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Graphics are very poor

The graphics on my old MacBook Pro 17" A1229 have gone all wishy washy. I have been told this could be the Graphics Motherboard or the Main Logic card.

What do you think? How much would it cost to replace either of these?

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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To diagnose the GPU (graphic processing unit) hook it up to an external monitor. If you get the same wishy washy picture, it is the GPU. If the picture is good, you have issues relating to the display.

UPDATE

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/ma...

Unfortunately this model has the GeForce nVidia 8600 GT graphics processor. There were class action law suits, resulting in Apple repair programs to replace those GPU. These programs have long since expired. There are services that can be found on eBay that replace these defective processors. This is a much better alternative to replacing the logic board as you will probably get a board with an un-replaced GPU and be faced with the same problem.

You'll need to compare the cost of this repair (usually about $180) the last time I looked, with what the machine is now worth.

This replacement repair is only $115, it may be because few of these are done anymore and they may be just trying to get rid of surplus chips in stock:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-Macbook-Pr...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MACBOOK-PRO-A126...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MacBook-Pro-17-A...

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4 Comments:

How much would a new GPU cost?

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As far as I know to replace the GPU on these laptops you will need to replace the entire motherboard. @mayer correct me if I'm wrong on this one

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@alexniculescu Alex, see update

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@alexniculescu - Repairing the logic board is possible! This is not a DIY project as you do need some special tools to remove and resolder the BGA GPU chip.

For a DIY replacing the logic board makes sense! But it will be more costly.

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