MacBook screen flickering

[Sutekidane]

My bf has a 2.0ghz stock white macbook and it has the screen flickering issue and it seems to be getting worse and worse. It seems to happen randomly, and when it happens, it seems like the brightness is flashing up and down. It's almost new, and has no other issues. We've tried everything and since it's his main computer, he can't really be without it (he's a journalist).

I really think it's a software issue, because someone reported that it doesn't happen when running windows. According to the apple support discussions, it seems like a common issue... any ideas anyone? we're getting really desperate.

 

[mad jew]

Well, if the flickering is constant and you don't have Windows installed, you can test your theory on it being a software-side issue by booting up from the OSX discs. This will take you to the installer. Is it still flickering? If so, you might need to take it back to Apple.

 

[Sutekidane]

thanks, that's a very helpful reply. We'll try this as soon as we can.

I think the issue may be due to all the recent software updates, or maybe the SMC fan update.

 

[Sutekidane]

After sending it to apple and getting it back about 4 days later, the flickering is still present! The inverter and heatsink assembly were replaced.

There is a huge thread about it on the apple discussions, I wonder why there isn't one here...

 

[TheT]

Me too

I just noticed this problem today. My mainboard has been replaced a couple of months ago because of RSS, and I am on my third battery right now and my MacBook still just turns off rather than going into force sleep when the power runs out.

I guess we'll just have to face this: MacBooks are low quality pieces of... plastic, produced in China with the cheapest parts avaiable. Anyone want a black MacBook?

 

[brikeh]

Ahaha, I just read about this on Engadget. Apple....wow, this is cracking me up. They just cant get it right...its quite sad really.

 

[MatthewCobb]

There is a huge thread about it on the apple discussions, I wonder why there isn't one here...

There has been:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/257412/

I find the flicker stops if I dont have the screen at max brightness. It's a processor issue. But should still be fixed, Apple!

 

[farqueue]

get it replaced. You should get what you paid for

 

[Grakkle]

Ahaha, I just read about this on Engadget. Apple....wow, this is cracking me up. They just cant get it right...its quite sad really.

Weird. I read all this stuff about Macbook problems, but I haven't experienced any of it, aside from some freezing problems early on that reinstalling OS X solved. (And that's a software problem, not hardware.)

But hardware? Nah. It's all good, but maybe I'm just lucky.

 

[brikeh]

Weird. I read all this stuff about Macbook problems, but I haven't experienced any of it, aside from some freezing problems early on that reinstalling OS X solved. (And that's a software problem, not hardware.)

But hardware? Nah. It's all good, but maybe I'm just lucky.

Who knows...Ive heard some reports but it doesnt seem SUUUUPER widespread. Not yet anyways.

 

[Pahtcub]

I've been having a little bit of trouble with this as well...not so much when I'm using it, but when I let my screen dim, it will flicker back to full brightness every so often, I thought I was just seeing things, cause I wouldn't notice it, but I actually saw it today.

 

[jimijay]

That, you mention, is not the "flicker" everyone is talking about, you are observing a power saving feature where the screen goes dim before it sleeps or a screen saver appears. In other words, that is perfectly normal. Search Youtube for 'macbook screen flickering' to see the real problem

 

[phungy]

The Macbook you have, does it have the CD or C2D?

 

[jimijay]

I have only read about screen flickering problems from CD owners, myself included.

 

[J Radical]

My bf has a 2.0ghz stock white macbook and it has the screen flickering issue and it seems to be getting worse and worse. It seems to happen randomly, and when it happens, it seems like the brightness is flashing up and down. It's almost new, and has no other issues. We've tried everything and since it's his main computer, he can't really be without it (he's a journalist).

I really think it's a software issue, because someone reported that it doesn't happen when running windows. According to the apple support discussions, it seems like a common issue... any ideas anyone? we're getting really desperate.

This happened to my first MB. Apple decided it was fatal and replaced the computer. I didn't run windows either, the screen would seem to flicker when waking up/going to sleep after a period of no use (when the screen dims slightly to conserve battery). It would get to the stage where the screen would flicker on and off entirely unless the screen brightness was set to Max...

 

[japanime]

The Macbook you have, does it have the CD or C2D?

I have a C2D MacBook, and it has the screen-flicker problem.

I'm currently on my third MacBook replacement. I doubt Apple will replace this one, but rather just repair it. But damn, all these problems have been annoying and a huge waste of my time.

 

[g7by08believeit]

Replacement?

I've had this problem for about a month or two now... it keeps getting worse...
Along with this problem I'm also having problems getting it to wake from sleep - every so often i'll get a perpetual beach ball
I also have discoloration on the palmrest (I know, Apple will fix that no questions)

My question is what are the chances of getting a replacement, and, moreso - what are the chances of getting my CD 1.83 replaced with a C2D?

 

[phungy]

I've had this problem for about a month or two now... it keeps getting worse...
Along with this problem I'm also having problems getting it to wake from sleep - every so often i'll get a perpetual beach ball
I also have discoloration on the palmrest (I know, Apple will fix that no questions)

My question is what are the chances of getting a replacement, and, moreso - what are the chances of getting my CD 1.83 replaced with a C2D?

I believe if Apple can not repair the problem within (correct me if I'm wrong) 48 hours? then you will get a new replacement or if the notebook has had 7 repairs. Another forum member had his powerbook repaired (livingfortoday) 7 times, Apple is upgrading it to a MBP...free!

 

[g7by08believeit]

I believe if Apple can not repair the problem within (correct me if I'm wrong) 48 hours? then you will get a new replacement or if the notebook has had 7 repairs. Another forum member had his powerbook repaired (livingfortoday) 7 times, Apple is upgrading it to a MBP...free!

That's awesome!
Congrats livingfortoday(if you see this)!

Well, I guess the step to take is the drive to SF.

 

[Groovey]

I have a C2D MacBook, and it has the screen-flicker problem.

I'm currently on my third MacBook replacement. I doubt Apple will replace this one, but rather just repair it. But damn, all these problems have been annoying and a huge waste of my time.

I'm on my second MacBook at the moment. The first one had a slight flicker and a very noticeable fan noise. This one flickers quite badly. Like waves going through the screen. I don't want to send this one back too, I'd like to start using my 1450€ machine I payed over 6 wks ago! Frustrating and annoying for sure. Also I don't see any point in wanting to get this one replaced too, I'd just get another one with a flicker I'm quite sure.

It's really gone worse since I bought my iBook G4 3 yrs ago. Admit it and fix it, please!!