10.13 yes
I would recommend
gSwitch as this app allows manual control of the 2011 15" MBP GPU's and works on macOS 10.13.6
Install gSwitch, from the Menu Bar select Integrated Only. gSwitch does not enforce the Intel iGPU. The application works by instantaneously switching the system back to the iGPU. Note, with any external display plugged in the Mac will use the AMD dGPU, nor can any application override this by Apple's design.
I also used the
pmset Terminal commands to alter the 2011's sleep behaviour. By default the OS has differing sleep states; Sleep & Deep Sleep (standby & hibernation). After one hour of inactivity the system will drop from standby to hibernation. This is generally not of any issue, however it does result in a cold boot of the system and by default triggers the dGPU. I reset the 2011's timer for hibernation to 4 hours, again to prevent triggering and associated heating of the dGPU more than is necessary.
What kills the 2011 15"/17" Mac's is the rapid heating & cooling (thermal cycling) of the AMD Radeon dGPU inducing premature thermal fatigue as AMD's manufacturing process was flawed at the time of production. The issue was exacerbated by Apple's poor cooling solution which is why they were hit so hard by this failure mechanism.
Raising the rear of the MBP will improve the cooling as this increases the air gap to the desk surface and or a passive aluminium stand to wick away heat, this also slightly increases the convection effect. Manually overriding the fans can help, equally don't expect miracles. I'll have look as there is also a mechanism to completely disable the AMD dGPU via Terminal. I've not tried on my own 2011 MBP, again you have to match the commands exactly to the OS version. IF Apple was to push an update all bets are off as to what may happen, likely just a reset to default values. My own rational is that my own 2011 MBP has survived this long with the dGPU active that deactivating it may be more trouble than it's worth, as there are drawbacks.
If memory serves there was
some talk of AMD resolving the issue, although likely too little, too late for Apple with them opting for Nvidia with the 2012 unibody & Retina 15" MBP. So some of the Late 2011 15" MBP's may be potentially more robust.
My own is a 2.4 Late 2011, I know for a fact that it's was used heavily by myself and once in my daughters hand she saw it a gaming platform LOL. Yet the dGPU survived, when I used it professionally I was mindful ensuring good airflow and increasing fans speed. That all said if you push these 2011's hard they will get very hot irrespective of user intervention as the cooling system is far from optimal.
You might also want to look at limiting the battery charge to say 60%-80% as sourcing a known good replacement battery for a Mac of this vintage is very much a hit & miss affair. Again you'll need to source an app that best matches the version of macOS. You should also use/exercise the battery now that it's activated,
CoconutBattery is a good tool for monitoring the condition of the battery.
As for longevity who knows, it could fail in a matter of a few months or it could run without issue for a decade more
The problem will be is that ultimately Apple will discontinue support for macOS 10.13. Then it's either sourcing new SW that can effectively control the 2011's GPU's with a newer version of macOS or resorting to a third party solution for security. In all transparency I've not looked into solutions for macOS beyond 10.13 High Sierra.
My stock 15" 2011 has survived very well given near a decade of use. Baring picking up a dent in the right palm rest, even the Super Drive still runs well and now region free
equally I wouldn't trust the 2011 MBP for anything of importance for obvious reasons.
Q-6
