Comments on: NVIDIA Killed My 2007 MacBook Pro http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/ TheAppleBlog, published by and for the day-to-day Apple user, is a prominent source for news, reviews, walkthroughs, and real life application of all Apple products. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:16:19 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Subrahmanyam http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-63537 Subrahmanyam Sat, 24 Oct 2009 02:48:26 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-63537 @RC Thanks for your response! Yea, I did clearly explain to the 'genius' that he needs to take a look at that link. However, he remained adamant in stating that it was a logic board vRAM issue which was rendering the mac in-operable (He wasn't able to explain what he meant by that). Yesterday night, after getting back my mbp, I booted it up and I could very clearly see that other than the display, everything was fine. I could access all my shared folders on the mac thro' another PC over my wireless network. The funny part is, the diagnostics sheet that the 'genius' gave me mentions all of two tests - PRAM and SMC reset, and then coming to the conclusion that the logic board is bust !! Anyways, As you have said, I guess, I will have to call up Apple and convince them of the issue. Will keep you posted. Thanks again ! @RC Thanks for your response!
Yea, I did clearly explain to the ‘genius’ that he needs to take a look at that link. However, he remained adamant in stating that it was a logic board vRAM issue which was rendering the mac in-operable (He wasn’t able to explain what he meant by that). Yesterday night, after getting back my mbp, I booted it up and I could very clearly see that other than the display, everything was fine. I could access all my shared folders on the mac thro’ another PC over my wireless network. The funny part is, the diagnostics sheet that the ‘genius’ gave me mentions all of two tests – PRAM and SMC reset, and then coming to the conclusion that the logic board is bust !!

Anyways, As you have said, I guess, I will have to call up Apple and convince them of the issue. Will keep you posted. Thanks again !

]]> By: RC http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-63407 RC Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:07:35 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-63407 @Subrahmanyam Give the service center the link to the apple article that states the repair will be free for out-of-warranty machines: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2377?locale=en_US If they won't budge, or can't get the appropriate diagnostics code, just call Apple support (I had to). Explain the problem to a product specialist. If you can convince them it's the NVIDIA issue, they'll make a note on your account, and the service center will be able to proceed with the free repair. Good luck @Subrahmanyam

Give the service center the link to the apple article that states the repair will be free for out-of-warranty machines:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2377?locale=en_US

If they won’t budge, or can’t get the appropriate diagnostics code, just call Apple support (I had to). Explain the problem to a product specialist. If you can convince them it’s the NVIDIA issue, they’ll make a note on your account, and the service center will be able to proceed with the free repair.

Good luck

]]> By: Subrahmanyam http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-63405 Subrahmanyam Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:56:52 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-63405 I have the same issue with my 2007 MBP. Blank screen but can hear the chime, and power button responds. Took it to an Apple service center (in India) and after a ~$40 'diagnostic' fee, I was told its an issue with the logic board and it needs to be replaced. The ASP was clueless of the Nvidia issue and they have quoted me a whopping ~$1200 to fix it. Any clues on how I can proceed? I have the same issue with my 2007 MBP. Blank screen but can hear the chime, and power button responds. Took it to an Apple service center (in India) and after a ~$40 ‘diagnostic’ fee, I was told its an issue with the logic board and it needs to be replaced. The ASP was clueless of the Nvidia issue and they have quoted me a whopping ~$1200 to fix it. Any clues on how I can proceed?

]]> By: mam http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-62716 mam Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:57:53 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-62716 I just had my MacBookPro 2007 screen go black! I know the drive is working. The screen went black yesterday but upon rebooting it, it came back. Only today, it went to sleep and the screen never lit up! What is the problem? I guess the video card is part of the logic board. So they will have to change the whole logic board. This is probably the single most annoying thing to happen to me with Macs... I used to love Macs but now i don't understand why they would put a computer on the market that messes up in this way. I am a photographer and use this as a tool. It is very important to me as is probably the case with innumerable people. I have apple care but it was bought with the computer in 2007. I believe it carries through to now. Is there any last resort method i can try to bring it back before shipping out to repair? i need to back up the drive. As it stands, the dual monitor function doesn't work so it is clear it is the video card. What else can i do? I just had my MacBookPro 2007 screen go black! I know the drive is working. The screen went black yesterday but upon rebooting it, it came back. Only today, it went to sleep and the screen never lit up!
What is the problem? I guess the video card is part of the logic board. So they will have to change the whole logic board. This is probably the single most annoying thing to happen to me with Macs… I used to love Macs but now i don’t understand why they would put a computer on the market that messes up in this way. I am a photographer and use this as a tool. It is very important to me as is probably the case with innumerable people.
I have apple care but it was bought with the computer in 2007. I believe it carries through to now.
Is there any last resort method i can try to bring it back before shipping out to repair? i need to back up the drive. As it stands, the dual monitor function doesn’t work so it is clear it is the video card.
What else can i do?

]]> By: RMA http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-60845 RMA Sat, 03 Oct 2009 18:07:45 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-60845 Just got my 2007 Macbook Pro 15" back from a reseller. The logic board swap only took about two days from when I dropped it off. Not ten seconds into starting it up with the new hardware, the laptop went black and would not boot back up again. I hear the startup chime but nothing else...same symptoms as before the repair. So, assuming they swap it out again, how long will I have on the next logic board? Anyones guess. Makes the machine a little more unreliable. My biggest issue is that when the failure happened the first time, it somehow managed to corrupt a bunch of irreplaceable photos. Yes, I take my own hits for not being quicker to back them up. But for $3000, a little more reliability within a two year span wouldn't be asking very much considering I have much older Mac desktops that have sat in a garage for a year and are still failure-free, rock-solid running OS8.5. Just got my 2007 Macbook Pro 15″ back from a reseller. The logic board swap only took about two days from when I dropped it off. Not ten seconds into starting it up with the new hardware, the laptop went black and would not boot back up again. I hear the startup chime but nothing else…same symptoms as before the repair.

So, assuming they swap it out again, how long will I have on the next logic board? Anyones guess. Makes the machine a little more unreliable. My biggest issue is that when the failure happened the first time, it somehow managed to corrupt a bunch of irreplaceable photos. Yes, I take my own hits for not being quicker to back them up. But for $3000, a little more reliability within a two year span wouldn’t be asking very much considering I have much older Mac desktops that have sat in a garage for a year and are still failure-free, rock-solid running OS8.5.

]]> By: AM http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-57665 AM Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:44:04 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-57665 Just happened to me too - just under 2 years of constant use and rock solid reliability. Went to sleep and never woke up, no chime - nothing. Genius diagnosed the card and it's out for repair, will be a week before it's back. I have no idea what the repair will entail - either vid card only or entire LB? No clue, I just hope whatever they're putting in there is the "fixed" version and not just more of the suspect parts. At least I know I'm not alone - and hell yes, I have AppleCare and wouldn't be caught without it. Just happened to me too – just under 2 years of constant use and rock solid reliability. Went to sleep and never woke up, no chime – nothing.

Genius diagnosed the card and it’s out for repair, will be a week before it’s back. I have no idea what the repair will entail – either vid card only or entire LB? No clue, I just hope whatever they’re putting in there is the “fixed” version and not just more of the suspect parts.

At least I know I’m not alone – and hell yes, I have AppleCare and wouldn’t be caught without it.

]]> By: TD http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-57130 TD Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:11:26 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-57130 Same thing just happened to 1 year 6 week old MBP. shut it down, then 30 minutes later, came back to turn it on, dead screen, not even the startup chime. Took it to the genius bar, and they are replacing the MLB and said I could probably pick it up Monday. Hoping thats true, and hoping my new MLB will last longer then this one. What happens if the MLB goes out again and i dont have the applecare? Which i totally just forgot to buy....dammit. I am seriously considering buying a new MBP and giving the repaired one to the wife, but dont know, because ive got POS dell's (kids computers) that have lasted longer than my MBP. Same thing just happened to 1 year 6 week old MBP. shut it down, then 30 minutes later, came back to turn it on, dead screen, not even the startup chime.

Took it to the genius bar, and they are replacing the MLB and said I could probably pick it up Monday. Hoping thats true, and hoping my new MLB will last longer then this one.

What happens if the MLB goes out again and i dont have the applecare? Which i totally just forgot to buy….dammit.

I am seriously considering buying a new MBP and giving the repaired one to the wife, but dont know, because ive got POS dell’s (kids computers) that have lasted longer than my MBP.

]]> By: Etienne http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-55113 Etienne Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:36:56 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-55113 Another one bites the dust... just over two years of rock solid stability, then out of the blue, garbled screen and kernel panics on boot. have apple care, and it's in the shop now, 5 workings days till I get it back. Another one bites the dust…

just over two years of rock solid stability, then out of the blue, garbled screen and kernel panics on boot.

have apple care, and it’s in the shop now, 5 workings days till I get it back.

]]> By: RC http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-52239 RC Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:21:56 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-52239 I must admit I'm a bit relieved to see that others are having this problem. My 2007 Core 2 Duo MacBook also had the NVIDA problem. I'm out of warranty, but Apple agreed to pick up the tab for the repair. Now, after having the MLB replaced, my fans run constantly, even before OS X gets to the login screen. As a test, I tried booting it up in firewire target mod - the fans started going there too. This most certainly eliminates software from the equation. The tech that did the repair noticed the fans running, and put the system through "ASD" (apple diagnostics). It found nothing wrong. The part that was put into my machine was: #661-4955 "PCBA, MLB, 2.2 GHZ, REV2" My machine is still at the repair shop - I don't want to pick it up until the problem is resolved. The next step might be to order in another MLB. Has anyone who's had this problem actually found a resolution? I must admit I’m a bit relieved to see that others are having this problem. My 2007 Core 2 Duo MacBook also had the NVIDA problem. I’m out of warranty, but Apple agreed to pick up the tab for the repair. Now, after having the MLB replaced, my fans run constantly, even before OS X gets to the login screen.

As a test, I tried booting it up in firewire target mod – the fans started going there too. This most certainly eliminates software from the equation.

The tech that did the repair noticed the fans running, and put the system through “ASD” (apple diagnostics). It found nothing wrong.

The part that was put into my machine was:
#661-4955 “PCBA, MLB, 2.2 GHZ, REV2″

My machine is still at the repair shop – I don’t want to pick it up until the problem is resolved. The next step might be to order in another MLB.

Has anyone who’s had this problem actually found a resolution?

]]> By: Bad Service (1) | Stop Core http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-50309 Bad Service (1) | Stop Core Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:34:59 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-50309 [...] were confirmed as I was told that I do indeed have a graphics card issue. I then found out that this is a common problem with Macbook Pros that have NVIDIA graphics cards like my one and that Apple extend the standard [...] [...] were confirmed as I was told that I do indeed have a graphics card issue. I then found out that this is a common problem with Macbook Pros that have NVIDIA graphics cards like my one and that Apple extend the standard [...]

]]> By: Corey http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-50140 Corey Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:45:11 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-50140 I just experienced the Nvidia failure yesterday. Today, I was quoted a 10-15 in store repair time and 5-7 if I mailed it in. I honestly expected more from Apple. This is clearly an issue affecting many, not a few, users. Shouldn't they be better prepared to handle this repair? I use my laptop for freelance and now will be out money regardless of the repair being free. The laptop also had a defective super drive when I first got it. All this time I thought Apple had a superior product, but I no longer have faith that this $3000 laptop will even last three years if in one and a half I am having problems like this. Disgusting. I just experienced the Nvidia failure yesterday. Today, I was quoted a 10-15 in store repair time and 5-7 if I mailed it in. I honestly expected more from Apple. This is clearly an issue affecting many, not a few, users. Shouldn’t they be better prepared to handle this repair? I use my laptop for freelance and now will be out money regardless of the repair being free. The laptop also had a defective super drive when I first got it. All this time I thought Apple had a superior product, but I no longer have faith that this $3000 laptop will even last three years if in one and a half I am having problems like this. Disgusting.

]]> By: Maria http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-47897 Maria Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:51:30 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-47897 Hi Same problem here and got my MBP fixed. They replaced the logic board and now the fans run constantly at 6000 rpm and even if I took the MBP back they don't know how to fix it. Any input? Here is a thread with the same problem http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9641395 Hi
Same problem here and got my MBP fixed. They replaced the logic board and now the fans run constantly at 6000 rpm and even if I took the MBP back they don’t know how to fix it. Any input?
Here is a thread with the same problem
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9641395

]]> By: Bad Apples « charlesleaver.com http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-44595 Bad Apples « charlesleaver.com Mon, 08 Jun 2009 03:13:51 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-44595 [...] were confirmed as I was told that I do indeed have a graphics card issue. I then found out that this is a common problem with Macbook Pros that have NVIDIA graphics cards like my one and that Apple extend the standard [...] [...] were confirmed as I was told that I do indeed have a graphics card issue. I then found out that this is a common problem with Macbook Pros that have NVIDIA graphics cards like my one and that Apple extend the standard [...]

]]> By: Ken http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-41111 Ken Wed, 06 May 2009 18:07:07 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-41111 The graphics card on my 2007 MacBook Pro died coincidentally after my cat sat on my machine to warms is bum. Luckily for Felix I found this thread and so he was spared a one way trip to the vet. I have to say that my local Apple Store were fantastic - I took it into them at 4pm on a bank holiday and received a call at 8:05 the next day telling me it was fixed. I was lead to believe that it would take up to 10 days so I bought a new 17 unibody MBP as I couldn't face being with out it for 2 weeks! Please god don't let me wife find out how much I've spent on this!!! The graphics card on my 2007 MacBook Pro died coincidentally after my cat sat on my machine to warms is bum. Luckily for Felix I found this thread and so he was spared a one way trip to the vet.

I have to say that my local Apple Store were fantastic – I took it into them at 4pm on a bank holiday and received a call at 8:05 the next day telling me it was fixed. I was lead to believe that it would take up to 10 days so I bought a new 17 unibody MBP as I couldn’t face being with out it for 2 weeks! Please god don’t let me wife find out how much I’ve spent on this!!!

]]> By: VladNazarykovskii http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-32150 VladNazarykovskii Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:52:05 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-32150 <a href="http://www.autosaga.net" rel="nofollow">Отлично,когда знаешь точно чего хочешь. Тут нужна объективность.</a> Отлично,когда знаешь точно чего хочешь. Тут нужна объективность.

]]> By: Miguel http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-32093 Miguel Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:31:37 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-32093 I have the same problem and left my MBP 17″ in the Apple repair center on February 10. Today February 19 still waiting for the NVIDIA Logic board to be shipped from California Apple center. The problem was diagnosed the same day I left the computer but the part has not being yet shipped!! I love my computer but start hating Apple response time on this knoun issue. Should’n they have in stock these parts to rapidly replace their customers? I paid almost 3K for the machine but waithing the same time an PC owner for a part! Not good. I have the same problem and left my MBP 17″ in the Apple repair center on February 10. Today February 19 still waiting for the NVIDIA Logic board to be shipped from California Apple center. The problem was diagnosed the same day I left the computer but the part has not being yet shipped!! I love my computer but start hating Apple response time on this knoun issue. Should’n they have in stock these parts to rapidly replace their customers? I paid almost 3K for the machine but waithing the same time an PC owner for a part! Not good.

]]> By: Bites from the Apple: Tidbits — What I Would Buy http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-31307 Bites from the Apple: Tidbits — What I Would Buy Sat, 07 Feb 2009 21:26:40 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-31307 [...] I’ve been a bit sidelined this week as my trusty MacBook Pro succumbed to the dreaded NVIDIA graphic processor fail. Thankfully, this has been acknowledged by Apple, and thusly the replacement of the logic board was [...] [...] I’ve been a bit sidelined this week as my trusty MacBook Pro succumbed to the dreaded NVIDIA graphic processor fail. Thankfully, this has been acknowledged by Apple, and thusly the replacement of the logic board was [...]

]]> By: Bites from the Apple: Tidbits reviews, prices | eOpinions Product reviews http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-31288 Bites from the Apple: Tidbits reviews, prices | eOpinions Product reviews Sat, 07 Feb 2009 16:03:45 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-31288 [...] I’ve been a bit sidelined this week as my trusty MacBook Pro succumbed to the dreaded NVIDIA graphic processor fail. Thankfully, this has been acknowledged by Apple, and thusly the replacement of the logic board was [...] [...] I’ve been a bit sidelined this week as my trusty MacBook Pro succumbed to the dreaded NVIDIA graphic processor fail. Thankfully, this has been acknowledged by Apple, and thusly the replacement of the logic board was [...]

]]> By: kaushal http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-30999 kaushal Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:05:02 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-30999 What is the error message u were getting after Hardware test, as i scared that it might be any other problem ... my hardware test generate this code.. Failure code: 4VDC/1/40000003: VideoController and also pcie lane width is x4 instead of x1 What is the error message u were getting after Hardware test, as i scared that it might be any other problem … my hardware test generate this code.. Failure code: 4VDC/1/40000003: VideoController

and also pcie lane width is x4 instead of x1

]]> By: Randy http://theappleblog.com/2008/12/29/nvidia-killed-my-2007-macbook-pro/#comment-30641 Randy Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:24:23 +0000 http://theappleblog.com/?p=14134#comment-30641 You said: "Without a working display, there was no way to salvage my data unless I took apart the MBP and extricated the internal hard drive." I actually had the same problem and used a tried and true method that has worked for years. Using a firewire cable and connecting my problem MBP to another Mac. With the host Mac powered on and the problem Mac powered down, I connect the two via the firewire ports. Then, held down (as I've done before with success) the 'T' key as I start up the problem MBP. The host sees the internal drive of my sick Mac and I'm able to get my data just fine. I am doing this as I type copying to another external, over 100gb of files. You said:
“Without a working display, there was no way to salvage my data unless I took apart the MBP and extricated the internal hard drive.”
I actually had the same problem and used a tried and true method that has worked for years. Using a firewire cable and connecting my problem MBP to another Mac. With the host Mac powered on and the problem Mac powered down, I connect the two via the firewire ports. Then, held down (as I’ve done before with success) the ‘T’ key as I start up the problem MBP. The host sees the internal drive of my sick Mac and I’m able to get my data just fine. I am doing this as I type copying to another external, over 100gb of files.

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