Some 2011 MacBook Pros Experiencing GPU Glitches, System Crashes

[ogremoustro]

I'm hearing reports of people having the issue on late 2011s too. I'm lucky so far, although this problem seems to happen right after AppleCare runs out.

Yeah I'm seeing more and more people with late 2011 MBPs being affected.

 

[moebius22]

I have an early 2011 MacBook Pro that was displaying similar problems. Apple replaced the logic board free of charge, because I had AppleCare. A while passed, but the problems have returned. I have a month left on my AppleCare.

Will Apple do additional replacements free of charge?

MacBook Pro 17"

17-inch, Early 2011
Processor 2.3 GHz Intel Core i7
Memory 4 GB 1333 MHz DDR3
Graphics Intel HD Graphics 3000 384 MB
Software OS X 10.8.5 (12F45)

Intel HD Graphics 3000:

Chipset Model: Intel HD Graphics 3000
Type: GPU
Bus: Built-In
VRAM (Total): 384 MB
Vendor: Intel (0x8086)
Device ID: 0x0126
Revision ID: 0x0009
gMux Version: 1.9.24
Displays:
Color LCD:
Display Type: LCD
Resolution: 1920 x 1200
Pixel Depth: 32-Bit Color (ARGB8888)
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Built-In: Yes

AMD Radeon HD 6750M:

Chipset Model: AMD Radeon HD 6750M
Type: GPU
Bus: PCIe
PCIe Lane Width: x8
VRAM (Total): 1024 MB
Vendor: ATI (0x1002)
Device ID: 0x6741
Revision ID: 0x0000
ROM Revision: 113-C0170L-573
gMux Version: 1.9.24
EFI Driver Version: 01.00.573

 

[cob]

Apple's discussion sites are down

I'm curious why 3 years later anybody would still believe Apple's unofficial response for the early 2011 MBP 15 and 17 gpu and logic board issue? Many including those in this thread have followed Apple's advice only to have the problem continue to recur even after the expensive $500+ "fix".

Is there any reason to believe that Apple has properly diagnosed this 3-year old problem? I mean who in their right mind would believe 3 years later this is the problem when the supposedly remedy does little or no good as the problem returns quickly.

IMO, I have to believe that Apple doesn't have a clue what the problem is and after 3 long years, by now probably could care less.

 

[MagicBoy]

It probably was a fix ... until they ran out of as-new logic boards, and they started badly refurbishing them.

Replacing/reballing the GPU is a specialist job. Certainly not something that could be done in-store, hence swapping the component it is attached to which is the logic board.

 

[ogremoustro]

I'm curious why 3 years later anybody would still believe Apple's unofficial response for the early 2011 MBP 15 and 17 gpu and logic board issue? Many including those in this thread have followed Apple's advice only to have the problem continue to recur even after the expensive $500+ "fix".

Is there any reason to believe that Apple has properly diagnosed this 3-year old problem? I mean who in their right mind would believe 3 years later this is the problem when the supposedly remedy does little or no good as the problem returns quickly.

IMO, I have to believe that Apple doesn't have a clue what the problem is and after 3 long years, by now probably could care less.

The problem is the GPU. Nothing else can be causing the problems that are occurring other than that.

 

[cob]

And why do you believe Apple after 3 years?

The problem is the GPU. Nothing else can be causing the problems that are occurring other than that.

Well, actually,isn't the unofficial explanation from Apple something like solder expansion where the GPU connects to the logic board?

Fair enough. Then why are those getting logic boards replaced having the same problem occurring wth a very short time frame of the replacement?

I'll spare you the details but I had this exact same symptoms that many others had. It started with my first split screen and freeze and then went downhill from there in a few short weeks to the point where one morning no matter what I tried and how reboots and startups, nothing worked. At best I got the gray screen after the apple/gear churning screen. At worst, I got a royal blue or even black screen, or even nothing at all.

I applied a "fix" that same morning, staying entirely within Apple's policies and guidelines, and my early 2011 mbp has been working perhaps better than ever without a single symptom. Even clicking the checkbox for Auto GPU Switching in Energy Saver works every time, whereas prior to the fix clicking on that box was instant freeze.

I always thought Apple's explanation was fishy since I first started researching the problem. It just didn't make sense to me. Kinda' like close but no cigar.

I have to believe Apple never had a frickin' clue what the problem was and that's why for the most part they've remained mum for several years, maybe hoping the situation would just die off.

Being that Apple is a capitalist corp, earlier this week I emailed Tim Cook at Apple offering him a proposal if I could demonstrate where this problem wasn't and approximately where it was.

Jessica Hogue, an Executive Customer Relations type gal contacted me and after several days of playing phone tag, having never actually read my email, insisted I freely give her my information for a potential fix and I said I'd be happy to when Apple agrees to my proposal. Jessica said, they don't do that, and again, Jessica insisted I freely share my info with her. It seems that Apple wants me to play socialist while they play capitalist. Jessica said, if I change my mind, please contact her and I said likewise.

Even if my early 2011 mbp goes belly up tonight, I've already been shown that their explanation cannot be accurate and that they completely misdiagnosed this problem and potential solution. Sure the boards may have issues with bad soldering, etc. and may indirectly contribute to this problem, but there simply is no way that this is the problem.

And if I'm right, that could more easily explain why Apple has done so little in their attempt to rectify the siuation and calm a good percentage of their mbp user base.

At the very least nobody in their right mind should continue to believe anything Apple has to say about this longstanding, serious, and expensive issue that has turned so many mbp's into worthless bricks.

 

[MagicBoy]

"It's a one-off occurrence, there's no common fault." doesn't count as the Apple unofficial explanation.

(Otherwise known as the "Waaa waaa waaa. Not listening. I can't hear you." defense).

 

[MkVsTheWorld]

My theory is that some of the GPU cards have a mild defect that causes them to overheat. That's why reballing, reflowing, etc only temporarily resolves the issue.

 

[moebius22]

My MacBook Pro has gone back to Apple due to a failed discreet graphics card. I'm waiting to see if they replace my logicboard AGAIN! I only have 30 days on my Applecare, so I'm selling this thing after I get it back. After this, it's Hackintosh for me.

 

[HBP]

I have a Late-2011 MBP. Happened to me for the first time recently when updating Mavericks. Still have Applecare. Fixed it temporarily and disabled discrete GPU.

Unable to recreate it now that I've fixed it. Want to get logic board swap or to complain to Apple about numerous repairs (couple hard drive swaps, superdrive swap out) and try to get a replacement. How do you guys recreate the problem?

 

[Advokit]

Defective early 2011 MBPros - a class action lawsuit?

The same problem occurred to my early 2011 MBPro about a year ago. Fortunately it was still under Applecare. I had to bring it in twice; the first time they told me it was a software problem, even though I knew it was not, they still did a reinstall of MOS 10.8. It booted once at the store, and as soon as I got it home it failed again - straight to the funky screen problem - "video fails with various issues ranging from a split screen, pinstripe lines" and a frozen blue screen. This time I took screen shots to show the store tech. They took it back and replaced my Motherboard and RAM. They never acknowledged that it was the AMD graphics chip that was causing the problem, but instead blamed on my perfectly good RAM.

So now I'm on my 2nd Motherboard, crossing my fingers, and hoping that it continues working as my MBPro is now no longer covered under Applecare.

I'm a long time Apple user; I actually bought and still have an original 128K Mac (and many others since then), but this defect on a $2500 notebook computer, and Apple's failure to take responsibility for this problem and to offer a reasonable fix for it, has left me questioning whether my next computer will come from Apple.

With so many posts clearly demonstrating this defect on the early 2011 MBPro's, some dissatisfied owner should start a class-action lawsuit against Apple regarding this product.

 

[ogremoustro]

The same problem occurred to my early 2011 MBPro about a year ago. Fortunately it was still under Applecare. I had to bring it in twice; the first time they told me it was a software problem, even though I knew it was not, they still did a reinstall of MOS 10.8. It booted once at the store, and as soon as I got it home it failed again - straight to the funky screen problem - "video fails with various issues ranging from a split screen, pinstripe lines" and a frozen blue screen. This time I took screen shots to show the store tech. They took it back and replaced my Motherboard and RAM. They never acknowledged that it was the AMD graphics chip that was causing the problem, but instead blamed on my perfectly good RAM.

So now I'm on my 2nd Motherboard, crossing my fingers, and hoping that it continues working as my MBPro is now no longer covered under Applecare.

I'm a long time Apple user; I actually bought and still have an original 128K Mac (and many others since then), but this defect on a $2500 notebook computer, and Apple's failure to take responsibility for this problem and to offer a reasonable fix for it, has left me questioning whether my next computer will come from Apple.

With so many posts clearly demonstrating this defect on the early 2011 MBPro's, some dissatisfied owner should start a class-action lawsuit against Apple regarding this product.

http://www.patentlyapple.com/patent...t-apple-over-faulty-macbook-logic-boards.html

 

[johnnyturbouk]

This really pisses me off. My 2011 17" MBP was doing this and I thought it was giving up the ghost and I needed a laptop so had to buy a new MBP right before the 2013's were released..

And I really liked my 17" MBP which I still have.

same here

I initially noticed the horizontal bars 18 months ago, then the boot-up being stuck onto a grey scene, this was not solved by safe mode or a re-install of osx.

I ended up changing my ssd and the issue resolved when i reinstalled osx onto the new ssd. Paradoxically, i brought an ocz max iops sad, and has been reforming flawlessly without issues since day1.

The only reason i didn't go back to apple for a replaced logic board is that i axed my optical drive for a second ssd pretty much 3 months after copping the MBP 17".

I finally upgraded to a late 13" 2013 MBP as i needed usb3 as i had a plethora of usb3 peripherals; i was also fed up of the express card 34-usb3 and associated osx hacks, and TB peripherals were insanely overpriced for marginal improvement in performance.

Now the 13" is useful when i need the take the MBP to work, which is actually quite rare. As my primary work-machine, the screen is to small, and the keys to cramped. I end up using an external monitor, keyboard, trackpad, 12south arc....etc
with the MBP 17" i had a serious workstation all in one: an amazing screen, and overall loved the experience, this was my second ever mac.

I am currently awaiting the 4k iMacs to drop in a year or so, and will finally retire my 17" MBP - such a shame it was discontinued, truly was my all time favourite mac

 

[wilson836]

another failure...

late 2011 macbook pro, 2.2 Ghz base --> upgraded 16 Gb ram and 512 SSD

1st graphics failure 5/2014 (replaced logic board)
2nd graphics failure 8/2014 (currently replacing logic board)

how many more graphics failures before i can request a new laptop?

can i ask for a brand new laptop after my next failure?

any strategies to ask for a new laptop? i only have 6 months left of applecare!

Thanks!

 

[cmaier]

late 2011 macbook pro, 2.2 Ghz base --> upgraded 16 Gb ram and 512 SSD

1st graphics failure 5/2014 (replaced logic board)
2nd graphics failure 8/2014 (currently replacing logic board)

how many more graphics failures before i can request a new laptop?

can i ask for a brand new laptop after my next failure?

any strategies to ask for a new laptop? i only have 6 months left of applecare!

Thanks!

They're unlikely to give you a new laptop for a three-year old laptop. I've also had two failures, the second out of applecare (but they fixed it for free anyway). Wouldn't occur to me to ask for a replacement next time (what's the point - all the 2011's have the same problem, there are no 17" models since 2011, and no way they give me a more recent machine anyway), though I may politely request a gift card for $100 or something for the unnaturally-shortened lifespan of the machine that can be applied toward a new model if it fails again.

 

[MagicBoy]

late 2011 macbook pro, 2.2 Ghz base --> upgraded 16 Gb ram and 512 SSD

1st graphics failure 5/2014 (replaced logic board)
2nd graphics failure 8/2014 (currently replacing logic board)

how many more graphics failures before i can request a new laptop?

can i ask for a brand new laptop after my next failure?

any strategies to ask for a new laptop? i only have 6 months left of applecare!

Thanks!

Mine was replaced after the third occurrence within 2 months. I didn't have to ask, it was offered.

The "refurbished" logic boards in my limited experience were crap. Suggest you stress test it when it comes back. I didn't have to, they just failed of their own accord under light use within a few weeks.

----------

They're unlikely to give you a new laptop for a three-year old laptop. I've also had two failures, the second out of applecare (but they fixed it for free anyway). Wouldn't occur to me to ask for a replacement next time (what's the point - all the 2011's have the same problem, there are no 17" models since 2011, and no way they give me a more recent machine anyway), though I may politely request a gift card for $100 or something for the unnaturally-shortened lifespan of the machine that can be applied toward a new model if it fails again.

They will. Mine was out of warranty and I got a replacement rMBP after the replacement logic boards kept failing within the 90 day warranty on the repair.

You'll likely get a top spec 15" rMBP for a 17". Got to be better than a non-functioning 2011... even if it's not your preferred form factor.

 

[cmaier]

Mine was replaced after the third occurrence within 2 months. I didn't have to ask, it was offered.

The "refurbished" logic boards in my limited experience were crap. Suggest you stress test it when it comes back. I didn't have to, they just failed of their own accord under light use within a few weeks.

----------



They will. Mine was out of warranty and I got a replacement rMBP after the replacement logic boards kept failing within the 90 day warranty on the repair.

You'll likely get a top spec 15" rMBP for a 17". Got to be better than a non-functioning 2011...

Nice of them to do that, but I guess it makes sense given the high number of failures in a short time. Mine failed about 18 months apart.

 

[MagicBoy]

Nice of them to do that, but I guess it makes sense given the high number of failures in a short time. Mine failed about 18 months apart.

Indeed. I can't fault the customer service. Big thumbs up for .

The longer this issue goes on, the worse the quality of the refurbished spare parts will get. You probably got a new logic board first time it failed, where I was getting secondhand parts from the off. No wonder they failed after a few weeks.

 

[cmaier]

Indeed. I can't fault the customer service. Big thumbs up for .

The longer this issue goes on, the worse the quality of the refurbished spare parts will get. You probably got a new logic board first time it failed, where I was getting secondhand parts from the off. No wonder they failed after a few weeks.

Most recent replacement for me was a few months back. So far so good. Just hoping to keep it going until Broadwell, at this point.

 

[wilson836]

Mine was replaced after the third occurrence within 2 months. I didn't have to ask, it was offered.

The "refurbished" logic boards in my limited experience were crap. Suggest you stress test it when it comes back. I didn't have to, they just failed of their own accord under light use within a few weeks.

----------

Thanks for your input.

I kept asking the genius about my replacement logic boards and he swore to me that they were brand new.

 

[fat jez]

As far as I am aware, 3 occurrences of the same fault within the warranty period will generate a replacement machine.

 

[MagicBoy]

When the Genius produced a quote for replacing the logic board when I initially took mine in, I made a point of asking if the parts were new or refurbished. Board #2 had ports that showed signs of use, the other one looked as new.

It's just an observation, not a criticism. If the refurbished boards were properly repaired and up to original quality I'd be happily using my 2011 now.

 

[greenmeanie]

If their product is so good we shouldn't need AppleCare.
So what your telling us it is JUNK and we better get it?

Had this problem on my Early 2011 MBP last year. Apple replaced the logic board and battery(!) an no charge under AppleCare. No problem since.

Always get the AppleCare.

----------

I notice HEAT problems sometimes after a FLASH Update which is not NVIDEAS fault.
There is no way any Chip would survive getting that HOT. My Laptop got so hot it would burn my leg when using in in my lap. My opinion Apple and Adobe need to get together and test these things out before a patch release.

It sounds to me very likely to be a heat issue.

Intermittent problems like this that crop up after a couple of years are probably because of degraded hear dissipation after fans accumulate some dust. Also eroded solder or thermal paste. I wonder if people going through this opened up their machines and blew dust off would see a reprieve.

 

[cool11]

I wanted to open a new topic, but I feel real sad about it and I avoid it.
But, lets say a few words...

Not only I had my logic board damaged early this year, with early 2011 model of mbp, and with no apple care, i just sold it in a very low price as a faulty machine.
I got a mbp late 2013 in spring 2014, with applecare this time, and it has problem too!!! Suddenly, after some months from the purchase, while I was working, my screen started to shake up and down. Don't search what is it. It is a manufacturing problem. Mbp is in the service now, and they will fix it for me, free of charge.
But the discomfort remains for me, for a second time in a few months.

But, 2 different mbp models, for me the same single user, at the same year, with serious problems?
Such expensive machines, the most expensive laptops on the planet?
It is not acceptable.

It is not my fault, this is guaranteed, I am totally careful about my machines, and I use computer from the time most of you, you were not born.

The conclusion by me, is that I 'm losing faith in Apple, even though I did not want to.

I really do not know what I will choose as my laptop when the time will come for replacement.

 

[cmaier]

If their product is so good we shouldn't need AppleCare.
So what your telling us it is JUNK and we better get it?



That's a strawman argument. Applecare is a great insurance policy; every once in awhile there are models with some clunky component prone to failure. I consider applecare part of the price of the machine, and Apple offers you a choice to forgo a 3 year warranty if you want to save some cash.