Worth replacing logic board 2012 MP 15"

[xRYD3Rx]

I took my out of warranty 2012 MP 15" Retina to Apple store due to GPU failures & screen shutting off after updating to OS High Sierra, after running a diagnostic they found no hardware issues and told me to delete the disk and clean reinstall of the OS system will fix the issue. I went home backed up all my data and deleted the disk and reinstalled a clean version of the OS Sierra, however, during the install process screen shuts off on me but the computer is still running in the background (keyboard lights are on and the fan is working). So today I took it back to the Apple Store this time they told me it's a video card that needs to be replaced $575+tax.

Initially took it to an authorized Apple retailer they also told me its a software issue and to delete the disk and reinstalling OS will fix the issue.

So currently I have a non-operating MP and I'm not sure what to do. I feel like they are just trying to dig into my pocket. I was running OS Sierra a month ago, my biggest mistake was updating to OS HIGH SIERRA. In the middle of installing OS HIGH SIERRA computer screen basically shut off on me, authorized Apple retailer told me the system crashed during installing the OS.

I would appreciate any advise & feedbacks.

If I need to purchase a new computer, I will prefer to wait and see what the 2018 MP will offer.

 

[treekram]

With the 2011 MBP, the GPU problem was due to the solder (non-lead) that was used. I don't know if that also applies to the 2012-2013 retina MBP's that was part of the repair extension program. This is related to a couple of points I'm going to make later in my post.

So if indeed you have the GPU problem, it was either a coincidence of it occurring after you upgraded to HS or there was something in HS that caused it. If it was the same solder issue as the 2011 MBP, then perhaps more aggressive use of the GPU in HS could be the cause.

It's not clear from your post whether your screen works but always fails in trying to install Sierra or has failed altogether. If the screen still works, maybe it wasn't the GPU that failed during install. If the screen no longer works, I would try the following. (Make sure you have the AC cable connected.) Try running diagnostics (press 'D' when starting up). Try Internet recovery (command-option-R at startup). Try resetting NVRAM and SMC. If you have an external monitor, try that. The odds are not good that any of these will work but it's worth a shot, IMO.

If none of these or any other ideas you have works and you're ready to declare your MBP a lost cause, no, I don't think you should spend $575 to fix it. I can't remember if I mentioned this in your other thread or one of the other threads where the poster was having this GPU issue after installing High Sierra. With the 2011 MBP, numerous people who had the logic board replaced reported a recurrence of the problem after a period of time. The cost of the logic board fix is $575. If your battery isn't recent and you plan to use the MBP for awhile longer, that's another $200. I see that currently Apple has a refurbished (typically recently manufactured) 2015 15" MBP with 16GB RAM, 256GB disk for $1699. If you sell your MBP for parts and considering the cost of a 8GB upgrade from your 2012 MBP, it might be worth your while. Of course, as you mention, you could wait for a 2018 MBP.

 

[Cezanne77]

The Apple store has a very simple test to see if your video card is failing. It’s called VST and they should have run it during your reservation time. It’s a pass/fail test. If it failed, only a replacement logic board will fix it. But Guess what?those replacement boards are not new, they are failed boards that Apple refurbished to work again. Apple only guarantees repairs for 90 days. The underlying cause of the issue remains but the board still has the same problematic GPU, which means the problem could come back. These unit will likely be going vintage soon, as they are almost 6 years old now.which means down the road service will not be option as parts will be unavailable. Also there is a good chance your unit probably also needs a battery at this point. That requres a top case replacement, which your $575 would get you except that there is months long shortage on those parts. So that means it’s pretty much unfixable. It’s time for a new computer, that has a warranty, and that you can get AppleCare for my friend. Or look for a used MacBook Pro 2014 or later, as those models do not have gpu issues.

 

[xRYD3Rx]

The Apple store has a very simple test to see if your video card is failing. It’s called VST and they should have run it during your reservation time. It’s a pass/fail test. If it failed, only a replacement logic board will fix it. But Guess what?those replacement boards are not new, they are failed boards that Apple refurbished to work again. Apple only guarantees repairs for 90 days. The underlying cause of the issue remains but the board still has the same problematic GPU, which means the problem could come back. These unit will likely be going vintage soon, as they are almost 6 years old now.which means down the road service will not be option as parts will be unavailable. Also there is a good chance your unit probably also needs a battery at this point. That requres a top case replacement, which your $575 would get you except that there is months long shortage on those parts. So that means it’s pretty much unfixable. It’s time for a new computer, that has a warranty, and that you can get AppleCare for my friend. Or look for a used MacBook Pro 2014 or later, as those models do not have gpu issues.

Funny how I took to Apple the first time they ran the test the VST didn't show any fault, a week later (today) I took it in and they had to keep it to do some tests on it few hours later they called and told me they video card needs to be replaced.
[doublepost=1520150782][/doublepost]

With the 2011 MBP, the GPU problem was due to the solder (non-lead) that was used. I don't know if that also applies to the 2012-2013 retina MBP's that was part of the repair extension program. This is related to a couple of points I'm going to make later in my post.

So if indeed you have the GPU problem, it was either a coincidence of it occurring after you upgraded to HS or there was something in HS that caused it. If it was the same solder issue as the 2011 MBP, then perhaps more aggressive use of the GPU in HS could be the cause.

It's not clear from your post whether your screen works but always fails in trying to install Sierra or has failed altogether. If the screen still works, maybe it wasn't the GPU that failed during install. If the screen no longer works, I would try the following. (Make sure you have the AC cable connected.) Try running diagnostics (press 'D' when starting up). Try Internet recovery (command-option-R at startup). Try resetting NVRAM and SMC. If you have an external monitor, try that. The odds are not good that any of these will work but it's worth a shot, IMO.

If none of these or any other ideas you have works and you're ready to declare your MBP a lost cause, no, I don't think you should spend $575 to fix it. I can't remember if I mentioned this in your other thread or one of the other threads where the poster was having this GPU issue after installing High Sierra. With the 2011 MBP, numerous people who had the logic board replaced reported a recurrence of the problem after a period of time. The cost of the logic board fix is $575. If your battery isn't recent and you plan to use the MBP for awhile longer, that's another $200. I see that currently Apple has a refurbished (typically recently manufactured) 2015 15" MBP with 16GB RAM, 256GB disk for $1699. If you sell your MBP for parts and considering the cost of a 8GB upgrade from your 2012 MBP, it might be worth your while. Of course, as you mention, you could wait for a 2018 MBP.

Screen works perfectly fine, just the screen shuts off when the loading bar is loaded half way.
I'm currently taking it few other places for 2nd opinions. I don't know why I feel like my MP doesn't have any hardware issues. I feel like the OS High Sierra F*#k#d up the laptop overall and apple doesn't know what to do about it.

I figured if I was going to spend $575+ tax = $620 , might as well sell it AS IS for part add that $ on top of the $620+add some more out my pocket lol and get a brand new MP. There is no guarantee the logic board won't die out on me 3-4 months down the road after spending $620 to fix it.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

I wouldn't spend upwards of $600 to fix a now-6-year-old MacBook.
Time to look for something new.

However, I cannot recommend the 2016/2017 MacBook Pros because of the high frequency of keyboard failures. The likelihood is far too high that you will buy one and start having keys fail. This is a VERY expensive repair, even for one broken key -- $700 once out-of-warranty!

What I -can- suggest to you, IF you want the 15" display, is the 2015-design MacBook Pro 15" with -integrated- graphics.
These are still built and sold by Apple "as brand-new units".
To find them, you have to go to store.apple.com, go to the 15" MacBook Pro page, click the "buy" button, then scroll down.

I can speak only for myself, but I would not buy ANY MacBook Pro with discrete graphics. Only "integrated" graphics.
Apple has a TERRIBLE track record with their discrete graphics motherboards, a very high probability of failure over the long-term (probably due to the lead-free solder they use these days).

Again, my opinion only.
I would prefer a "less powerful" MacBook Pro that I know will last a while, to one that performs faster out-of-the-box but with the spectre of failure in the future hanging over it...

 

[treekram]

Funny how I took to Apple the first time they ran the test the VST didn't show any fault, a week later (today) I took it in and they had to keep it to do some tests on it few hours later they called and told me they video card needs to be replaced.
[doublepost=1520150782][/doublepost]

Screen works perfectly fine, just the screen shuts off when the loading bar is loaded half way.
I'm currently taking it few other places for 2nd opinions. I don't know why I feel like my MP doesn't have any hardware issues. I feel like the OS High Sierra F*#k#d up the laptop overall and apple doesn't know what to do about it.

I figured if I was going to spend $575+ tax = $620 , might as well sell it AS IS for part add that $ on top of the $620+add some more out my pocket lol and get a brand new MP. There is no guarantee the logic board won't die out on me 3-4 months down the road after spending $620 to fix it.

Your explanation clears up what's going on. I think getting different opinions on what's going on could be worthwhile because what you're experiencing is a bit atypical from other people who have had GPU issues. You might want to try starting up the computer in verbose mode (command-V at startup). The text may disappear suddenly so you may need a camera to capture the text output.

 

[xRYD3Rx]

Your explanation clears up what's going on. I think getting different opinions on what's going on could be worthwhile because what you're experiencing is a bit atypical from other people who have had GPU issues. You might want to try starting up the computer in verbose mode (command-V at startup). The text may disappear suddenly so you may need a camera to capture the text output.

*UPDATE*
I went and picked my MP from Apple today. I came back home opened up the MP and ooooh boy the body, display, and keyboard looked super clean and fresh they cleaned the dirt that built up around the keys! Anyways I decided to power it on and it led me to the welcome screen that you input name,pass,location etc. got into the home screen and surprisingly it was on OS Sierra!!!! Now its to early to say what will happen later on. Ill update this thread soon.

 

[Armand.Welsh]

With the 2011 MBP, the GPU problem was due to the solder (non-lead) that was used. I don't know if that also applies to the 2012-2013 retina MBP's that was part of the repair extension program. This is related to a couple of points I'm going to make later in my post.

So if indeed you have the GPU problem, it was either a coincidence of it occurring after you upgraded to HS or there was something in HS that caused it. If it was the same solder issue as the 2011 MBP, then perhaps more aggressive use of the GPU in HS could be the cause.

It's not clear from your post whether your screen works but always fails in trying to install Sierra or has failed altogether. If the screen still works, maybe it wasn't the GPU that failed during install. If the screen no longer works, I would try the following. (Make sure you have the AC cable connected.) Try running diagnostics (press 'D' when starting up). Try Internet recovery (command-option-R at startup). Try resetting NVRAM and SMC. If you have an external monitor, try that. The odds are not good that any of these will work but it's worth a shot, IMO.

If none of these or any other ideas you have works and you're ready to declare your MBP a lost cause, no, I don't think you should spend $575 to fix it. I can't remember if I mentioned this in your other thread or one of the other threads where the poster was having this GPU issue after installing High Sierra. With the 2011 MBP, numerous people who had the logic board replaced reported a recurrence of the problem after a period of time. The cost of the logic board fix is $575. If your battery isn't recent and you plan to use the MBP for awhile longer, that's another $200. I see that currently Apple has a refurbished (typically recently manufactured) 2015 15" MBP with 16GB RAM, 256GB disk for $1699. If you sell your MBP for parts and considering the cost of a 8GB upgrade from your 2012 MBP, it might be worth your while. Of course, as you mention, you could wait for a 2018 MBP.

I just ordered a 2017 13” MBP with i7, 16G RAM, 512G SSD open box (not refurb) for $1999 from Best Buy. Dont spend $1700 on a 2015, take a look at Best Buy open box deals, B&H Photo and Video discounted deals, and get something more modern.

 

[Armand.Welsh]

Also there is a good chance your unit probably also needs a battery at this point. That requres a top case replacement, which your $575 would get you except that there is months long shortage on those parts.

The 2011 MacBook Pros do not require a top case to replace the battery. Just remove the bottom cover, remove the battery screws, disconnect the power cable and swap the battery.
Here is how: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+15-Inch+Unibody+Late+2011+Battery+Replacement/7511
And the battery is less the $80 on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=...ro+battery&sprefix=2011+15+&crid=N3MCD59S57ZU

 

[Armand.Welsh]

I took my out of warranty 2012 MP 15" Retina to Apple store due to GPU failures & screen shutting off after updating to OS High Sierra, after running a diagnostic they found no hardware issues and told me to delete the disk and clean reinstall of the OS system will fix the issue. I went home backed up all my data and deleted the disk and reinstalled a clean version of the OS Sierra, however, during the install process screen shuts off on me but the computer is still running in the background (keyboard lights are on and the fan is working). So today I took it back to the Apple Store this time they told me it's a video card that needs to be replaced $575+tax.

Initially took it to an authorized Apple retailer they also told me its a software issue and to delete the disk and reinstalling OS will fix the issue.

So currently I have a non-operating MP and I'm not sure what to do. I feel like they are just trying to dig into my pocket. I was running OS Sierra a month ago, my biggest mistake was updating to OS HIGH SIERRA. In the middle of installing OS HIGH SIERRA computer screen basically shut off on me, authorized Apple retailer told me the system crashed during installing the OS.

I would appreciate any advise & feedbacks.

The screen flickering or going black (or white) may not be the GPU. Now that the MacBook is 6 years old, moving parts are wearing. The GPU connect to the display via a cable. This cable is known to wear out. If you are so inclined, you could replace this cable. It is a very time consuming and difficult process, that involves delaminating the glass from the screen case. The part is leas than $75. You can test for this condition by tilting the screen at various angles. If it comes back to life and goes out based in the angle, this is what you need to have fixed.

 

[l.a.rossmann]

This is a very common issue and a light retouch of U8900 which is the buck controller IC for the GPU solves it. I have recorded a video of how you resolve it.

If you look at the boards that come back from Apple AFTER going through the repair program you'll notice

1) they resoldered U8900
2) they put a little foam pad thingie on it so that it has support on the case of the machine.

The first video I linked to is a quick fix, the second is a livestream that shows the solder joints in depth.

If you want to confirm you can open the case and tap the board in that area. The crash will occur the second you tap on that area.

Some boards have cracks in them from the stress that are far worse than those solder joints and are unfixable, but those are few and far better.

Best of luck!

 

[Williams_eric]

Are there repair centers who will test and resolder these connections? Love my 2012 MBP 15” 2012 Retina, but not enough to pay $400-600 for repair. I am in TN.

My graphics simply flickered prior to High Sierra, now screen goes completely black at random times. Have to force reboot and it comes right back up fine. Assuming it’s the graphics problem you are identifying.

Really ticked Apple didn’t contact me about the recall/repair period.

Thanks...

 

[treekram]

Are there repair centers who will test and resolder these connections? Love my 2012 MBP 15” 2012 Retina, but not enough to pay $400-600 for repair. I am in TN.

Is "TN" Tennessee or Tunisia? If Tennessee, you might just want to deal via mail with Rossmann (the person who did the previous post).
https://www.rossmanngroup.com/

 

[coghlan]

We had our 2011 MBP logic board replaced for free by Apple back in 2016. Does that recall program no longer apply, presumably b/c that model year is now considered vintage?

 

[treekram]

We had our 2011 MBP logic board replaced for free by Apple back in 2016. Does that recall program no longer apply, presumably b/c that model year is now considered vintage?

The program for the 2012-early 2013 15" Retina MBP's, which this tread is about, ended at the end of 2016.
https://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro-videoissues/

The 2011 is a different case.

 

[carlacahill]

I took my out of warranty 2012 MP 15" Retina to Apple store due to GPU failures & screen shutting off after updating to OS High Sierra, after running a diagnostic they found no hardware issues and told me to delete the disk and clean reinstall of the OS system will fix the issue. I went home backed up all my data and deleted the disk and reinstalled a clean version of the OS Sierra, however, during the install process screen shuts off on me but the computer is still running in the background (keyboard lights are on and the fan is working). So today I took it back to the Apple Store this time they told me it's a video card that needs to be replaced $575+tax.

Initially took it to an authorized Apple retailer they also told me its a software issue and to delete the disk and reinstalling OS will fix the issue.

So currently I have a non-operating MP and I'm not sure what to do. I feel like they are just trying to dig into my pocket. I was running OS Sierra a month ago, my biggest mistake was updating to OS HIGH SIERRA. In the middle of installing OS HIGH SIERRA computer screen basically shut off on me, authorized Apple retailer told me the system crashed during installing the OS.

I would appreciate any advise & feedbacks.

If I need to purchase a new computer, I will prefer to wait and see what the 2018 MP will offer.

I had an early 2011 and my video card/logic board went. There was a series of years of computers made with a faulty logic board/video card. They replaced it for free. It had to be done within a specific timeline and I hit it right on the wire. So, it is highly reasonable to believe Apple when they say to replace the logic board.