
Those who own early 2011 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pros are starting to report issues with the discrete AMD graphics processors in their notebooks. In some cases, the issues result in the failure of the component, leaving an expensive logic board replacement as the only remedy for the situation. The problem, which is highlighted by multiple threads on Apple’s Support Communities forum first presents itself as a graphical glitch and in serious cases, completely system lockup when an affected MacBook Pro switches from the integrated Intel graphics chip to the discrete AMD graphics processing unit. The issue seems is seemingly becoming one that continues to occur more frequently now as opposed to before.
For those of you who didn’t know, in 2010 Apple introduced the automatic graphics switching system, which dynamically shifts the processing load between the integrated chip and the discrete GPU based on what the user is doing. Owners of the MacBook Pros built prior to 2010 have to manually select the more powerful GPU from OS X settings, which causes the operating system to restart.
Those who have affected machines are reporting that display discoloration, banding and image distortion are the most common visible symptoms while others say that their computers suddenly freeze without any of the graphical warning signs. Rebooting doesn’t really seem to fix the problem and some have even tried to resolve the issue by forcing their laptop to use the integrated chip exclusively with only moderate degrees of success.
After compiling data from several Apple Support Communities threads, forum user “saramwrap” suggests that the majority of the users who are affected are using early 2011 MacBook Pros with the AMD Radeon 6750M GPU, though failures aren’t exclusively found for this specific chip. Other notebooks which contain the 6490M, 6750M, and 6970M GPUs are also said to be experiencing the problem.
Apple hasn’t addressed the issue yet and many users are reporting that the only repair option given to those who don’t have AppleCare coverage is a complete logic board replacement which comes at a cost of $500 or more. Apple’s popular laptop line ran into similar issues soon after its early 2011 hardware refresh, coming to light in another Apple support forum thread which stretches more than 140 pages and has over 2,000 replies. That issue was resolved with a special build of the OS X 10.6.7 update. We’ll have to wait and see how Apple tackles the current issue.
Are any of you experiencing GPU issues with you early 2011 MacBook Pro?
Source: Apple Support Communities via AppleInsider




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