MacBook – disable failing AMD GPU on a 2011 MBP? from Linux, because of Sierra’s SIP

gpuhardwaremacbook pro

My trusty MBP 17" 2011 is now hitting the failing AMD GPU issues.

This is what I understand from my research:

  1. This has been a known problem, and Apple addressed with an extended warranty on these models's GPUs, which ended Dec 31st 2016. My local repair shop, which is usually pretty handy, says it can't fix it.

  2. You can revert to using just the internal Intel graphics. Basically, boot into Single User mode and move some of AMD*.kext files from /System/Library/Extensions/ elsewhere.

This covers it pretty well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyDu-Y_G1D8&app=desktop

  1. Unfortunately, the System/Library/Extensions directory fall under Sierra's SIP protection so I can't carry out those instructions. crutils disable, to disable SIP, won't work in Single User mode. SIP can only be disabled in Recovery mode… which fails because it is a graphical environment and I have a failing GPU.

[EDIT re point 3 only] (as far as just the SIP issues goes: https://apple.stackexchange.com/a/276433 is correct: Cmd + R + S, at least on Sierra, gets you recovery and single user and you can csrutil disable from there).

Question: Can I do the following:

  • Boot my Mac from a bootable Linux USB, mount the HD and move those AMD*.kext using Linux, thereby forcing use of the Intel graphics?

Anyone have any experience doing such a thing? A particular challenge I have is that I'd have to prep the bootable USB from a Windows or Linux machine, as my Mac is stuck in single-user mode.

What Linux distribution/USB prep tool should I be using? Mind you, I don't need to boot into a graphical Linux, just the command line is good enough and less likely to hit the GPU issue.

Best Answer

There is a fix to this that allows you to bypass the discrete GPU and always use the integrated GPU! You will have to boot into archlinux to bypass SIP and disable the discrete graphics card.

Moving just the AMD Kexts will allow you to boot up the Mac, but it will be very sluggish and slow. Following this method will allow you to completely use your Mac again! I typed this response off of my 2011 15 inch MacBook Pro that recently had its GPU fail.

Here is a link to a video I made discussing it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrBLJIepJXU

Original forum: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/force-2011-macbook-pro-8-2-with-failed-amd-gpu-to-always-use-intel-integrated-gpu-efi-variable-fix.2037591/

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