I have a 15" MacBook Pro (May 2006) and the video has recently become corrupted. I know the problem, and I’m about to attempt the solution (hame-made graphics chip reflow rather than logic board replacement). My new MacBook Pro is already in the mail… so this repair is an all or nothing attempt.
At this point in the juncture, I have the computer opened up and I’m looking at the top of the Logic Board… But where is the ATI video chip?
Do I find it on the upper surface (under the keyboard) or on the underside (bottom)?
I can’t find any “blueprints” of the logic board from The Google… Who either knows the answer or knows where to find the answer?
Corrupt video (from boot until white-screen after boot-screen)… in the pattern of a checkerboard, with 0.5cmx1.0cm tiles of either GOOD SCREEN or DISTORTED PIXELS
Would not boot past Boot-screen (became white-screen… same thing on TV when connected to the computer)
Safe-mode worked, but still had the “Checkerboard” Corrupt screen (again, same pattern reflected on the TV when connected)
THE DIAGNOSIS:
I took it to an Apple Service center here in Budapest and they told me that the Logic Board needed replacement and that it would cost 300,000HUF (aprox. $1,350CAD) and that it is not worth is (agreed!).
1 - Boot Screen (BEFORE)
2 - Underside of Logic Board (ATI far left)
3 - ATI Chip (BEFORE)
4 - Surgical Prep for ATI Chip (BEFORE)
5 - This is what the Boot Screen looks like NOW (Picture from LONG BEFORE)
I’ve also created an account on there for you, in case you want to edit the post or want to make new posts, etc. username and password in your personal messages.
I’ve also created an account on there for you, in case you want to edit the post or want to make new posts, etc. username and password in your personal messages.[/quote]
Wow, didn’t see this until now. That was a good write-up you made there, thanks for adding in the pictures & videos to make it even more understandable (streamline).