MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011) GPU Lifespan

[iOrbit]

I have a late 2011 MacBook Pro gifted to me, with a high res anti glare display, and I'm wondering how long these MBP's can last if you don't use them for CPU/GPU intensive tasks?

I had a standard Late 2011 MBP that I bought in March 2012 which I lost to this GPU/Logic Board failure that they are all prone to – I used it extensively for very intense CPU and GPU tasks, so it doesn't surprise me that it found its end within 3 years on each logic board.

But how many of you have working late 2011 MBPs, and how long do you expect they can last if they are only used occasionally for web browsing/social media/ a bit of YouTube and music or messaging?

 

[Fishrrman]

The GPU failure issue in these may have been heat-related.
If you have one that's still working... I'd just keep using it... as long as it lasts...

 

[DeltaMac]

Keep a good backup...
You know what you are getting.
I doubt that the intensity of graphics use will affect the life very much, as normal video is going to contribute to heat, and cause the same graphics chip/solder joint failures. Unfortunately, the engineering on those models just turned out to be a poor choice.
I do know that I have known of those 2011 MBPros, where the user always used the laptop with a coolpad, or other device designed to keep things cool. In the end, no significant difference in the service life of the graphics chip.

I agree -- use it as long as it lasts. Maybe you will have some luck on that.

 

[Diablo360]

Wow your quote lucky to still have working unit. I went through 2 logic board replacements on mine before I got rid of it. This was around 2015