I have found and tested a successful work-a-round, for 2011 MacBook Pros with the known Dual Graphics Processor failure problem. This procedure if successfully implemented forces the “Integrated Only GPU” into operation, and does not allow the “Discrete GPU” to function. The “Discrete GPU” is what has or will fail. It also turns off the GPU automatic switching capability. This work around does not involve running Linux, or Windows. This is a Mac to Mac Solution.
In Summary. SIP must be disabled before making the changes noted below. Details below.
Install an application (App) called GFXCardStatus, Version 2.1 into your 2011 MacBook Pro's Application Folder. This applies to the 15 or 17 inch model, created early or late in 2011. The 13" Model is not affected by this problem. Once installed, boot the computer in safe mode (this assumes the Discrete GPU has already failed), this boots the Integrated GPU. Once in, open the app and configure it per directions found later in this document. Once configured, reboot the computer.
Be patient. ASSUMING THE DUAL GFX CARD IS IN FACT YOUR MBP’S ISSUE, properly done, your MBP will boot normally using the Integrated GPU and run quite well. It may require more than one reboot.
If your MBP has been “down” for some time due to this problem, there is a chance the internal battery is either drained completely, or will otherwise not function as a “good working Battery.” A battery in this condition, will not allow your MBP to boot up, even if the AC Adapter is connected and plugged in. I learned this the hard way. I recommend you replace the battery before undertaking this project.
00 SIP must be disabled before making the changes noted below.
(Apple says, SIP stands for System Integrity Protection (SIP). SIP protects files, directories, and processes at the root level from being modified.) To disable SIP, Boot into the Recovery Drive. Hold down Command-R key combinations on the keyboard immediately after pressing the power button to turn on the MBP, or immediately after the MBP begins to restart. Launch the Terminal from the upper menu bar. Key in: csrutil disable Reboot <return> . The MBP/Computer will reboot. For the “Work-A-Round” to consistently work, SIP needs to remain inactive.
01 Get the software. On a working Mac, download GFXCardStatus version 2.1. Nothing higher. You may download the file from my DropBox site here: (Click on the DOWNLOAD Button on the upper right side of the screen.) https://www.dropbox.com/s/qb5q89if0xlreoo/gfxCardStatus-2.1.zip?dl=0
02 About the SSD/HD in the failing 2011 MBP. Either remove it from the MBP, and USB it to another working 2011 MacBook Pro. Or, with the SSD/HD still inside the errant 2011 MBP connect it to a working 2011 MBP via FireWire or Thunderbolt cable, using Target Disk Mode. You can connect to an iMac or other Mac Desktop as well.
03 Boot into the SSD/HD that was taken from the failing 2011 MBP.
04 Install gfxCardStatus 2.1 into the bootable SSD/HD that was taken from failing 2011 MBP. Now, configure the gfxCardStatus App. You may have to reboot into the SSD/HD again before you can configure the app.
05 Go to the upper menu bar to the stylized i. Click it open. Come down to it's Preferences.
Next: click on General, then check mark the 1st, 3rd, & 4th items only. Uncheck 2nd item if checked.
Next: click on Advanced, Now, check mark the 1st & 2nd items. Where it says On Battery: Select Integrated. Where it says Plugged In: Select Integrated. Now the screen has two check marked items, one grayed out, one not. This is as it should be.
06 Reboot into the SSD/HD that was taken from failing 2011 MBP.
Next: Verify the gfxCardStatus app settings. Go to the stylized i in the upper menu bar, click on it, and see that it points to the "integrated only" option. If it does, mission accomplished. If booting into/through a desktop Mac, (not a MBP), the gfx app will show an error because a desktop Mac does not have the dual GPU found in the failing 2011 MBP.
07 Shut down the computer and/or eject the USB SSD/HD drive. Put the SSD/HD drive back into the original 2011 MBP and button it up, if it was removed in an earlier step..
08 Boot the MBP. It may still show a failed jumbled display screen. To overcome this if it happens, reboot the computer two or three times quickly. I successfully did this by pressing the COMMAND-CONTROL-Power Button 3 times. The goal is to interrupt the boot process 3 times quickly. That is, press and hold each button, first COMMAND (and hold), CONTROL (and hold) and Power Button, then release all three buttons at the same time. On the 3rd or 4th time, allow the MBP to boot normally. The display may start to look normal, but may flicker or show other oddities. However by the time the process ends, you should be at your desktop (Assuming you don't have to stop at a log in screen.) The MBP might reboot again on it’s own, as part of this process. If it does, that is okay.
09 Finally, go to System Preferences ---> Startup Disk and make sure your SSD/HD is in fact selected. Reboot one more time.
10 The MBP should boot normally, with no screen anomalies.
This work-a-round has lasted through an upgrade from Mac OS Sierra through High Sierra, (10.12 to 10.13.1) in the authors personal 2011 • 17” MBP.
I recommend you clone your newly created drive, so you have a good working SSD/HD back up and/or restore point ... just in case. Carbon Copy Cloner is excellent for this job.
Last things: Items you may need for this project: (Not all items are necessary.) The gfxCardStatus v2.1 is a must. Your choice of cables depends on other Macs you have available...
• USB 3.0 to SATA Converter for SSD/HDD • An external 2.5" Drive Enclosure • Thunder Bolt Cable • Firewire 800 to 800 or Firewire 400 to 800.
Following the above procedure, my 17" 2011 MBP has successfully run for over a year.
Good luck !! Comeback and let me know if you have questions or comments.
In Summary. SIP must be disabled before making the changes noted below. Details below.
Install an application (App) called GFXCardStatus, Version 2.1 into your 2011 MacBook Pro's Application Folder. This applies to the 15 or 17 inch model, created early or late in 2011. The 13" Model is not affected by this problem. Once installed, boot the computer in safe mode (this assumes the Discrete GPU has already failed), this boots the Integrated GPU. Once in, open the app and configure it per directions found later in this document. Once configured, reboot the computer.
Be patient. ASSUMING THE DUAL GFX CARD IS IN FACT YOUR MBP’S ISSUE, properly done, your MBP will boot normally using the Integrated GPU and run quite well. It may require more than one reboot.
If your MBP has been “down” for some time due to this problem, there is a chance the internal battery is either drained completely, or will otherwise not function as a “good working Battery.” A battery in this condition, will not allow your MBP to boot up, even if the AC Adapter is connected and plugged in. I learned this the hard way. I recommend you replace the battery before undertaking this project.
00 SIP must be disabled before making the changes noted below.
(Apple says, SIP stands for System Integrity Protection (SIP). SIP protects files, directories, and processes at the root level from being modified.) To disable SIP, Boot into the Recovery Drive. Hold down Command-R key combinations on the keyboard immediately after pressing the power button to turn on the MBP, or immediately after the MBP begins to restart. Launch the Terminal from the upper menu bar. Key in: csrutil disable Reboot <return> . The MBP/Computer will reboot. For the “Work-A-Round” to consistently work, SIP needs to remain inactive.
01 Get the software. On a working Mac, download GFXCardStatus version 2.1. Nothing higher. You may download the file from my DropBox site here: (Click on the DOWNLOAD Button on the upper right side of the screen.) https://www.dropbox.com/s/qb5q89if0xlreoo/gfxCardStatus-2.1.zip?dl=0
02 About the SSD/HD in the failing 2011 MBP. Either remove it from the MBP, and USB it to another working 2011 MacBook Pro. Or, with the SSD/HD still inside the errant 2011 MBP connect it to a working 2011 MBP via FireWire or Thunderbolt cable, using Target Disk Mode. You can connect to an iMac or other Mac Desktop as well.
03 Boot into the SSD/HD that was taken from the failing 2011 MBP.
04 Install gfxCardStatus 2.1 into the bootable SSD/HD that was taken from failing 2011 MBP. Now, configure the gfxCardStatus App. You may have to reboot into the SSD/HD again before you can configure the app.
05 Go to the upper menu bar to the stylized i. Click it open. Come down to it's Preferences.
Next: click on General, then check mark the 1st, 3rd, & 4th items only. Uncheck 2nd item if checked.
Next: click on Advanced, Now, check mark the 1st & 2nd items. Where it says On Battery: Select Integrated. Where it says Plugged In: Select Integrated. Now the screen has two check marked items, one grayed out, one not. This is as it should be.
06 Reboot into the SSD/HD that was taken from failing 2011 MBP.
Next: Verify the gfxCardStatus app settings. Go to the stylized i in the upper menu bar, click on it, and see that it points to the "integrated only" option. If it does, mission accomplished. If booting into/through a desktop Mac, (not a MBP), the gfx app will show an error because a desktop Mac does not have the dual GPU found in the failing 2011 MBP.
07 Shut down the computer and/or eject the USB SSD/HD drive. Put the SSD/HD drive back into the original 2011 MBP and button it up, if it was removed in an earlier step..
08 Boot the MBP. It may still show a failed jumbled display screen. To overcome this if it happens, reboot the computer two or three times quickly. I successfully did this by pressing the COMMAND-CONTROL-Power Button 3 times. The goal is to interrupt the boot process 3 times quickly. That is, press and hold each button, first COMMAND (and hold), CONTROL (and hold) and Power Button, then release all three buttons at the same time. On the 3rd or 4th time, allow the MBP to boot normally. The display may start to look normal, but may flicker or show other oddities. However by the time the process ends, you should be at your desktop (Assuming you don't have to stop at a log in screen.) The MBP might reboot again on it’s own, as part of this process. If it does, that is okay.
09 Finally, go to System Preferences ---> Startup Disk and make sure your SSD/HD is in fact selected. Reboot one more time.
10 The MBP should boot normally, with no screen anomalies.
This work-a-round has lasted through an upgrade from Mac OS Sierra through High Sierra, (10.12 to 10.13.1) in the authors personal 2011 • 17” MBP.
I recommend you clone your newly created drive, so you have a good working SSD/HD back up and/or restore point ... just in case. Carbon Copy Cloner is excellent for this job.
Last things: Items you may need for this project: (Not all items are necessary.) The gfxCardStatus v2.1 is a must. Your choice of cables depends on other Macs you have available...
• USB 3.0 to SATA Converter for SSD/HDD • An external 2.5" Drive Enclosure • Thunder Bolt Cable • Firewire 800 to 800 or Firewire 400 to 800.
Following the above procedure, my 17" 2011 MBP has successfully run for over a year.
Good luck !! Comeback and let me know if you have questions or comments.
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