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Users Find Some New MacBook Pros Suffer From Major Graphics Issues
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Wow, you've had 3 replacements in a few weeks?
Quality aside, I'm still kind of shocked by the cost and performance (or lack of). We're looking at either a MBA or MBP for my wife right now and can get a 2.7GHz 2015 for less than a 2.0GHz 2016. Why does Apple keep lowering the performance and raising the prices? First, they moves most of the Mac line from quad-core to dual-core, and now it seems the clock speeds are dropping at similar points in the model lineup. What's to love about the new ones aside from USB-C ports? (for those who love that)
(Note: I was initially excited about USB-C / TB3 to support an eGPU... and maybe willing to consider that over the tradeoffs. But, it seems Apple is determined to make that difficult... probably better to just get a 2015 and add an eGPU, even if you can't get 100% performance.)
The video problem happens for me when I use a program that uses the AMD GPU chip. The machine seems to work fine until I open PhotoShop or Chrome, then it screws up. I think the switch between the Intel and the AMD GPU is the problem. I'm on my third machine, it failed right out of the box at the Apple store. I agreed to wait and see if an software update fixes this problem before returning this one.
The 10.12.2 Sierra does NOT fix the video problem.
The 10.12.2 Sierra does NOT fix the video problem.
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so sad the new macBook$ have firmly got the junk graphics label now. Apple has danced around this for about 10 years.
people are now super watching their screens for issues
-I just now noticed my screen goes blank for a couple of seconds while watching VLC. Usually a couple of times per movie. I swear it sorta just started last week and out of box never used to do this. Give this mother board six months and it will be toast. Like someone said on this forum/ another post; it must be how we hold it.
people are now super watching their screens for issues
-I just now noticed my screen goes blank for a couple of seconds while watching VLC. Usually a couple of times per movie. I swear it sorta just started last week and out of box never used to do this. Give this mother board six months and it will be toast. Like someone said on this forum/ another post; it must be how we hold it.
It's a little concerning. Makes me think there's something wrong with the GPU...
Same actually (with same 4k external setup).
I'm encountering this issue whenever trying to play 4k videos. I found it happens less often when I close my laptop so I'm just driving the external display and not both the external and internal displays.
I'm also encountering huge lags randomly, and have been forced to reset my machines password even though it never changed
Really sad for a ~$2800 machine.
Since new MacBook Pro models launched last month, an increasing number of early adopters have reported serious graphics issues on Apple's latest notebooks. The glitches and other problems appear to be most prevalent on built-to-order 15-inch models, but standard 13-inch and 15-inch configurations are also affected.
MacRumors reader Jan Becker, for example, said the graphics began to glitch on his new high-end 15-inch MacBook Pro, equipped with built-to-order AMD Radeon Pro 460 graphics, while transcoding video with Adobe Media Encoder in Premiere Pro. The notebook subsequently crashed.
Becker claims when he took his MacBook Pro to an Apple retail store to be replaced, an employee said the graphics issues are likely a hardware problem. He later claimed he received a phone call from Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California, where it allegedly has a team of engineers looking into the issues.The most common symptoms reported by users include brightly colored flickering, full-screen checkerboard patterns, screen tearing, and other visual artifacts. Affected systems may subsequently experience unresponsiveness or a kernel panic, sometimes resulting in the MacBook Pro crashing.
15-inch MacBook Pro with AMD Radeon Pro 460 graphics with full-screen visual artifacts
The high-end 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar and built-to-order AMD Radeon Pro 460 graphics appears to be most commonly afflicted, but several users have reported similar issues on 15-inch models equipped with standard AMD Radeon Pro 450 or AMD Radeon Pro 455 GPUs as well.
MacRumors reader Jayselle recorded his 15-inch MacBook Pro with AMD Radeon Pro 455 graphics flickering while connected to two external LG displays.
It is not entirely clear if the issues are a hardware or software problem. The graphics appear to act up most when users are completing intensive tasks, such as transcoding video with Adobe Media Encoder, syncing large photo libraries with Photos, or using other Adobe apps such as Photoshop and Lightroom.
It would initially seem the issue is limited to 15-inch MacBook Pro models with dedicated AMD graphics, but there are a few isolated reports of graphics issues on 13-inch models with integrated Intel Iris 540 and Intel Iris 550 graphics -- including the new 13-inch MacBook Pro with a standard row of function keys.
User complaints extend to the Apple Support Communities and other MacRumors discussion topics, indicating the graphics issues are rather widespread, but not all users are affected. Some speculate the latest macOS Sierra beta may fix the issues, but evidence remains anecdotal.
Separately, a number of users are reporting brief glitches during the boot up process on new MacBook Pro models, particularly along the bottom of the screen. It appears this issue is related to FileVault 2 startup disk encryption, as the glitches go away for many of these users once the feature is disabled.
As insurance, Apple's extended holiday return policy is currently in effect. MacBook Pros purchased or delivered between November 10 and December 25 are eligible for return until January 8, 2017 in the United States, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, and select other countries.
Select 2011-2013 MacBook Pro models have exhibited similar graphics issues in the past, including distorted video, no video, or unexpected system restarts. Apple accordingly launched a Repair Extension Program offering free repairs and refunds, but not before facing a class action lawsuit over the matter.
Apple appears to be aware of and is investigating these latest graphics issues, but it has yet to publicly comment on the matter. Apple been actively exchanging MacBook Pros for affected customers, according to users. Schedule a Genius Bar appointment or contact Apple Support to facilitate this process.
Article Link: Users Find Some New MacBook Pros Suffer From Major Graphics Issues
I bought the 15" MacBook Pro in November - After experiencing much of what is described above using Premiere - Kernel panic, multiple crashes and the green checkerboard screen I returned the computer and bought another one. Guess what? Same ****. This is going to be the end of my MacBook Pro experience - As Trump would say, "So sad".
Same thing here. I am experiencing these Kernel panics with the green or red checkerboard screen error ONLY when working with Adobes video edititing apps (Premiere, AE and Media Encoder). FCP X works totally fine on these machines. In an Adobe forum thread one Adobe staff member comments that Adobe is apparently tryring to find a fix with Apple . I encourage everyone with this issue to weigh in on the thread : https://forums.adobe.com/message/9212594#9212594
Got the same issue here while using Premiere on a custom built machine. Seriously considering a PC next time. The Z-key on my keyboard also made a really annoying clicking sound upon every release, and when I tried to fiddle with the key to solve the issue, it resultet in the key now having a different feel to it, as it now sits lower than the other keys. WTF.....!
2nd Machine, keeps freezing at random times (between 2-6 times a day) when using mission control and the downloads folder (in stacks). I really am trying to use these new MBPs because I love the design, but between the battery life and the graphic freezes I am thinking I am returning this again. There is something wrong if this is happening with multiple machines (both of which I did clean installs on).
Well, after using a pair of 5K's with the new rMBP (2.9i7, 460-4K), the issues are much more than just the display versions noted and obvious. The two problems I have every day: 1) mouse movement hangs. 2) inability to come out of sleep mode - results in a crash.
In the first case, it appears to be "fast mouse" movement, or maybe accelerated movement - quick response from the mouse. Pure speculation would be dropping an event in the USB chain including the dongle, the TB3 transport, kernel - who knows.
Second case is compounded by device registration issues. If you clear the nvram, it can take 60 to 90 seconds to re-register the monitors **after** the OS is up. This is one where it is best to plug in the monitors when the laptop is open.
Underlying this is a basic issue that the monitors will not power up - or the rMBP does not recognize the events to come out of sleep mode. The resolution is typically to unplug the monitors, open the laptop (which remains asleep), and hard reset the OS with the power button. Which also means - a full restart after the system comes back up from the crash.
After that - its 50/50 if the system is going to hard crash again when it comes out of sleep mode.
I love the 5K's, even without the beautiful aesthetics - doing raw photo processing with a monitor in native 5K is simply breathtaking. But all the comments about this really not being a pro machine - gotta say I agree. after spending $5K on the rMBP, another $500 on dongles to make all my existing workstations functional (think multiple offices), and $2K for a new set of monitors, having to spend 15 minutes a day going through a re-start process, well - it really didn't offer me enough to warrant all this trouble.
I'm hoping for software updates, lets hope these are driver issues as they were with many of the other first generation MBP graphics issues.
In the first case, it appears to be "fast mouse" movement, or maybe accelerated movement - quick response from the mouse. Pure speculation would be dropping an event in the USB chain including the dongle, the TB3 transport, kernel - who knows.
Second case is compounded by device registration issues. If you clear the nvram, it can take 60 to 90 seconds to re-register the monitors **after** the OS is up. This is one where it is best to plug in the monitors when the laptop is open.
Underlying this is a basic issue that the monitors will not power up - or the rMBP does not recognize the events to come out of sleep mode. The resolution is typically to unplug the monitors, open the laptop (which remains asleep), and hard reset the OS with the power button. Which also means - a full restart after the system comes back up from the crash.
After that - its 50/50 if the system is going to hard crash again when it comes out of sleep mode.
I love the 5K's, even without the beautiful aesthetics - doing raw photo processing with a monitor in native 5K is simply breathtaking. But all the comments about this really not being a pro machine - gotta say I agree. after spending $5K on the rMBP, another $500 on dongles to make all my existing workstations functional (think multiple offices), and $2K for a new set of monitors, having to spend 15 minutes a day going through a re-start process, well - it really didn't offer me enough to warrant all this trouble.
I'm hoping for software updates, lets hope these are driver issues as they were with many of the other first generation MBP graphics issues.
Happy to say that after some crazy glitch it in the first couple days, before Thanksgiving, (came very close to returning it - had a Genius Bar appointment all scheduled), I've had no problems since.
That said, the touch bar has turned out to be more of a detriment to me than a help - 90% of the time when I hit it, it's an accident. And I tend not to use it because I forget what functions are there, I'm looking at the screen not the keyboard, and the functions change anyway so you can't rely on muscle memory. Still hopeful that functionality will improve when more software supports it.
That said, the touch bar has turned out to be more of a detriment to me than a help - 90% of the time when I hit it, it's an accident. And I tend not to use it because I forget what functions are there, I'm looking at the screen not the keyboard, and the functions change anyway so you can't rely on muscle memory. Still hopeful that functionality will improve when more software supports it.
Any one found a solution to this other than return the computer? Does that even solve the issue?
rezenclowd3
macrumors 65816
Hello all, I want to share my experience with my new MacBook Pro with toucher. I got 13inch model. I got also issue with my screen. I have contacted the genius bar here in France. Since beginning of January, they are saying that the piece to be replaced is ordered. But I still have no news. Now I really started to think that this new hardware is not really worth the price!!!
Anyone knows how I can speed up a bit the people at Apple Store??
Thanks.
Anyone knows how I can speed up a bit the people at Apple Store??
Thanks.
It doesn't seem to be a hardware error as the issue is widespread. Some of the Adobe forums have had some responses from Adobe saying they and Apple are working on it.
Same exact situation as me. 30 minutes into my brand new macbook pro replacement using Premiere - insane crash flicker happened again. So disappointing. I did post on the apple forums and someone offered the idea of downloading an update they linked to. Trying it now and will see.
https://discussions.apple.com/message/31313198#31313198
[doublepost=1485465113][/doublepost]Great news - just found this update for Sierra from 2 days ago. Apparently supposed to fix this exact issue - named in the notes. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207462
Good luck - downloading now.
I have a Macbook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013) with Intel Iris graphics, came with Mavericks installed, have upgraded OS to Yosemite and El Capitan. This was a refurb product bought directly from apple. Within days of buying it 2 years ago, I saw video corruption. But it was insignificant enough to ignore it, until I was beyond the limited warrantee. Some times the problem occurs 10-20 times in a day.
Video corruption is only ever present when using Google Chrome. If chrome is minimized, corruption does not occur. If chrome is open and I scroll through some pages, or switch tabs, or move the window around on screen, the corruption occurs.
I believe this is a corrupt intel driver, or something low level software combined with hardware. I believe this because I can actually run screen capture software and record videos on the machine of the corruption occurring. I'm not exactly sure how the capture software works, but in any case, it's recordable.
Lately, in the last 24 hours, I've seen a spontaneous system crash about 10 times (looks like an instant log-off but not restart). Today it's been about 4 times, last night was 5+ times.
Checking Console app for the diagnostic messages, I see it's piles of "End Hang Analysis" lines, associated with "Trying to restart GPU (Intel Iris)".
So, in this case, it's not the SSD or other hardware but still the graphics. Last night the 4 crashes occurred each time on a single web page when viewed in Chrome, which hosted a video. I played the video, and within 30-60 seconds the system crashed.
Tired of this. But I can manage.. been managing for 2 years now.
Video corruption is only ever present when using Google Chrome. If chrome is minimized, corruption does not occur. If chrome is open and I scroll through some pages, or switch tabs, or move the window around on screen, the corruption occurs.
I believe this is a corrupt intel driver, or something low level software combined with hardware. I believe this because I can actually run screen capture software and record videos on the machine of the corruption occurring. I'm not exactly sure how the capture software works, but in any case, it's recordable.
Lately, in the last 24 hours, I've seen a spontaneous system crash about 10 times (looks like an instant log-off but not restart). Today it's been about 4 times, last night was 5+ times.
Checking Console app for the diagnostic messages, I see it's piles of "End Hang Analysis" lines, associated with "Trying to restart GPU (Intel Iris)".
So, in this case, it's not the SSD or other hardware but still the graphics. Last night the 4 crashes occurred each time on a single web page when viewed in Chrome, which hosted a video. I played the video, and within 30-60 seconds the system crashed.
Tired of this. But I can manage.. been managing for 2 years now.
Hi Martyimac, that's a bandage solution. I use Chrome for web development, as well as firefox and safari. Primarily Chrome. Sometimes I have two or all three brands of browser open at the same time. I sometimes have 20-30 tabs open in a single browser.
I sometimes think it's special uncommon features/functions of hardware drivers that Chrome uses to improve performance, but trigger some fault on rare occasions. Not certain.
If it's critical for me to be using the web on days when it's crashed 5-100 times, then I do switch browsers.