2011 17" MBP: Help talk me out of this!

[dantracht]

Like the title says, I am seeking your good advice in maybe talking me out of something stupid.

I'm on a vintage apple kick lately. Picked up a 2004-era cinema display recently that still looks and works great, a few iPods from back in the day, and now I am onto my "holy grail" of unibody MPS......the 17" MBP.

Now, I know they're old, out of date, obsolete, and won't get past High Sierra without a patch, but there's just something about them.

I love the look. Big, hulking, monster machines of their day.

Can't explain this, I just WANT one. Like I wanted the 2015 15" for the longest time too.

With that being said, I can score an early 2011 17" MBP with 16GB of ram for $200.

Looks in great shape, never had any issues, used primarily for music production, about the only thing wrong with it is a missing "A" key cap which is easily done. Even the SSD upgrade is easily done, as I did upgrade my dearly beloved, long sold 2012 13" MBP to an SSD way back when.

So, talk me out of this.

Will it suffer from the famously discussed GPU failure the minute I get it home tonight?

Or should I just go for it and damn the torpedoes?

Am I off my rocker for even considering this?

Won't be used for anything intensive, just to enjoy as a weekend warrior every now and then.

Thank you in advance!

 

[Bodhitree]

$200 is about what these things go for on ebay. Its not too much, if you have a use for it.

I wouldn’t buy it. But then, I’m not much of a collector.

 

[dantracht]

$200 is about what these things go for on ebay. Its not too much, if you have a use for it.

I wouldn’t buy it. But then, I’m not much of a collector.

Why wouldn't you buy it? Just curious.

 

[Bodhitree]

Well its old, not getting updates, prone to failure, the battery will probably need replacing, the cable connectors might go out of fashion so you can’t get new cables, you won’t be able to attach USB-C peripherals, its going to be putting out a lot of heat, the gpu might give up the ghost… did I say it was old?

But then you seem to be into collecting these things

 

[CoastalOR]

Research "radeongate" the 2011 17" MBPs have a design problem that causes the dGPU to fail from heat that causes the dGPU solder failing, when that happens the MBP will not boot properly. There are some workarounds but they can introduce some additional problems and limitations.
Here is a long MacRumors thread to get you started:

Force 2011 MacBook Pro 8,2 with failed AMD GPU to ALWAYS use Intel integrated GPU (EFI variable fix)

If you don't have time to read my story (which also describes some interesting technical approaches) just scroll down this thread until a "100% WORKING SOLUTION" text Discrete AMD GPU of my 2011 MacBook Pro 8,2 has finally failed because of the reasons mentioned here (...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[dantracht]

Research "radeongate" the 2011 17" MBPs have a design problem that causes the dGPU to fail from heat that causes the dGPU solder failing, when that happens the MBP will not boot properly. There are some workarounds but they can introduce some additional problems and limitations.
Here is a long MacRumors thread to get you started:

Force 2011 MacBook Pro 8,2 with failed AMD GPU to ALWAYS use Intel integrated GPU (EFI variable fix)

If you don't have time to read my story (which also describes some interesting technical approaches) just scroll down this thread until a "100% WORKING SOLUTION" text Discrete AMD GPU of my 2011 MacBook Pro 8,2 has finally failed because of the reasons mentioned here (...

forums.macrumors.com

Wow.....thanks. Reading now.

 

[dantracht]

Research "radeongate" the 2011 17" MBPs have a design problem that causes the dGPU to fail from heat that causes the dGPU solder failing, when that happens the MBP will not boot properly. There are some workarounds but they can introduce some additional problems and limitations.
Here is a long MacRumors thread to get you started:

Force 2011 MacBook Pro 8,2 with failed AMD GPU to ALWAYS use Intel integrated GPU (EFI variable fix)

If you don't have time to read my story (which also describes some interesting technical approaches) just scroll down this thread until a "100% WORKING SOLUTION" text Discrete AMD GPU of my 2011 MacBook Pro 8,2 has finally failed because of the reasons mentioned here (...

forums.macrumors.com

Thank you, my friend. You have successfully talked me out of this. YIKES.

Thank you.

 

[Queen6]

The 2011 15" & 17" MBP are best avoided as many if not all have a critical flaw with the Radeon dGPU. There are HW/SW workaround's, however with varying complexity and can negatively impact wake/Sleep & brightness functions.

TBH they are not worth much more than parts price as they are notoriously unreliable. Many HW fixes only buy a few more months before the dGPU likely fails again. A member picked one up recently for $35 with a known failing dGPU and that's all they are really worth. Once artefacts and or banding is visible the dGPU is damaged and will fail completely in time.

I speak as an owner of a 2011 15" equally I bought it new and it's remained in the family so I know it's entire history. It remains 100% stock and in perfect working condition, equally I believe it's very much in the minority...

Q-6

 

[Fishrrman]

2011 MacBook Pro 15" and 17" models should be on the "don't buy" list for used Macs.
(RadeonGate)

 

[feinberj]

I’ve got one of these. With 16Gb memory and an SSD, it runs Monterey surprisingly well! It’s my daughter’s machine (she’s 9) and she’s using Chrome, Zoom, the usual. It’s on 12.5.1. I used opencore legacy patcher. It’s helpful to build the bootable OS installer using another Mac (be sure to choose the proper machine when doing this). I think I had sent this machine to some place in PA to have the discrete GPU disabled for around $100. If you love the machine, like to tinker, and don’t mind sinking a bit more money into it, go for it! But if you want something that requires little effort this would not be a good idea.

 

[feinberj]

I’ve got one of these. With 16Gb memory and an SSD, it runs Monterey surprisingly well! It’s my daughter’s machine (she’s 9) and she’s using Chrome, Zoom, the usual. It’s on 12.5.1. I used opencore legacy patcher. It’s helpful to build the bootable OS installer using another Mac (be sure to choose the proper machine when doing this). I think I had sent this machine to some place in PA to have the discrete GPU disabled for around $100. If you love the machine, like to tinker, and don’t mind sinking a bit more money into it, go for it! But if you want something that requires little effort this would not be a good idea.

DOSDude1 instructions on disabling the GPU on the 2011: http://dosdude1.com/gpudisable/

 

[feinberj]

I’ve got one of these. With 16Gb memory and an SSD, it runs Monterey surprisingly well! It’s my daughter’s machine (she’s 9) and she’s using Chrome, Zoom, the usual. It’s on 12.5.1. I used opencore legacy patcher. It’s helpful to build the bootable OS installer using another Mac (be sure to choose the proper machine when doing this). I think I had sent this machine to some place in PA to have the discrete GPU disabled for around $100. If you love the machine, like to tinker, and don’t mind sinking a bit more money into it, go for it! But if you want something that requires little effort this would not be a good idea.

and this is where I sent my 17” 2011: https://realmacmods.com/macbook-2011-radeon-gpu-disable/

 

[SpotOnT]

Will it suffer from the famously discussed GPU failure the minute I get it home tonight?

Probably. Every 15" and 17" I have come across have died from GPU failure.

My 2011 15" MacBook Pro has had its GPU replaced many times already (by Apple) and yes, it is is dead again. Lasted only 3 months with the most recent "fix".

If you want a 17" MBP (and nothing wrong with going for what the heart wants), maybe look for a 2010 model instead?

Edit: I see you have already been talked out of this lol. Never mind then

 

[GMShadow]

Probably. Every 15" and 17" I have come across have died from GPU failure.

My 2011 15" MacBook Pro has had its GPU replaced many times already (by Apple) and yes, it is is dead again. Lasted only 3 months with the most recent "fix".

If you want a 17" MBP (and nothing wrong with going for what the heart wants), maybe look for a 2010 model instead?

Edit: I see you have already been talked out of this lol. Never mind then

The 2010 models have a different, albeit much more fixable, problem with a capacitor on the board.

 

[SpotOnT]

The 2010 models have a different, albeit much more fixable, problem with a capacitor on the board.

It is a bummer there was never a 2012 17" unibody.

My 2012 15" unibody has been absolutely flawless and is still serving me well.

 

[Queen6]

Probably. Every 15" and 17" I have come across have died from GPU failure.

My 2011 15" MacBook Pro has had its GPU replaced many times already (by Apple) and yes, it is is dead again. Lasted only 3 months with the most recent "fix".

If you want a 17" MBP (and nothing wrong with going for what the heart wants), maybe look for a 2010 model instead?

Edit: I see you have already been talked out of this lol. Never mind then

Only 2011 15" MBP I know that has had no issue is mine and I rather think it's one of few. Everyone else I knew had a similar experience to yours; multiple failures, multiple repairs which generally were only a short-term fix. Worse denied extended warranty as the MBP was DOA and Apple refused, although they must have been fully aware that if the Radeon dGPU completely failed the notebook will not power on.

It is a bummer there was never a 2012 17" unibody.

My 2012 15" unibody has been absolutely flawless and is still serving me well.

Agreed anyone seeking this design of MBP should try to source a 2012 15" as they seemed finally trouble free.

Q-6

 

[dantracht]

Thank you all so much, you saved me a lot of headache. Perhaps a mid-2012 is the way to go.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

The 2010 models have a different, albeit much more fixable, problem with a capacitor on the board.

Yup, as did the 2009er.

 

[Queen6]

Thank you all so much, you saved me a lot of headache. Perhaps a mid-2012 is the way to go.

Think that you would be better served, although the 2012 15" Unibody will command a higher price. As with all mass produced consumer products there will be variation, however I'm not aware of any design flaw.

Q-6

 

[Alpha Centauri]

Thank you all so much, you saved me a lot of headache. Perhaps a mid-2012 is the way to go.

that was indeed a good year.

 

[Queen6]

Yup, as did the 2009er.

Add the 2008 15" to the list LOL. The 13" MBP's were generally reliable The 15" I don't think Apple really got right until 2012. Only to screw everything up in 2016 with the Butterfly Keyboard and later to wedge in an octa core i9 into a chassis that was already thermally constrained...

Q-6

 

[Alpha Centauri]

Add the 2008 15" to the list LOL. The 13" MBP's were generally reliable The 15" I don't think Apple really got right until 2012. Only to screw everything up in 2016 with the Butterfly Keyboard and later to wedge in an octa core i9 into a chassis that was already thermally constrained...

Q-6

Agreed. My 15" had new Caps (and everything else). The 2012 was/ is def the pick of the litter, cream of the crop..back then re workable collectables.

 

[dantracht]

Thanks all. Mid-2012 15" for the win.

My 2012 13" remains one of my all time favorite macs so I'd def jump at the chance for a 15" version.

 

[Queen6]

Agreed. My 15" had new Caps (and everything else). The 2012 was/ is def the pick of the litter, cream of the crop..back then re workable collectables.

I have a recollection that the Unibody 15" MBP was still available in early 2013, but is too vague to be certain.

I like my 2011 15" that said the dGPU issue is ever present and luck could runout on the next restart or cold boot. I ceased using it professionally over half a decade ago and have an M1 MPB for serious work now. Yet I still use the 2011 15" most days, serves up media and still gets the occasional heavy workout . It's rarely shutdown, remains same as it left the factory. It's never even been clean installed LOL.

Q-6

 

[Queen6]

Thanks all. Mid-2012 15" for the win.

My 2012 13" remains one of my all time favorite macs so I'd def jump at the chance for a 15" version.

I've still got a very heavily used & abused 2014 Retina 13" MBP. Realistically it's beyond economic repair although it runs; battery & right speaker are done, left hand side of the KB some keys can stick, has artefact & banding on boot which doesn't bode well.

Maybe SW or the iGPU has issue? Not looking too deeply, it spent much of it's working life in the tropics being exposed to high humidity. Like all it's paid for itself multiple times over so no complaint. Always impressed in it's early days, Apple quoted I think 8 hours on battery, it could stretch to 10 which was massive advantage

Have an M1 13" MBP which is great barring the Touchbar and just the two ports can live with it thx to M1. Again battery life was a primary factor with the M1 MBP. Always thought the 2016 MBP redesign was a very poor move on Apple's behalf especially the 15" with them loosing a lot of credibility with professional's on the go.

Thankfully Apple has now course corrected as people need ports and performance that lives up to expectation, not just sales & marketing numbers, definitely not weak excuses. While Apple has no shortage of $$$ I do believe it values endorsement from it's professional users albeit a small group...

Q-6