
Roxanne
 
I realize this post is a couple years old now but I just started having GPU problems on my beloved 17” mbp. I was wondering you could tell me if I have this same capacitor? My serial number is C02G53A4DRJG model number is A1297. If this is the issue do you still do these repairs?

Thanks
Roxanne

That model has a bad GPU which is not available from any vendor in good condition. Sadly anyone with that model is kinda screwed. Some people have posted BIOS hacks here that supposedly stop the GPU from being used, so it can at least boot.
 
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