Graphics problems with 15in MBP with HI res screen

Ever since I got a new MBP for Christmas I have had seemingly random problems. It would freeze up and one or more of the cores would saturate at 100%. I have one of those programs that shows core activity, not unlike Activity Monitor, but in more detail. This has happened on CAD, email and other programs. I wondered if the 8GB of memory was bad (after market), or the software just wasn't yet optimized for Lion.
Now, I am focusing on the graphics/display. It is the constant factor in all the problems. In CAD, the screeen sometimes does not refresh correctly. I will execute a zoom command and half the screen will zoom and the rest will not. Screen refreshes don't happen, etc.
In my email program (SeaMonkey = Thunderbird), I would read an email, then click Reply. The page would change to the reply page, but no entries would appear. After a minute or two, they would appear. I thought the latest upgrade would help, but the same thing happened.
Sometimes when the machine is idle, a core will hit 100% duty cycle and sit there for 10-15 seconds before dropping back down to normal.
I guess it is time to take the machine in to the Genius bar.

Well, I do know and have mentioned in other benchmarking or performance threads, that having too many objects on the desktop has a clear impact on startup performance, but would never have guessed it got this bad year round. At startup, had observed the Finder busy refreshing and redrawing all the icons (which in this graphics-happy world implied opening each file to create a mini screenshot of the content), and this would bog the process down more and more as you left more items there. But would never have guessed that the Finder's obsession with up-to-date icons would go that far.
Maybe one or some of the files placed on the desktop would require the help of an overly resource hungry app to redraw its icon, maybe even requiring an Internet excursion to gather further info. All this, of course, behind your back while you impatiently wait for the process to conclude. And your observation that the graphics infrastructure seemed to be involved would be congruent, since this is all the OS' efforts to provide better eye candy.
BTW, you may be interested in downloading and running the gfxCardStatus utility. It places a discreet letter in the right of the menu bar, that indicates whether the Intel (integrated) or the Radeon (discrete) GPU is in use, which has an impact on graphics performance and battery life. Also lets you force the use of one or the other, should auto switching prove insatisfactory at a given instant.

Similar Messages

Graphics Problems with Log in screen and iPhoto

I have been having some problems with my brand new MacBook Pro. The graphic card seems to be going broken sometimes and it seems to be happening more often.
MacBook Pro 1
First I bought a new mac to replace my old one, i restored it from a Time Machine back up. When my MacBook Pro went to sleep the screen turns black and you click and the screen blocks up and more of the screen unblocks as you move the mouse, I never experience this problem with my old MBP. So I took it back to the shop where they gave me a brand new one, they said it was clearly a graphics problem.
MacBook Pro 2
I installed the time machine back up straight away and I experience the same problem again and a few days later a iPhoto problem happens again lots of times. Examples of what happens are in the video pasted below.
Link - http://dl.dropbox.com/u/32131902/Mac%20Problems.m4v
Does Anyone Know The Problem?

MacBook Pro 2 is the replacement they gave me

Graphics problem with mbp late 2008,nvidia geforce 8600m gt.any help?

Hi,have graphics problems with my MacBook Pro 17" Late 2008.Every 3-4 days the graphics are not ok and when i want to restart there is only the apple logo but not clear and the cursor seems to be double.Sory my english is not the best.Any help for this Problem?

Get your computer to an Apple Store Genius Bar ASAP to be tested for the problem described in this article:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2377

X220:Graphics problem with full screen videos

I have got my X220 laptop last month. I am facing problem while playing youtube videos full sceen.
videos can be seen best with smaller window but there is major graphics problem with full screen.
Can someone help on this?
I am using Windows 7 Enterprise edition.
Thanks

what do you mean by major graphics problem, please elaborate.
Regards,
Jin Li
May this year, be the year of 'DO'!
I am a volunteer, and not a paid staff of Lenovo or Microsoft

Graphic problem with OSX Lion - freezing all windows

I try to define my graphic problem with OSX Lion. Simply if you have set for example hot cornes and switch between desktop, all windows etc. the move of switchng windows i chopping and freezing. I dont idea why, but it hapennig since I installed Windows 7 via bootcamp. But the problem is still here after I remove Windows. Cleaning cash doesnt work. Can anybody help me please?

No, it's not Lion. It may be something you installed. If you just bought it you could also take it back to the Apple Store and they may be able to help.

What gives the best contrast and sharpness in text and reading documents on macbook pro with Hi-res screen, glossy or anti glare ?

HI,
I consider buying a MacBook pro 15 with hi-res screen.
My primary use is text editing and document reading (primarily Word).
I want as good as possible "clearness" or is it called contrast, leat blurry looking text.
Anyone who has any experience and/or opinion on this.
Thanks for your answer.
Terje

If I were you, I would opt for the high-res/anti-glare option - it's only $100US now: back when I purchased my MBP in March of 2012, it was a $250 option which I just couldn't afford. Now, looking at the new models side-by-side, I wish that I had ponyed up the $250 for the HR/AG option.
I'm certain that you won't regret it - the people that have the option seem to be tickled pink with it. These days I'm using a (glossy) 17" Apple Thunderbolt Display 90% of the time in a semi-dark room. But I find that my MBP with the glossy screen is simply unusable when outdoors or in bright backlighting.
Go for it...
Clinton

My iPod Touch 3rd Gen is having problems with the touch screen being unresponsive, too responsive, freezing and constantly resizing. Is this a common problem? Is there a fix?

My iPod Touch (3rd Gen) is having problems with the touch screen being unresponsive, too responsive, freezing and constantly resizing. It varies between not responding when I tap the screen and acting as if I double-tap or tap and hold when I tap. Every so often it freezes for a minute or so and then comes back. The scren is constantly changing sizes too such that I often can't see most of the top status bar or other edges. This makes typing almost impossible, ruins most games and generally makes everything difficult, but otherwise the iPod is working correctly. Powering off, shutting down apps, letting it sit have not worked. This has happened once before months ago, but the issue resolved itself somehow. Is this a common problem? Is there a fix?

Try this for the freezing
http://www.apple.com/support/ipodtouch/assistant/ipodtouch/
Or if they don't work put it into recovery mode
See here
http://www.apple.com/support/ipodtouch/assistant/restore/
Then restore
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1414

Why my ipad have problem with the rotation screen

i have a problem with the rotation screen is locked, i try everything but nothing is happening help

If you see a lock icon in the upper right corner of the screen - then the screen orientation is locked.
Try the side switch above the volume rocker first and see if that unlocks the screen. If that doesn't do it, double tap the home button and swipe to the right and look for the lock icon all the way to the left.
If the screen is unlocked but still will not rotate, reset the iPad.
Reset the iPad by holding down on the sleep and home buttons at the same time for about 10-15 seconds until the Apple Logo appears - ignore the red slider - let go of the button

I have a problem with my imac screen there is a degradation in the display

I have a problem with my imac screen there is a degradation in the display at the toplight is less intense as if you were at rest and half way on this but not if it's some software problem or please someone help me thanks.

Still in guarantee? Apple Care? Bring it to an Apple Store oder Apple Service Provider.

Problem with my touch screen. It works for 1 or 2 minutes and then it doesn't work for 2 or 3 minutes !!

hi everybody
I have a problem with my touch screen. It works for 1 or 2 minutes and then it stops working for 2 or 3 minutes, this is a loop ! if I don't use for a couple of hours it will work more, about 15 minutes and then stops working !!! whats wrong with may iphone, which part is damaged ?:(
( when touch screen stops working, all keys work correctly, home key & others )
please help me

oh
finally problem solved
the finger touch part was damaged, they replaced it with a new one and now I have my iphone 4g as it was at first, brilliant like always

Are there any other left eye dominant (or left handed) iPhone users that experience problems with the touch screen keyboard selecting the letter next to the one you'd intended..?

Are there any other left eye dominant (or left handed) iPhone users that experience problems with the touch screen keyboard selecting the letter next to the one you'd intended..?

It's either hand right or left.
I have the same issue myself. Not sure if it's b/c my fingers are too big or if I'm really missed the letter on the keyboard.

WHEN or HOW to fix the problem with Thunderbolt/Side screen problems

WHEN or HOW to fix the problem with Thunderbolt/Side screen problems (Cinema screen). Keeps blinking on & off then eventually completely off. Would have thought Apple would have fixed the problem by now as it is apparently to do with the Thunderbolt connector!.

Hello, might it be Video card related?
See if yours is on the recall list...
iMac (27in): AMD Radeon 6970M Video Card Replacement Program (del 'mid 2011')
http://xlr8yourmac.com/
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS5167?

TouchSmart 600-1050 - Graphics Problem with MS Outlook

I have a TouchSmart 600-1050. When I open MS Outlook, and then open the Calendar in a separate window, the window opens as non-maximized and everything is fine. When I maximize the window (I start in Week view), the tasks below each day do not stretch to fit their now wider column. It's as if the graphics don't recalculate for that screen element. Once I am maximized and see the problem, I have to switch to another view (e.g. Month or Day) and back to Week and it will fix itself. Feels like a graphics problem, underpowered chipset or bug in driver (?).
This was not a problem on my HP Desktop I had before, and it is not a problem on my 3 year old Lenovo ThinkPad X60. All are running W7 and using Office 2007.
Any ideas? The graphics driver is up to date according to HP Update and Device Manager.
Thanks!

Thanks for your reply. I tried both of your suggestions and the issue occurred in both. I've never noticed the sub-content not maximizing properly in other apps, but haven't tested thoroughly.
Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated.
- Should I checked a different way to see if I have the latest drivers?
- Is there any way for me to upgrade my 600-1050 with the graphics card in the 600-1055? The 1050's "Mobile PCI Express Module" is open/available. Could I buy the nVidia GeForce GT 230 that comes with the 1055 and hook that up?
Only reason I suggest this is that the graphics seem sluggish to update at times.
Thanks.

HP Envy 15 Graphics Problem with Windows 8.1 (Intel and NVidia Graphics). Help!

I bought an HP ENVY TouchSmart 15-j013ea about 6 months ago and I have had a major problem with the graphics that I cannot seem to solve. I think it started when I updated to Windows 8.1, even though I am not 100% certain.
I have noticed the following three problems, and I think they are related:
Some windows (such as Chrome, Skype, or even Device Manager or other windows) are very blurry compared to others.
The firefox menu window has some deformed black arrows instead of the normal ones.
When playing a game (specifically, Star Wars the Force Unleashed 2), after a while I get an error that the computer has ran out of memory. However, according to task manager, only about 50% is in use, not to mention that I have 8 GB of RAM + 2 GB graphics memory. At the same time, the computer gets rather loud (like a fan working overtime) and hot.
The laptop has both Intel and NVidia graphics, and both are enabled in Device Manager. To be honest, I have no idea which is used when, or how to check that (let me know if there is a way)
I have tried the following without success:
Uninstalling the Intel graphics driver from device manager and installing a version I downloaded from the HP website for my laptop and OS. After that, Windows would NOT BOOT, and I had to do a system restore.
Uninstalling the Intel graphics from Programs and Features, and installing 2 different versions from the Intel website. Nothing changed.
Updating Nvidia driver through GeForce Experience. Nothing changed.
Updating Intel drivers from Windows Update. Nothing changed.
Quite frankly I am not sure what the problem could be, since the graphics versions are supposed to be compatible with WIndows 8.1. I also don't get why some windows are blurry and others are not. I am thinking the computer uses only the Intel graphics and not the Nvidia (at least in the blurry windows), but even if that was the case (and it shouldn't be), I don't think I should be having this problem.
At this point, I really need help. My graphics details are:
Intel HD Graphics 4600: Driver version: 10.18.10.3412
NVidia GeForce GT 740M: Driver version: 335.23
NVidia GeForce Experience version: 1.8.2
I am attaching screenshots that show driver details and the problems.
Thank you.
Blurry Chrome:
Firefox menu problem:
Device Manager and driver windows are also blurry, both graphics are shown

I had a similar problem with a Dell laptop. I found the problem was the laptop wanted to switch between the Intel and NYIDIA video cards. It would switch to the Intel when high graphics was not required then to the NIVIDIA when high graphics was required. The laptop does this to save power when high graphics is not required but it caused problems with some applications, specifically high graphics games.
For me the solution was to disable the Intel graphics processor. You can do this by right clicking on your Wallpaper, select the NIVIDIA Control Panel, then select Set Physx Configuration. You will see a dropdown box labeled Select Physx Processor. It is set to Auto by default. This allows the switching I described. Select this dropdown box and select your NIVIDIA processor. This will prevent the laptop from switching and force it to use your NVIDIA processor exclusively.
Hope this helps.
Sacto Fred
Owner and CEO
H&O PC Soultions

Gaming-Graphics problem with MacBook White Unibody (Late 2009)

Hello there, this is going on:
When I open any game (like call of duty 4) it seems to work ok, 90-125 fps as it should be (800x600 minimum graphics), and this happens the first 5-10 minutes i'm playing, then it starts to seriously lag itself, FPS goes down to 30-40 fps with a veeery poor performance, unplayable, for like 5-10 minutes, and then it starts to work fine again. I can't exactly explain it, but I don't see the fans running faster, they stay steel, the MacBook starts to heat a little and that's all I can tell.
I though this was a Mac OS X problem with the video card, but same thing happens on Boot Camp, with Windows 7, with ANY game i'm playing. Then I tried to restart the PRAM and SMC, but I don't have any solution.
Is this a Hardware problem? Is this happening just to me or is there anybody who has this problem, too? Help! and thanks in advance.

I have had this problem for the last year with iRacing and lately F1 2010.
In good news, I seem to have solved it last week. I did some googling and saw a few posts that suggested it could be due to the GPU overheating. To test this I downloaded and installed Speedfan in windows and smcFanControl in OSX.
Both apps will enable you to monitor the temp of your CPU and GPU. I noticed generally in OSX the GPU hits a max of around 72 degrees Celsius. When I switched to windows and fired up iRacing and then F1 2010 I noticed it was all fine till the GPU hit around 90 degrees Celsius. At that point it the FPS drop kicked in and I went from 70 odd FPS in iRacing to 20 FPS.
To get around the problem, You can turn up the fan speed, which will stop the GPU from getting so hot. Unfortunately for a reason I don't understand SpeedFan will not allow you to control the speed of the fan in windows. So you need increase the speed to 5000 - 6000 RPM using smcFanControl in OSX. If you restart then fire up Windows the fan speed will stay at the higher rate you have set.
Since I started doing that my FPS drop problems seem to have disappeared.
The problem is if you then put windows to sleep, when you wake it up again the fan will go back to the default speed. So if you need shut the lid of your laptop, you have to restart to Mac OSX, then set the fan speed, the restart to windows. Painful but better than FPS drops.
If anyone has any other thoughts on any of this stuff I would love to hear it.

Graphical problems with Safari

Hi all,
Tried posting this in the Using you r MacBook Pro forum but no response so maybe it's more relevant here...
My MB Pro has developed a strange graphical glitch when using Safari and navigating to sites from the top sites screen and when stepping back to it. Basically instead of zooming in from the preview to a full page, I get a weird pattern of vertical coloured lines (usually colours that feature on the page) as it zooms. This remains there for a few moments whilst the page loads and refreshes. The same happens in reverse if I navigate back from the page.
This is a fairly recent occurrence. Is it a Safari issue? Or perhaps an Nvidia graphics issue? I'm running on the higher performance graphics setting.
Any help/ advice would be much appreciated...
Many thanks in advance!

hi all, hi everybody..
i am a new user of mac, i bought macbook pro 13" last month, just like everybody said, it`s great, lots of money but really good, what i am doing now is keep learning every thing about my mac, still in original condition, nothing great application i have because i don`t really know how to use it, and i don`t know what it use to,
since i clean the history on the safari, then when i try to open apple.com with safari, it won`t open full, always missing pictures, not fully shown up, then i download firefox, i try to open apple.com again , it just easy and fully show the images,everything...
why this happened..?? by the way, safari is still doing great for any sites, only apple.com i`m having problem with it.
Is anybody can help me for this solution..??

Graphics problems with 15in MBP with HI res screen

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for