MacBook Pro 15 (Late 2011) Onboard Graphics Failure (again..)

craaaaaig

craaaaaig

craaaaaig

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My Macbook Pro (Late 2011, 15) is verging on failure for the second time currently, it went in for an entire logic board replacement due to the acknowledged graphics fault about a year and a half ago however this appears to have returned and it is failing to wake up from sleep/boot until resetting PRAM. I can tell its the same issue as when it fails to wake/boot it either has the red lines across the screen or ramps up the fans to 100% (or both at the same time).

My question is is there anything I can do now? I guess it isn't worth the trip to the Apple Store as they only gave me a 1 year warranty on the the first repair. I've found a guide online on how to disable the ATI card entirely and ensure it only boots off of the Intel onboard but wondered if anyone has shared my problem and found any success with either of these options?

Many thanks.
 
Shared the problem. Apple replaced the laptop as it had three consecutive failures within a few weeks on the replacement logic boards, back in 2014. Which doesn't help you, sorry.

I believe there's a fix where you can remove a capacitor which disables the AMD GPU and graphics switching, so it runs off the Intel iGPU only.
 
One of my crew (actual crew not faux gangstar speak) has the same problem. Unfortunately us moving around a lot doesn't give us much scope to get it fixed, and I think she too has been told that it's too old so would have to pay for the repairs. A bit ridiculous considering the laptop is perfectly fine bar this common fault.

P.S OP could you please link to the guide
 
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I got lucky. My original repair was under consumer law, and the refurbished logic boards they were using were garbage. The second replacement failed after running Unigine Valley for under a minute.

Shame really, I really liked the laptop. Should have waited until 2012!
 
How weird, mine was replaced just over a year ago, and suddenly starting giving graphical errors and reboots as per the original issue.

This time I'm going to try and see CeX will take it as not fauly, it's worth around £350ish on their site. If not it can go to Apple for £200 credit. I've got a 2011 hand me down MB Air to replace it, so will use that until the day it dies.
 
Just a quick update on this.

As I got given a hand me down 2011 MB Air I decided to put a fresh install on the MBP and a 7 Zero pass. After a day it had same error, so it's defnalty faulty.

Took it to the local CeX and told the guy behind the counter that it might be faulty and what was wrong in the fact they might buy it and knock off the cost of fixing it

He was rather rude in stating the test they would do would show any issues and they're trained to know what's wrong and can't go off what I say.

Well let's just say I walked away with £376. I'm uneasy that some poor customer will probably buy it and then have nothing but hassle with CeX when they try and get warranty.
 
I’ve got one of these laptops too with the same fault. Went to the apple store ages ago and got told it needs a logic board replaced and I would have to foot the bill as it’s ‘vintage’.

Seeing people go to CEX and getting some money is nice as at the moment it’s just in its box doing nothing. Mine will power on and just stick at the Apple loading screen, based on that will CEX still offer to purchase it? I’d probably get an iPad with the funds!
 
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