MacBook Pro Graphics Chip Replacement Process
In this look at a Disc Depot repair, we’ll be showing you the replacement of the graphics chip on an Apple MacBook Pro (Model: A1286).
This Mac turned on, but the display was covered in stripes (as can be seen in the second photograph). This normally indicates a problem with the graphics chip, and although the computer was still usable at this stage, the chip was likely to fail completely in the near future.
To confirm that the chip itself was definitely at fault, we heated it in our temperature-controlled BGA rework machine. This temporarily solved the problem, therefore showing that- yes- the chip itself was faulty. However, the chip was likely to fail again, so now we had to permanently replace it with an updated, newer version of the same chip. This required desoldering the old chip (again, on the BGA rework machine), then installing the new one.
After a considerable amount of work, the computer was reassembled, and passed the diagnostic tests with absolutely no problem.
(As always, this is a brief overview for our customers, not a complete “How-To” guide. We’ve omitted a number of in-depth technical steps to keep the article down to a reasonable length, along with one or two trade secrets!)
The faulty MacBook Pro. Looks fine, so far…
…until we turn it on and notice these stripes on the display during bootup.
Disassembling the MacBook Pro motherboard. Note how much fluff has built up during normal use. This can impair cooling and increase the risk of heat-related failure.
The chip has been reflowed- now we heat it in our specialised oven in order to drive out moisture absorbed by the motherboard.
The MacBook worked after the reflow, showing that the old chip was at fault, and should be replaced. Here we’ve now removed the old, faulty chip.
The motherboard with the old graphics chip removed and the new replacement chip at the front.
After checking that the chip has been accurately positioned, we apply heat to flow the solder and attach it to the motherboard.
The chip is now attached. We apply thermal paste which ensures good heat transfer to the heatsink inside the case.
The motherboard has been reinstalled and we’re almost finished reassembling the computer.
Good news- the machine turns on and appears to be fine. However, we run a graphics-intensive stress test to be sure that the chip is working correctly
he MacBook Pro passed the stress test and our other diagnostics with flying colours and is ready to be returned to the customer.
