MacBook Graphics Error Repair
Graphics Errors on MacBooks: Symptoms and Repair Costs
Graphics errors on MacBooks manifest through various symptoms: stripes on the display, color errors, image dropouts, or a completely black screen. Repair costs range between €140 and €800, depending on the model and extent of damage.
⚠️ Common Symptoms of GPU Errors
- Colorful stripes or artifacts on the display
- Screen remains black, but MacBook starts audibly
- Graphics errors during boot (distorted Apple logo)
- System freezes under graphics load
- External monitors also show errors
- Kernel panics during startup
- Overheating and loud fan noise
Particularly Affected MacBook Models
MacBook Pro 15" and 17" (2011-2012) - A1286
In our workshop, we very frequently see graphics errors on MacBook Pros with 15-inch displays from 2011 and 2012 - A1286. All 3 variants of the AMD GPU chip are affected here:
- AMD Radeon HD 6490M with 256 MB (less frequently affected)
- AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 512 MB (frequently affected)
- AMD Radeon HD 6770M with 1024 MB (very frequently affected)
💡 Note on Graphics Memory
If "About This Mac" on your MacBook Pro shows e.g. 384 MB graphics memory, this is because 256 MB GPU memory space and 128 MB video memory (integrated into the CPU) are installed.
Other Affected Models
- MacBook Pro 17" (2011) - All variants
- MacBook Pro 15" (2013) with NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M/750M
- MacBook Pro 15" (2016-2017) with AMD Radeon Pro 450/455/460
"2.0 GHz or 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7 quad-core processor with 6 MB shared L3 cache or optional 2.3 GHz Intel Core i7 quad-core processor with 8 MB shared L3 cache"
Technical Details on GPU Chipsets
AMD Radeon HD 6770M (ATI Mobility Radeon HD 6770) DirectX 11 graphics card for notebooks. It is the successor to the unsuccessful HD 5770 or 6570M and has the same Whistler chip as the 6700M and 6600M series. Compared to the HD 5770, the 6770M has higher clock speeds. In the MacBook Pro 15 Late 2011, however, the 6770M is only clocked at 675 MHz instead of 725 MHz.
Further Chipset History
In 2011, the Radeon HD 7000M series models were introduced. These are partly a rebranding of the Radeon HD 6000M models. However, new models with 7700M and higher were also introduced. All HD 7xx0M with RV9xx are based on TeraScale 2 architecture and support DirectX 11.0, OpenGL 4.4 and OpenCL 1.2 but no Vulkan.
All HD 77x0M are based on GCN architecture and support DirectX 11.1 OpenGL 4.5 and OpenCL 1.2. With driver update to Crimson 16.3 (March 2016) and higher: OpenGL 4.5, OpenCL 1.2 or 2.0 and Vulkan 1.0.
Our Professional Repair Solutions
✅ Solution Approaches Based on Diagnosis
- GPU Chip Replacement: We replace the defective GPU chip with a new, improved chip
- Reballing Service: Professional reballing with lead-free solder for long-term stability
- Thermal Management: Optimization of cooling to prevent future issues
- Deactivation of dedicated GPU (for dual-GPU systems as emergency solution)
- Logic board repair at component level
- 12-month warranty: On all GPU repairs performed
We'll determine which of these solutions makes the most sense during the free analysis of your MacBook. For graphics errors on your MacBook Pro, we offer free diagnosis. Use our free DHL shipping label for sending.
Additional Services for Your MacBook
🛠️ Related Repair Services
- Logic Board Repair - Chip-level repair for all defects
- Water Damage Repair - Professional cleaning and restoration
- Display Repair - Replacement for display defects
- Battery Replacement for weak battery
- Upgrade with SSD or more RAM
- Data Recovery - Recovery of your important data
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Which MacBook Pro models are affected by graphics errors?
MacBook Pro 15-inch models from 2011 and 2012 (A1286) are particularly affected, with all three AMD GPU chip variants showing issues.
What are the symptoms of MacBook Pro graphics errors?
Common symptoms include screen artifacts, vertical lines, system crashes, kernel panics, and complete display failure.
Can MacBook Pro graphics errors be permanently fixed?
Yes, through professional GPU reballing or chip replacement. Our repair service offers a 12-month warranty on graphics repairs.
Suspect a GPU fault?
We perform chip‑level GPU repairs (no reflow), replace chips when available, and back it with a 12‑month warranty.
Contact us or see graphics repair.