Should I sell my working Macbook Pro 15" 2011 ... while it still works?

[triple-tap]

So, I have a perfectly fine 2011 MBP non-retina 15" that I used all throughout law school. The applecare ended in July, and I use a macbook air now for my daily duties away from home. The macbook pro has been delegated to desktop duty for the past few months.

Should I just go ahead and sell the MBP and buy a new machine (probably iMac or mac mini+new apple display)? or should I just keep pounding away with the MBP?

I don't think I'd expect to get much more than ~$750-800 from the machine (2.0 quad i7 w/ 8 gigs and upgraded hdd), but I also know that I will have trouble getting $500 IF the logic board failure issue arises.

 

[calderone]

Sell it now.

I personally have started selling after 2 years (regardless of potential future issues), while there is still AppleCare on the device.

 

[gochi]

go for it

you can always get at least $800 for it even next year

 

[triple-tap]

It kills me because my 2006 macbook (white) is still trudging along (my mom uses it to surf, type emails, etc.).

This machine cost me over $1800 in august 2011, and I hate that I can't count on it to keep working.

I want to throw an SSD in it for increased speed, but after seeing all the 2011's failing as of late, I don't want to be out the $$$ for a 500gb SSD.

So, I will take your advice and post her to on craigslist (I don't have enough posts to list her on here I guess).

Thanks for the response.

 

[triple-tap]

Amazon just quoted me a trade-in price of $700 today (and that is if I put the 4gb ram back into the machine). The 8gb ram sticks should be an easy sell for 60-70$ on top of that.

What do u guys think of this option?

 

[caligomez]

They are starting to fail? Whoa.. I have that model (with an SSD) upgrade, and never had one hiccup. In fact, it's hard for me to justify an upgrade to a retina MBP, cause the performance is still excellent.

Now what is this issue of the failing logic board you refer to? Any specific component? Are these just random threads on the apple support site, or is it something well documented by tech sites?

EDIT - if you're going to pull the trigger, I would take the offer from Amazon, unless you have an SSD as the storage disk. I've done research on eBay, and it seems around what most go for.

 

[triple-tap]

They are starting to fail? Whoa.. I have that model (with an SSD) upgrade, and never had one hiccup. In fact, it's hard for me to justify an upgrade to a retina MBP, cause the performance is still excellent.

Now what is this issue of the failing logic board you refer to? Any specific component? Are these just random threads on the apple support site, or is it something well documented by tech sites?

EDIT - if you're going to pull the trigger, I would take the offer from Amazon, unless you have an SSD as the storage disk. I've done research on eBay, and it seems around what most go for.

Yes, it is a pretty well documented issue (petitions, threads on all major tech sites, class action lawsuits, etc). I hadn't been as skeptical about the issue until this month when I started working for a law firm (lots of confidential info to protect, need reliable computer, etc.). I browse the forum occasionally, and these seem to be popping up just as frequently today as they were in January.

 

[gochi]

Amazon just quoted me a trade-in price of $700 today (and that is if I put the 4gb ram back into the machine). The 8gb ram sticks should be an easy sell for 60-70$ on top of that.

What do u guys think of this option?

wait how does amazon do that

VERY curious

 

[triple-tap]

wait how does amazon do that

VERY curious

Search for the laptop via the model number (as if you wanted to purchase one).
Then, there will be an option that reads "Have one to trade? Amazon will give you 'up to XXX for your trade-in'." Then you just click on the steps, describe the condition, etc.

 

[gochi]

Search for the laptop via the model number (as if you wanted to purchase one).
Then, there will be an option that reads "Have one to trade? Amazon will give you 'up to XXX for your trade-in'." Then you just click on the steps, describe the condition, etc.

interesting...will look into that.

 

[J&JPolangin]

...this issue wasn't affecting the 13.3" MBP was it?

 

[triple-tap]

I don't know about the 13", but both larger (much more expensive models) were impacted by this stupid radeon (sp?) GPU's that Apple used for 2011.

I was hoping to get cash, rather than the Amazon credit as I'd like to get the new machine this weekend. Alas, this is apparently not going to happen as I haven't had any luck with replies (save a ton of scammers) on craigslist...

Off to Amazon she goes.

 

[pedromcm.pm]

I don't know about the 13", but both larger (much more expensive models) were impacted by this stupid radeon (sp?) GPU's that Apple used for 2011.

I was hoping to get cash, rather than the Amazon credit as I'd like to get the new machine this weekend. Alas, this is apparently not going to happen as I haven't had any luck with replies (save a ton of scammers) on craigslist...

Off to Amazon she goes.

Do you realize that even if the issue actually happened its only on relatively few devices, right? The simple fact that you have 3 MacBooks is strange.

 

[Gav Mack]

Get your 2011 torn down, heatsink lapped and polished and use decent and far less thermal paste. Doward's tutorial videos on the your 2011 is too hot thread in the mbp section is a great guide for the novice.

I've done lots of 2011's and average idle temp drop of the cpu is about 15c - my 2011 dropped 20c and runs as cool as a cucumber afterwards.

Apple's paste methods, of quality and more important quantity compounded by not polishing the plates is a recipe for a GPU to fail soon. Without optimisation the pair of chips are just too hot for this chassis - hence the failures.

 

[triple-tap]

Do you realize that even if the issue actually happened its only on relatively few devices, right? The simple fact that you have 3 MacBooks is strange.

Well, I am an attorney, and I needed a laptop that would last 8+ hours a day while at court. My fiancé is a teacher, and she also wanted a computer that would last all day for her lessons. The 2011 macbook was purchased while I was still in law school. Idk how that is "strange?" I think it is strange that you don't have more than one.

 

[pedromcm.pm]

Well, I am an attorney, and I needed a laptop that would last 8+ hours a day while at court. My fiancé is a teacher, and she also wanted a computer that would last all day for her lessons. The 2011 macbook was purchased while I was still in law school. Idk how that is "strange?" I think it is strange that you don't have more than one.

Ok, so it isn't "your" laptop. You don't have 3: Your fiancé has one, and your mother (i think I read that in another post) has another. It seemed confusing how someone was using 3 computers.

I always looked dGPUs as a potential problem, even on Macs, so I avoid those models. However, you can be sure that it only happens in a few % of users.

Thankfully, sooner or later we will have an Apple branded solution (ARM). Until then, If I need another computer (my 2011 i7 Air will never die), iGPU it is. Always.

 

[triple-tap]

Get your 2011 torn down, heatsink lapped and polished and use decent and far less thermal paste. Doward's tutorial videos on the your 2011 is too hot thread in the mbp section is a great guide for the novice.

I've done lots of 2011's and average idle temp drop of the cpu is about 15c - my 2011 dropped 20c and runs as cool as a cucumber afterwards.

Apple's paste methods, of quality and more important quantity compounded by not polishing the plates is a recipe for a GPU to fail soon. Without optimisation the pair of chips are just too hot for this chassis - hence the failures.

Thanks for the heads up. I hadn't seen any preemptive measures to avoid the problem before (obviously my fault for not doing enough research). I am fairly comfortable taking the macbook apart (tho not an expert or even skilled at it). I am having a little trouble finding that thread tho. If you happen to have it bookmarked, and chance I could get a link?



EDIT: as I typed this, my phone rang with a potential buyer that wants to buy it for $680 cash today. ugh... decisions.....

Do I sell and shell out for a new iMac (or even rMBP) or do I simply follow the advice about reballing and "fix the problem" (hopefully)? 1st world problems...

----------

Ok, so it isn't "your" laptop. You don't have 3: Your fiancé has one, and your mother (i think I read that in another post) has another. It seemed confusing how someone was using 3 computers.

I always looked dGPUs as a potential problem, even on Macs, so I avoid those models. However, you can be sure that it only happens in a few % of users.

Thankfully, sooner or later we will have an Apple branded solution (ARM). Until then, If I need another computer (my 2011 i7 Air will never die), iGPU it is. Always.

Well, technically, I have two. the MBA for on the road/court. The 2011 MBP is relegated to desk duty since school ended. My mom is still plugging away with her 2008 white macbook, so idk where that came from.

 

[triple-tap]

found the thread (i think) thanks

 

[Gav Mack]

It's an excellent preventative measure - I've had to do it to practically every 2011 15/17 I have worked on cos they run far too hot for my liking.

For a company that prides themselves on micron precision the sloppiness they have between the dies of the cpu and GPU is my most maddening thing about Apple full stop. I see no Apple perfection there - only rubbish!

----------

Do you realize that even if the issue actually happened its only on relatively few devices, right? The simple fact that you have 3 MacBooks is strange.

One of my clients has 5 - and 4 iMac's!

My cool running 2011 will do for me I'm a 17 inch fan and with a 1tb ssd and 16gb ram, both upgraded myself it's not that much slower than the retinas. My Mac notebook for the next 3-4 years.

 

[triple-tap]

It's an excellent preventative measure - I've had to do it to practically every 2011 15/17 I have worked on cos they run far too hot for my liking.

For a company that prides themselves on micron precision the sloppiness they have between the dies of the cpu and GPU is my most maddening thing about Apple full stop. I see no Apple perfection there - only rubbish!

----------



One of my clients has 5 - and 4 iMac's!

My cool running 2011 will do for me I'm a 17 inch fan and with a 1tb ssd and 16gb ram, both upgraded myself it's not that much slower than the retinas. My Mac notebook for the next 3-4 years.

You have convinced me to take the much cheaper road to address my concerns regarding the 2011 MBP. I think I will probably just order an SSD, grab a large monitor, and work on the preventative measures you described. Thanks all (and especially Gav Mack)


This is exactly why I love macrumors... tons of really intelligent Apple users from across the globe = a wealth of information!!!

 

[Gav Mack]

You have convinced me to take the much cheaper road to address my concerns regarding the 2011 MBP. I think I will probably just order an SSD, grab a large monitor, and work on the preventative measures you described. Thanks all (and especially Gav Mack)


This is exactly why I love macrumors... tons of really intelligent Apple users from across the globe = a wealth of information!!!

No problem - Refitting SSD's into old Macs and extending their lives is one of my specialities along with improving the thermals - last week it was a mid 2007 24 iMac with a crucial mx100 in a 3.5 NWT bracket repasted with a 4gb stick from OWC to max the ram out at 6gb. Runs Mavericks and Win 7 x86 in parallels for the client's specialised software like an absolute champ. Starts Mavericks in 25 seconds!

I won't be throwing my 2008 Mac Pro away either - my maxed out 8 core still stomps along with its SSD upgrade too and like the 2011 is getting a new Apple wifi + bluetooth 4.0 LE card too to support OS X Yosemite's handoff functions.

There's lots of life left in my old dogs yet

 

[triple-tap]

No problem - Refitting SSD's into old Macs and extending their lives is one of my specialities along with improving the thermals - last week it was a mid 2007 24 iMac with a crucial mx100 in a 3.5 NWT bracket repasted with a 4gb stick from OWC to max the ram out at 6gb. Runs Mavericks and Win 7 x86 in parallels for the client's specialised software like an absolute champ. Starts Mavericks in 25 seconds!

I won't be throwing my 2008 Mac Pro away either - my maxed out 8 core still stomps along with its SSD upgrade too and like the 2011 is getting a new Apple wifi + bluetooth 4.0 LE card too to support OS X Yosemite's handoff functions.

There's lots of life left in my old dogs yet

Hmmm.... I am beginning to look at the bluetooth card also. Tempting, but I want to see if I even use handoff after Yosemite is available. Hopefully it won't be hard to find a BCM94331PCIEBT4CAX card at that time.

 

[Gav Mack]

Hmmm.... I am beginning to look at the bluetooth card also. Tempting, but I want to see if I even use handoff after Yosemite is available. Hopefully it won't be hard to find a BCM94331PCIEBT4CAX card at that time.

I was won over by handoff yesterday when after leaving my iPhone upstairs I took a clients call on my iPad air downstairs! Though I was puzzled at first with the unusual ringtone so synced my custom one I have on the iPhone straight after. Ebay Item number 271373774549 for 30 bucks from California - mine is on its way along with the Mac Pro card kit from the states too.

I will retrofit them just before I upgrade - Yosemite adds iCloud keychains in to support the features and should be kext, hassle free and functional once I'm on 10.10.

 

[triple-tap]

I was won over by handoff yesterday when after leaving my iPhone upstairs I took a clients call on my iPad air downstairs! Though I was puzzled at first with the unusual ringtone so synced my custom one I have on the iPhone straight after. Ebay Item number 271373774549 for 30 bucks from California - mine is on its way along with the Mac Pro card kit from the states too.

I will retrofit them just before I upgrade - Yosemite adds iCloud keychains in to support the features and should be kext, hassle free and functional once I'm on 10.10.

Ordered. Thanks for posting the ebay item number.

 

[Black.Infinity]

I sold my 2011 MBP for the same reason. Never had any problem with it. But due to rumors that some 2011 MBP had faulty graphics, even though I had no symptoms, I sold it.

The specification is listed on my signature.

I couldn't afford to pay 700 dollars out of warranty repairs.