

- #How to replace graphics card in macbook pro 2011 how to#
- #How to replace graphics card in macbook pro 2011 software#
- #How to replace graphics card in macbook pro 2011 free#

Eventually, the GPU itself is damaged *or* the solder points are compromised. I've been in research mode for a while now and although this may have been said in pieces, I'd like to offer this compilation of information for both affected users and for Apple employees monitoring this discussion.ġ) The overall problem appears to be caused by the discreet GPU being exposed to extreme heat. I received the following lengthy post from reader Hal Feldman: We hope that Apple acknowledges this widespread problem and issues a recall for affected customers. Either way, be sure to make a complete backup of your data beforehand in case Apple decides to replace the computer entirely.Īnother reported solution - if you’re desperate, technically adept, and a little crazy - is to try reflowing the solder connection yourself with a heat gun, as illustrated by Geoff Hill at the Make Stuff/Do Stuff blog. Reports from users price out-of-warranty repairs by Apple at $320 for a flat-rate depot repair, which involves shipping your computer away, and around $500 for a faster in-store repair. Unfortunately, since the AMD chip is attached to the logic board, the safest solution is to have the logic board replaced by an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Improper use of lead-free solder is blamed for the Xbox 360’s “ red ring of death” issue, which caused a substantial number of unit failures. Many forum posters believe that lead-free solder - which is environmentally friendly but makes for weaker connections - is the source of the problem. The integrated graphics are slower, but consume less power (see “ Improve MacBook Pro Battery Life with gfxCardStatus,” 21 February 2011).
#How to replace graphics card in macbook pro 2011 free#
Interestingly, previous - back to 2007 - and subsequent MacBook Pro models instead used Nvidia chipsets for the discrete graphics processor.Ī temporary workaround is to force the computer to switch to the integrated Intel HD 3000 graphics chip using Cody Krieger’s free gfxCardStatus utility, which also shows you which graphics chip is in use at any given time. YouTube user MrWojzilla has made an example video showing severe artifacts on his early 2011 MacBook Pro.Ĭauses and Solutions - The issue seems to be isolated to the AMD Radeon HD graphics chipsets (the 6490M, 6750M, and 6770M) in these MacBook Pro models. Left and right halves of the display being swapped.Symptoms reported by owners of both early and late-model 2011 15-inch and 17-inch models of the MacBook Pro include:

Three Apple Support Communities forum threads on the issue have over 850,000 views and more than 4,400 replies. Because they lack discrete graphics, the 13-inch MacBook Pro models aren’t affected. TidBITS reader Andrew Roazen has alerted us to a widespread problem with the discrete graphics processors in 2011 models of the 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro that causes graphical glitches and system freezes.
#How to replace graphics card in macbook pro 2011 how to#
#1623: How to turn off YouTube's PiP, use AirPlay to Mac, and securely erase Mac drives.#1624: Important OS security updates, rescuing QuickTake 150 photos, AirTag alerts while traveling.#1625: Apple's "Far Out" event, the future of FileMaker, free NMUG membership, Quick Note and tags in Notes, Plex suffers data breach.
#How to replace graphics card in macbook pro 2011 software#
