Fix Your Stuff Community Store

Released June 2012 / Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost / Up to 1 GB GDDR5 Video RAM

596 Questions View all

Options

Seeking: Tips/Experiences on Replacing Logic Board

MacBook Pro (9 1) Mid 2012

Hi All,

Lately, I've been having kernel panics and crashes on my mid-2012 MBP. I bought the thing second hand, did the basic optical / SSD switch and 16GB RAM upgrade and it's been working great for the past 2 years.

I found that the upper RAM slot was causing issues, so cleaned them both with Isopropyl. That helped. Panics returned. I then went through and tightened down the logic board and other components that had come loose through the years. No help.

I'm not flush enough/don't want to spend the money to purchase another used MBP at the moment so I'm considering swapping out the logic board myself.

I'm doing my research, but would love to hear from anyone who has done this themselves.

Questions:

  • Buying tips / sources?
  • Can I "swap up" to a better graphics card / processor if available?
  • Things to watch out for during install (yes, I'm aware of the ifixit how-to)?

Thanks in advance!

MacBook Pro 9,1, Mid-2012

OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)

2.3GHz i7

16GB DDR3

Intel HD Graphics 4000 1536 MB

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No
Score 1
1 Comment

So...

Logic boards are just as if not more expensive than picking up ANOTHER 2012 MBP. So... looks like I'm getting another unless anyone knows of a good source for logic boards under $300.

Anyone?

by

Add a comment

2 Answers

Filter by:
Most Helpful Newest Oldest
Chosen Solution

Options

Personally, I think this is the best MacBook Pro ever made.

I try to stock this machine in both the 13" & 15" and have one for sale at all times.

When I went to visit iFixit earlier this month, the 13" 2012 is almost the the only machine I saw there, so they agree with me.

I also took a 13" 2012 with me for traveling.

I do however replace the hard drive with either a Seagate 1 TB or 500GB SSHD or a 500 GB SSD.

Also replace the hard drive I/R cable and put pads on either si9de of the cable as it climbs onto the optical drive to prevent the bottom cover from contacting it.

I would take it to the current 10.12.6.

I seldom take it above 8 GB of RAM.

If I do have RAM issues, generally those can be corrected by tightening or loosening the screws that hold the RAM bracket to the logic board. If this fails, try putting a lessor stick in the slot that's acting up.

Do not let this machine go as it is the last of the really repairable MBPs.

Apple produced this machine long after it usually does:

Introduction Date: June 11, 2012 Discontinued Date: October 27, 2016

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 4

2 Comments:

I agree with Mayer!

by

I agree with you both! That's A) why I bought it (again) and B) why I'm wanting to repair it instead of getting another.

by

Add a comment

Options

Totally agreed with everything said here.. my personal system is the 15”, i7 2.6ghz, nvidia, 16gb, 2x 1tb ssd.. yes you can swap out mainboard for faster cpu and higher end gpu.. careful with connectors as they sometimes get brittle with age.. I swapped my board out awhile ago, got it from eBay but did loads of research before.. I’m fearful as to when it fails though as I really don’t know what I’m replacing it with as I’m really not a fan of the new lines of mbp.. i mean they are gorgeous, but no way near practical imo..

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 1

1 Comment:

Any tips or eBay seller info from when you purchased your board?

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

Kyle Petrozza will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 0

Past 30 Days: 0

All Time: 217