Affected GPU Chipsets
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. However, the errors occur more frequently in the version with 512 MB and 1024 MB than in the one with 256 MB.
MacBook Pro A1286 Models Overview
"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"
Available Graphics Configurations
Note
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.
- "AMD Radeon HD 6490M with automatic graphics switching"
- "AMD Radeon HD 6750M with automatic graphics switching"
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.
Common Symptoms of Graphics Errors
- Screen artifacts and distortion
- Vertical or horizontal lines on display
- System crashes and kernel panics
- Black screen or no display output
- Overheating and fan noise
- Random freezing during graphics-intensive tasks
Professional Repair Solutions
We offer specialized graphics chip repair services including:
- GPU reballing with lead-free solder
- Complete chip replacement when available
- Logic board component-level repair
- 12-month warranty on all repairs
- Free diagnosis and shipping both ways
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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.