MacBook Pro A1707 Graphics issue.

[janoszw]

Hi, I'm having a problem with my MacBook Pro A1707.
There are graphics glitches all over the screen.
I took a screenshot, so it's not a screen issue, but either the graphics card or VRAM chips.
Has anyone had this issue before? I don't want to replace unnecessary components.
The system is otherwise quite stable, it's just a visual problem.
Thanks.

[janoszw]

I downloaded the gfxCardStatus app, and it seems that the issue only occurs with the integrated graphics. There are no artefacts when using discrete graphics.

[mon2]

Can you run Memtest?

MBP A1707 2017 RAM issue - Badcaps

[janoszw]

Can you run Memtest?

MBP A1707 2017 RAM issue - Badcaps

Memtest didn't show any errors.

[mon2]

I can only conclude that the GPU contains onboard local and faster RAM and that MEMTEST is not testing this GRAM.

On this note, if you are fine to disable the GPU then that is one option. I recall a similar case years ago when VOIP phones were just starting to become popular. Was in Taiwan (Taitronics) and a local mfr pitched these low cost VOIP handsets for ~$60 USD each. Purchased 3 sets to share with our brother in California and proceeded to also test locally. Found that they were quite flaky on the operation but realized that each phone call went through a switch in Taiwan for dialing between handsets. The quality of the phone working or not became more erratic over time. At that time, proceeded to open up the enclosures to apply mild heat onto the SRAM chips we found inside along with a 8051 microcontroller. Everytime we applied this mild heat on the memory devices, the VOIP operation was stable and each handset booted fine. As it cooled down, same set went crazy on the B&W lcd and the boot process. Then we ordered a faster grade of this SRAM we were heating from DK and each handset became solid as a rock on its operation. This excitement lasted for a few limited months as the company folded and killed the service. Take away here but at your risk (my disclaimer), consider to apply a bit of heat onto the GPU to see if the artifacts disappear. Not a solution but was our observation.