MBP 1,1-10,2 Force 2011 MacBook Pro 8,2 with failed AMD GPU to ALWAYS use Intel integrated GPU (EFI variable fix)

[Dave111]

@dosdude1 Sounds promising. I would probably need to do another backup before attempting this. Do you have a link for instructions on how/where to send the machine plus payment?

 

[RTouris]

A couple of questions with regards to both the hardware spec of this issue and the EFI variable fix method..

- what is the default PCIe lane width of a non-failed 6750/6770m? Mine indicated x8 at Apple Menu -> About this Mac -> System Report -> Graphics / Displays -> AMD Radeon HD 67x0m ever since I bought this system second hand, just wondering if the system had already been tampered with since the AMD GPU failed about 3 months into my ownership, with me not really pushing the system (temperature or otherwise) at all..

- any further info on the agc flags (currently sitting on page 70 of this thread - still some way to go) - as in boot-args=“-v agc=0”, and could the High Sierra utility somehow be used on Sierra to indicate power states for the dGPU?

Any feedback appreciated

 

[dosdude1]

@dosdude1 Sounds promising. I would probably need to do another backup before attempting this. Do you have a link for instructions on how/where to send the machine plus payment?

The OP of my thread explains the entire process, and how to perform the mod. If you'd like to send the system to me to have it done, just send me a PM, and we can discuss details.

 

[pastran]

The AMDKexts folder, save on the Hdd or in another memory of Macbook?
because I replaced the AMDkextsx3000 and now I can not reinstall any Operating System.
I tried another HDD and it also does not allow, install but then it does not start.
With Mojave, for example, it tells me that it does not have the necessary files (I used to have mojave before) I use the same USB installer.
What can happen? how do I restore everything as before when the dedicated graphic failed?
Thanks in advance

 

[dmitry_ra]

Hi, I've applied the fix successfully, but after some time my Mac started shutting down on battery and only works plugged in. I tried SMC reset, unplugged battery, ssd and ram, tried pushing power button for 15 seconds, but none of this helped. Can't find anything similar in this thread either. Any suggestions?

 

[neekolas86]

I have an early 2011 MBP, El Capitan, US keyboard. Earlier this year I disabled the failed GPU following this ArchLinux guide and also used gfxcardstatus to disable graphics switching.


I’m not a heavy user and this solution worked for a while but earlier this week the MBP failed to boot from sleep, I gave it a hard reboot but the computer now fails to boot: black screen, no Apple chime, no power to the Caps lock button. I tried an SMC and PRAM reset and also disconnected the battery for a few minutes but same result. I suspect the integrated graphics has now failed but I’m no expert. Suggestions? Thanks

 

[UnknownPit]

Hello, I try to fix my MacBook Pro I tried Archlinux Live USB when I reboot the process bar stops at 70% and I am not able to boot into OS and remove the kexts. 2nd I try to do the MikeyN fix but I cannot boot into recovery even after I installed the OSX. Only time I was able to boot into Recovery <Cmd>+<r>+<s> was after first using Archlinux Live USB in order to create a gpu-power-prefs and then try the MikeyN fix but even then I have no idea what to do in the environment I "post image" in order to complete the steps. please help me.
[doublepost=1543945484][/doublepost]

Hello, I try to fix my MacBook Pro I tried Archlinux Live USB when I reboot the process bar stops at 70% and I am not able to boot into OS and remove the kexts. 2nd I try to do the MikeyN fix but I cannot boot into recovery even after I installed the OSX. Only time I was able to boot into Recovery <Cmd>+<r>+<s> was after first using Archlinux Live USB in order to create a gpu-power-prefs and then try the MikeyN fix but even then I have no idea what to do in the environment I "post image" in order to complete the steps. please help me.

Also I get error when I do this on Single user mode.(picture no2)

 

[UnknownPit]

Hello I reinstalled the El Capitan on my macbook pro after the first restart the mac did not load then I shut down manually the macbook and followed the exact guide using Archlinux Live USB. But when I reboot the system hangs and not loads into the OS anyone have any ideas on what to do?

 

[nerowolfe19]

Thanks for the quick response!

Unfortunately I don't have any soldering experience or equipment. Is there a work around to get my brightness up until I can get it to someone who could fix it (I'm assuming it would be a cheap repair?)?

Had a similar issue, and had disassembled my 2012 15" rMBP logic board so I could have it fixed in a local shop, but turned out guy who does the soldering was on vacation. Was about to put it back together but thought what the heck, located the vcore chip (coded 62882C HRTZ) and put 5 layers of first aid tape on it and ressembled the machine. Result? Working machine.

This is just anecdotal experience mind you, I'm not suggesting that you actually fix your Apple laptop with a first aid tape. Just mentioning how I patched up mine. I'm not particularly proud of my handy work, but given the results and cost incurred perhaps I should be.

 

[pckrullenbol]

The latest security update 2018-003 messed things up severly... Had to re-do the first steps by setting the nvram power-settings in cmd-S mode. It appeared the update restored the AMDRadeonX3000.kext in System/Library/Extensions so I had to remove it in cmd-S mode as well.
So be warned when installing this update!

 

[Mormislaw]

After using this tutorial and removing the kext, everything works great on unofficial Mojave installation (dosdude1’s method)
[doublepost=1544363761][/doublepost]

After using this tutorial and removing the kext, everything works great on unofficial Mojave installation (dosdude1’s method)

This includes sleep, wake and brightness control.

 

[Danielfoley96]

Hi all

My 2011 Mac Book pro GPU failed a few months ago, after been repaired by Apple approximately 2 years ago. Fixed it using a Youtube Tutorial, based with the information off this thread. I have an external monitor and need to use it so am just wondering if there is any walk arounds/by passes to using a monitor with Integrated only ? , that works as it should without glitches etc, am planning to use it for video editing. MBP 2011 still works surprisingly well after the fix, mabe its the i7 that gives it the speed. Would appreciate any responses, if there are no solutions am looking to buy a 2012 Mac Mini as they represent great value for money and are powerful, will keep the 2011 as a spare working machine.


Thanks in advance

 

[pckrullenbol]

if there is any walk arounds/by passes to using a monitor with Integrated only ?

No, this is not possible. Graphics output is connected with broken AMD-chip.

 

[pinboll]

The OP of my thread explains the entire process, and how to perform the mod. If you'd like to send the system to me to have it done, just send me a PM, and we can discuss details.

Checked that original Thread, thanks for the hard work and procedure... But when I started reading this thread I though the solution was easy.
Then reading your solution, soldering skill required, no brightness control, ... I kind of gave up.


From realmacmods.com I've ordered the USB Stick EFI mode script.

Aware of your warning that the realmacmods.com mod is not covering the issue as a whole (quote below)

Yeah, that is NOT a hardware bypass, as it still relies on an NVRAM variable being set. Resetting NVRAM or even a system update will cause you to get no video at all. If you're removing that resistor, you NEED to perform the modifications I've detailed here in order to have a 100% stable system.

Currently I just stick to using the realmacmods.com USB stick whenever a restart is needed.

-taking into account that I rarely reboot my Macbook,
-that SSD and USB based reboots are so fast
-Whenever reboot is required (update) I use the USB stick to boot into Ubuntu from the realmacmods.com
-two lines of linux command to activate their script, shutdown and I can reboot again ( for example to let a High Sierra update complete or just normal restart - if I don't do this: grey screen after Apple progress bar)
-Keeping the USB stick at hand and just having to type the two lines of Linux command every reboot is much easier and less risky than all the soldering work.
-in High Sierra I have gfxcardstatus 2.1 running to "make sure" in all power scenario's the integrated gpu is being used, not sure if this is required, just as an extra monitoring tool
-no battery issues, no instability

Milleage may vary depending on the severeness of the failing AMD GPU in other case, but it works for me.


Not the most elegant solution and indeed not permanent, so not protecting against tricks Apple may pull to prevent this method to work in the future...

Right now I get things done on my Macbook having invested only 10 US$ for that script from realmacmods.

 

[slyryguy]

I just gotta start by giving a huge thanks to the contributors of this thread as I was pulling my hair out and not wanting to admit defeat when my 15" MBP's (8,2 model) screen went black for the last time. I have spent days reading and searching this thread for anyone with black screen symptoms like mine.

I had the typical crashing and artifacts when the GPU would hang. Then it wouldn't boot and would hang with a black screen and no startup chime until everything cooled (?) down and the battery discharged. Now it is permanently stuck in that state.

- I pulled the swollen battery out of the MBP as it was messing with the clickpad - No change
- I pulled the hard drive (to keep it from getting corrupted with sudden power-offs) - No change
- I did numerous SMC resets - No change
- I reset PRAM numerous times - No change
- Did numerous boot key sequences (single user, safe mode) - No change

I would never get the screen to display or startup sound or CAPS lock key to light. So following the manual hardware mod on (https://realmacmods.com/macbook-2011-radeon-gpu-disable/), I removed the R8911 resistor. I reset the SMC. Then did the PRAM reset and waited. I suddenly got a startup chime once and then again because of the PRAM reset. But my screen is still dark. So I booted Arch linux on CD, it booted up, but the screen was still dark. Put in the hard drive and booted. I was able to logon to my user account in OSX, but the screen was still dark. But I could hear all the reminders popping up. I took my flashlight on my phone and shined it through the white apple logo to see if I can see anything on the screen and it only shows up with the green/gray turned off LCD state.

So, is my Intel integrated GPU also dead? I tend to believe my dedicated GPU is dead as I later bridged the R8911 resistor and the computer stopped booting and stopped giving me a startup chime. I unbridged it and I got the chime sound again.

What controls the screen and backlight display? Is it the integrated GPU? I think I'm going to try removing the logic board and reflowing the CPU and GPU using a heat gun to see if that will help.

Any other ideas from the geniuses that frequent this thread?

Thanks again.

---------------------------------------------------

EDIT:

I think I found my missing piece of information in another reply by dosdude1...

No. The ONLY way to disable the dedicated GPU and retain full sleep/wake functionality and brightness control in High Sierra and later is to use my hardware mod, plus my DyingLight module. I strongly recommend that you DO NOT remove R8911 if using the NVRAM variable fix, as when NVRAM gets reset or a system update is installed (both of which are inevitable), your display will stop working entirely.

It seems I'm stuck at a chicken and an egg problem. MBP won't boot with R8911 installed to apply a suitable SW fix. With R8911 removed, it will boot but with no display to manually type in the commands. Has anyone had success doing the process blindly?

I may have to start the hardware mod it seems, unless the dGPU bypass pcb is ready for testing?

 

[Dave111]

I just gotta start by giving a huge thanks to the contributors of this thread as I was pulling my hair out and not wanting to admit defeat when my 15" MBP's (8,2 model) screen went black for the last time. I have spent days reading and searching this thread for anyone with black screen symptoms like mine.

I had the typical crashing and artifacts when the GPU would hang. Then it wouldn't boot and would hang with a black screen and no startup chime until everything cooled (?) down and the battery discharged. Now it is permanently stuck in that state.

- I pulled the swollen battery out of the MBP as it was messing with the clickpad - No change
- I pulled the hard drive (to keep it from getting corrupted with sudden power-offs) - No change
- I did numerous SMC resets - No change
- I reset PRAM numerous times - No change
- Did numerous boot key sequences (single user, safe mode) - No change

I would never get the screen to display or startup sound or CAPS lock key to light. So following the manual hardware mod on (https://realmacmods.com/macbook-2011-radeon-gpu-disable/), I removed the R8911 resistor. I reset the SMC. Then did the PRAM reset and waited. I suddenly got a startup chime once and then again because of the PRAM reset. But my screen is still dark. So I booted Arch linux on CD, it booted up, but the screen was still dark. Put in the hard drive and booted. I was able to logon to my user account in OSX, but the screen was still dark. But I could hear all the reminders popping up. I took my flashlight on my phone and shined it through the white apple logo to see if I can see anything on the screen and it only shows up with the green/gray turned off LCD state.

So, is my Intel integrated GPU also dead? I tend to believe my dedicated GPU is dead as I later bridged the R8911 resistor and the computer stopped booting and stopped giving me a startup chime. I unbridged it and I got the chime sound again.

What controls the screen and backlight display? Is it the integrated GPU? I think I'm going to try removing the logic board and reflowing the CPU and GPU using a heat gun to see if that will help.

Any other ideas from the geniuses that frequent this thread?

Thanks again.

---------------------------------------------------

EDIT:

I think I found my missing piece of information in another reply by dosdude1...



It seems I'm stuck at a chicken and an egg problem. MBP won't boot with R8911 installed to apply a suitable SW fix. With R8911 removed, it will boot but with no display to manually type in the commands. Has anyone had success doing the process blindly?

I may have to start the hardware mod it seems, unless the dGPU bypass pcb is ready for testing?

Why don’t you try it blindly and see what happens? You got nothing to lose. You don’t even need linux after all, just the command

nvram fa4ce28d-b62f-4c99-9cc3-6815686e30f9:gpu-power-prefs=%01%00%00%00

And as far as the hardware mod, dosdude1 also found a fix for the brightness issue in High Sierra as well

 

[buzzwindrip]

The latest security update 2018-003 messed things up severly... Had to re-do the first steps by setting the nvram power-settings in cmd-S mode. It appeared the update restored the AMDRadeonX3000.kext in System/Library/Extensions so I had to remove it in cmd-S mode as well.
So be warned when installing this update!

Good to know. I have that update pending, but have been reluctant to install because my 2011 15" MBP is running flawlessly after applying the nvram tweaks and login hooks.

 

[buzzwindrip]

Thanks to all the contributors that have diagnosed, researched, and posted solutions to this frustrating GPU issue. I have been using the nvram tweaks and login hook for a week now, and I have had no real issues. Sleep is precarious for me, even when I force it. One day I could not boot at all - no chime, no display, and PRAM/SMC reset did nothing. I had to discharge the battery completely to force a reboot.
The one issue I see consistently is the failure to complete shutdown - I'm left with a black screen and touchpad pointer that just hangs there with the machine whirring. Any ideas what is causing this?

 

[Dave111]

^As suggested by @nsgr , if you're having sleep issues you may want to do some testing with this specific signed kext...I'm not aware of a definitive solution as of yet. Once again thank you nsgr for your impressive work!!!

Within the Info.plist of the AppleMuxControl.kext (Config2) there is a reference called PowerUpPCILinkOnSleep=1. Is about ATIRadeonX3000/AMDTurksGraphicsAccelerator.
I do not know if changing the value from 1 to 0 or to other values (2, 3, etc.) might solve the problem.

To test you have to disable the SIP if it is El Capitan or Sierra. By changing a signed kext you prevent it from being loaded with SIP enabled.


For Macbook Pro 15" Early 2011:

/System/Library/Extensions/AppleGraphicsControl.kext/Contents/PlugIns/AppleMuxControl.kext/Contents/Info.plist

IOKitPersonalities -> AppleMuxControl -> Config2 -> PowerUpPCILinkOnSleep

<key>Config2</key>

<dict>

<key>BacklightSmoothing</key>

<integer>8</integer>

<key>CheckExternalPort</key>
.
<string>ATIRadeonX3000,AMDTurksGraphicsAccelerator,AMDCaicosGraphicsAccelerator</string>
.
<key>PowerUpPCILinkOnSleep</key>

<integer>1</integer>


https://developer.apple.com/library..._Guide/KernelExtensions/KernelExtensions.html

https://developer.apple.com/library...n.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40016462-CH5-SW1

https://forums.developer.apple.com/thread/9332

 

[buzzwindrip]

^As suggested by @nsgr , if you're having sleep issues you may want to do some testing with this specific signed kext...I'm not aware of a definitive solution as of yet. Once again thank you nsgr for your impressive work!!!

Thanks for the reply. I'll do some trial and error with that kext. And definite kudos to @nsgr.

 

[Dave111]

Thanks for the reply. I'll do some trial and error with that kext. And definite kudos to @nsgr.

FYI there are variations of the command pmset with gpuswitch but it’s no guarantee it’ll work, plus they’re not even standard for all MacBooks. for example:

pmset -a gpuswitch 0
pmset -a force gpuswitch 1

Maybe try different variations and see if any work?

Also, there’s the AMDWakeHandler but it’s ONLY guaranteed with the GRUB method from @brainshutdown otherwise you may experience kernel panics. May wanna look into that too!? Good luck.

 

[buzzwindrip]

FYI there are variations of the command pmset with gpuswitch but it’s no guarantee it’ll work, plus they’re not even standard for all MacBooks. for example:

pmset -a gpuswitch 0
pmset -a force gpuswitch 1

Maybe try different variations and see if any work?

Also, there’s the AMDWakeHandler but it’s ONLY guaranteed with the GRUB method from @brainshutdown otherwise you may experience kernel panics. May wanna look into that too!? Good luck.

I did try gpuswitch settings in the past, trying to solve the black screen after closing the lid. I am having luck forcing sleep with a hot corner right now. As always, I feel like this machine is living on borrowed time.
I started out trying variations of the Grub/Linux/Clover startup. but I never had any real success. This nvram (MikeyN?) method has worked the best so far.
Thanks for your suggestions, btw. Much appreciated.

 

[Dark()Sun]

The latest security update 2018-003 messed things up severly... Had to re-do the first steps by setting the nvram power-settings in cmd-S mode. It appeared the update restored the AMDRadeonX3000.kext in System/Library/Extensions so I had to remove it in cmd-S mode as well.
So be warned when installing this update!

same here, had to redo the steps

when I reboot now I even get to see all the text commands running and not just the nice Apple loading bar screen : /

everything else ok though

 

[Dave111]

I did try gpuswitch settings in the past, trying to solve the black screen after closing the lid. I am having luck forcing sleep with a hot corner right now. As always, I feel like this machine is living on borrowed time.
I started out trying variations of the Grub/Linux/Clover startup. but I never had any real success. This nvram (MikeyN?) method has worked the best so far.
Thanks for your suggestions, btw. Much appreciated.

No problem, I’m just glad this community has been generous enough to share their valuable knowledge in order to save hundreds of macs that otherwise would have ended up being recycled prematurely.

 

[pckrullenbol]

when I reboot now I even get to see all the text commands running and not just the nice Apple loading bar screen./

That has to do with the nvram parameter: nvram boot-args="-v" (-v is verbose mode).
I use: nvram boot-args="agc=0"
It should help to cool down a liitle bit further. A combination is "-v agc=0"