2010 MBP 15" Logic Board Upgraded w/2012 Logic Board

My Problem

My 2010 MBP 15" was diagnosed by 2 shops that the GPU had failed and as such it was unrepairable. I then began to research replacement of the Logic board and discovered that the 2010 - 2012 MBP A1286 shared very similar physical architecture. However, I also found that the LVDS connector required a very minor modification of the connection. The very end plastic edges needed to be trimmed. (See picture below) I found only 1 video on YouTube which identified and confirmed this. I used a pair of fingernail clippers to snip the edges and it worked. (Snip just a little off both edges at a time and then test the fit until it works).

My Fix

I searched online for a replacement logic board and initially found a 2011 MBP A1286 Logic Board on eBay for under $300(US). The board arrived and the installation was simple, however, the board had an issue where it would not turn on when using battery power only. It only worked when connected to the charger. I returned that board. I found a 2012 MBP A1286 Logic Board on i FixIt.com and I jumped on it. It was a bit pricey @ $499 but I wanted the increase in memory capacity and compatibility with the current macOS Catalina. Beside the minor modification made as stated above to the LVDS connector, the board replacement was seamless and simple. I did experience one problem. I noticed that my iSight camera cable had been pinched during the installation and as such the built in isight camera does not work at all. I thought this was the problem so I ordered a replacement cable. After it arrived, I began the process of disassembly to replace the cable and I noticed a charing mark near the connector on the logic board. upon closer inspection with a jewelers loop and magnifying glass, it appears that the capacitor of whatever the electronic component is, maybe be blown. I know I didn't do it so it had to have been sold to me as such. I haven't decided yet if I will send it off to be repaired or not. To compensate, I purchased a $30 Webcam and will use that for now.

My Advice

Numerous people told me that my 2010 15" MBP was old and the cost to repair was so high that I would be better off buying a new one. Well let's see: Used Logic Board = $499, New 2012 Battery $89 (2010 Battery not compatible), Thermal Paste = $8.99, Heatsink for 2012 A1286 = $17 , Total= $614. New 2017-19 MBP 15" = $1,200 - $2,000 (Used) and the New 2020 MBP 16" Starts at $2,700.00 So... I spent $614(-/+) and was able to reuse my previous SSD drive and upgraded memory to 16g and this thing fly's. It is much faster, quieter (low fan noise) and runs cooler for what I use it for (Some graphics and video, presentation creation, Office products, email, etc).

At the end of the day, I am satisfied with the board, except the failed isight part. I bought the board from iFixIt because of trust. I have had great experiences with iFixIt parts and replacement of defective parts in the past. I will continue to buy from iFixIt. If I have to replace another logic board in the future, I might search longer for a lower price, but be careful as you get what you pay for. Only buy from companies to have no hassle return policies. *Shout Out* to the great and helpful team at Rossman Repair Group in NYC. I sent my MBP to them. They diagnosed the problem quickly at no charge and they spoke with me several times after they returned my MBP when I had technical questions.

Benefits: Upgrading my 2010 MBP with the 2012 MBP Logic board (A1286) allowed me to increase the max RAM to 16G and qualified my MBP for the upgrade to macOS Catalina.