Slashdot Mirror


2011 MacBook Pros Confirmed To Crash Under Load

sammcj writes "2011 MacBook crashing under heavy load?... you are not alone. While trying to figure out what was wrong with my fancy new MacBook I soon realized that the issue is very widespread."

26 of 501 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Well of course by mikael_j · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Do you want a list of Dell models that my employer has concluded have design flaws or do you just want to fling mud at Apple? (here's a hint: Every manufacturer has issues with their machines, including Apple).

    --
    Greylisting is to SMTP as NAT is to IPv4
  2. Re:Well of course by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Uhm, not to be impolite, but I must ask.
    Are you sure you can?, won't your MacBook crash while handling such a huge list?

  3. Using it wrong by Stele · · Score: 5, Funny

    You must be using it wrong.

  4. Re:The Great Debate by WrongSizeGlass · · Score: 5, Funny

    Mac: Hi, I'm a Mac.
    PC: Hi, I'm a PC.
    [Mac slows down and starts to crash]
    Mac: Hey, what's happening to me?
    [PC reaches over and starts tickling Mac]
    PC: Stop crashing yourself! Stop crashing yourself!
    Mac: This isn't supposed to happen! What's going on?
    PC: Been there, done that. Get used to it.
    Mac: Save me Stevie Won Kejobsie, save me!

  5. If someone is going to state "very widespread"... by acidfast7 · · Score: 4, Insightful
    which I don't think one can do ... because it's either widespread or not ... can that person at least provide a percentage? I'm mean ... even if a few 1000 machines have problems it's still a negligible percentage. And, how would this value compare to the normal failure rate from other manufacturers? I don't know, and I can't really compare it, because this fantastic article doesn't provide any information for gauging what "very widespread" means. It's just another anti-Apple article.

    why do I even read /. anymore ... I must be addicted to the internet in an unhealthy manner :(

  6. Re:Well of course by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    It only freezes when people are holding it wrong. If they would just use it properly there is no problem. But, just to be nice guys, Apple will give people a free "cooling case" if they call in with their problem.

  7. Much ado about nothing ... by SirJorgelOfBorgel · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Look, I severely dislike Apple, their products, their methods, and their policies.

    However, this seems to be much ado about nothing. I have actually read the entire thread, and it appears to be a simple software issue that can be resolved by disabling some fan control package. The issue does not occur under stress testing in Windows 7. Put those two together, the issue becomes one or two bad packages, which will be resolved in an update sooner or later (for those that blew $3k on a computer, I hope sooner).

    Of course, how Apple has handled the situation is abysmal, and I'm quite surprised seeing the people in the thread defending Apple support as they do.

    In the end though: nothing to see here, move along, this is not a reason for major Apple bashing or Apple vs PC debates, and yes, even Apple can and does release bugged software now and then.

    1. Re:Much ado about nothing ... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Look, I severely dislike Apple, their products, their methods, and their policies.

      The fact that you have to start your comment with that phrase here on Slashdot only shows that they are beyond rational discourse.

      I'll take the "article" for what it's worth, and if it turns into something more then I'll base my buying decisions upon it.

      Until then, I'll watch the flame wars with bemusement and curiosity on how people can get so worked up over a manufactured product.

    2. Re:Much ado about nothing ... by SirJorgelOfBorgel · · Score: 4, Funny

      Breaking news: reality not exactly as described by others - basementdwellers swear revenge!

      To the xkcd, trusty sidekicks!

  8. Re:Well of course by philj · · Score: 5, Informative

    Having read the linked thread, it looks like it's an ATI graphics card driver problem. You can still ssh into a machine that has "crashed under load".

  9. Re:Well of course by Dunbal · · Score: 4, Informative

    You don't get a sandy bridge i7 in a Mac for 1000 pounds, either. Your point?

    --
    Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
  10. It is caused by by toxygen01 · · Score: 5, Informative

    iStat menu (most probably).

    for those tl;dr:
    most of the users report that after uninstalling istat menu pro (and it's "fan control" set to on by default) the problem goes away...

    keep panicking...

    1. Re:It is caused by by sk19842 · · Score: 4, Informative

      iStat isn't necessary to cause the problem. Most people seem to be able to reproduce the issue by opening Photo Booth and trying to install/compile Boost from MacPorts (per these directions). FWIW, following these directions just crashed my 2011 15" MBP.

      It seems to be an ATI graphics card issue, because some people report that they can get a stable machine by setting their graphics to integrated only with gfxCardStatus.

  11. Software Related by amiga3D · · Score: 4, Informative

    According to the thread this is software related. Removing smcfancontrol seems to be fixing the problem. I have to wonder how that got out the door.

    1. Re:Software Related by jmaline · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Smcfancontrol is 3rd party software, not Apple.

      I've long wanted macfixit.com to have some prominent indicator on stories about problems. The indicator? I'M AN IDIOT AND I INSTALLED SOME LOW-LEVEL "HAXIE" AND IT CAUSED PROBLEMS. BECAUSE WHO COULD IMAGINE THAT PATCHING CHANGES INTO SOMEONE ELSE'S SOFTWARE COULD HAVE BAD SIDE-EFFECTS. AS I SAID I'M AN IDIOT.

      OK, maybe a little wordy. But it'd help me quickly skip articles reporting "problems" where the "fix" was to uninstall some crazy low-level hack.

  12. Re:2011 MBP a stinker? by thetoadwarrior · · Score: 5, Insightful

    My macbook pro easily meets the 7 hour battery life they've claimed (mine is one version before the 2011), it's almost always nearly as cool as when it's off, it's dead silent, starts up and is at a functional desktop within 5 seconds and yes it looks better with it's metal case than some cheap plastic one and it's thinner than what I'd get from Dell. Despite being thinner things like the lid feel much sturdier than a Dell and it comes with everything. THere are even small touches like being able to check the battery life without even turning it on.

    I can't vouch for their newest model. It may be utter shit. But having gone through the process of pricing up laptops to get everything I have in my macbook it would cost nearly as much or more in some cases. Part of the reason for this is it seems to be nearly impossible to get an SSD in a laptop which seems retarded but you're looking at quite a big bump up in the price to add the equivalent sized SSD into a Wintel laptop.

    Again even if you do get all those things it will still be in a cheap plastic case, it will almost certainly still be thicker, run warmer and louder. I don't think it's any surprise a lot of developers can be seen with Macbooks even if they aren't running OS X. The hardware is quality and it's built in such a way that you end up with something that resembles what a laptop should be rather than some big ugly plastic thing that gives you back pains carrying it around.

    People need to take a break from their anti-apple circle jerk and remember that the newest macbook features brand new technology in it like Intel's Thunderbolt. It is just as likely that can cause problems even if you're not actually plugging anything into the port. One thing Apple does do that many other companies don't is adapt new technologies sooner and as a result are more likely to get bit in the ass by something going wrong. One of two things will happen. It can be resolved in a short period through software or maybe the 2011 models will just be notorious for being rubbish and smart people will pass on them and wait for the next iteration where the issue may not exist.

    Alternatively they could have had a bad batch of components. It happens to everyone. Just look at how many companies that were affected by Sony's shitty laptop batteries. But of course some people just like to hate on things they can't afford.

  13. Re:Well of course by roachdabug · · Score: 4, Insightful

    From what I've heard, being a "premium" Apple engineer is not so fun... You hear a lot of things like, "The outer metal band HAS to be the antenna, I don't care what the problem is, just make it work!"

  14. Re:Well of course by Culture20 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I like Dell because their support actually listens to me. "the cooling fan died" is met with a question of whether I need a technician or just the part. When I call Apple and tell them that an iMac overheats to the point of locking up, they call me a liar and hang up "if it doesn't turn off, its not overheating" Oh, really, then why is it locked up and so hot?

  15. Re:Gold plated by mellon · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I'm puzzled. "Argument?" "Bogus?" To whom? If you want a computer that runs MacOS, you buy a Mac. If you don't, you can buy whatever you want, Mac or non-Mac. And you buy the Mac that does what you need, if you buy a Mac. I have a 13" MBP because I do not want the extra weight. I'd have to have a *really good reason* to spend the extra money for a 15" or 17"--not just to show off. My wife just got a 15", because she needs the extra screen real estate. Her backpack weighs a *ton*.

    These aren't arguments--they're explanations for why the person making the explanation made the choice they made. You aren't that person, and you might not make the same choice given the same constraints for a variety of reasons, but that doesn't mean that the person's choice was "bogus," or that their explanation is wrong.

    I will admit that I get a little ticked off when my non-geek friends buy Windows machines and then expect me to help them when they melt down, but if you're willing to be responsible for the downsides of your choice, buy what *you* want. Who cares what some guy on Slashdot thinks? If I were a Windows geek I'd probably feel the same way about my friends buying Macs and expecting me to help when they melt down.

  16. Re:Well of course by UnknowingFool · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I'm waiting for someone to figure out what the real problem is before I pass judgment. It might be a design problem for Apple or it may have nothing to do with Apple. There's a list of serious of problems that have plagued PC makers for the last several years. The nVidia chip problem: Apple replaced boards even if out of warranty. I think Dell and other manufacturters had to do the same. The exploding battery problem: There was some serious ragging on Apple until practically all laptop manufacturers started to recall their batteries because the problem originated with their common supplier: Sony Battery. Just last month, PC makers might have to delay some product launches because of problems with Intel Sandy Bridge chipsets.

    --
    Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
  17. Re:Well of course by Nocuous · · Score: 5, Funny

    I don't provide sexual favors to the mentally retarded.

    --
    Don't take it personally, but I'm not going to read your pithy response to my post.
  18. Re:Well of course by mikael_j · · Score: 4, Funny

    for us trolls uids are very useful.

    • uid below 100 000 - Jaded veteran, no luls from trolling
    • uid between 100 000 and 800 000 - probably trollable
    • uid between 800 000 and 1 800 000 - trollable
    • uid above 1 800 000 - most likely a fellow troll
    --
    Greylisting is to SMTP as NAT is to IPv4
  19. Re:Well of course by Americano · · Score: 5, Insightful

    the price of failure is higher for Apple because they have not diversified as much as Dell.

    So if Apple adopted Dell's "run it up the flagpole, and see who salutes" hardware strategy, they'd have Dell's vast profit and valuation?

    Wow. I'm sure they'll get right on destroying their business and profit margins in a rush to the bottom, now that you've suggested it.

  20. Re:Well of course by Khyber · · Score: 4, Interesting

    "Every manufacturer has issues with their machines, including Apple"

    I used to work as an Apple repair tech, at Flextronics.

    I don't know how it is now, but not even 6 years ago 2/3 of the machines off the line were failures and needed refurbishing.

    Apple managed to keep it quiet with a ton of bullshit.

    I'm not aware of ANY manufacturer besides Apple with that shitty of a manufacturing record.

    But that's what happens when you had your stuff manufactured in Guadalajara, Mexico.

    --
    Still waiting on Serviscope_minor to wake up to fucking reality and realize that Jessica Price isn't going to fuck him.
  21. Re:Well of course by slimjim8094 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Hilarious. You know, because OSX shits all over the command line, unlike Windows.

    Oh wait, never mind. Damn near all of the OS is configurable from it. And it's a real shell (bash) and utilities, not cmd.exe. Hell, they even have an X11 server on the install disk.

    Call me a fanboi if you'd like, but I don't think it's unreasonable to have a powerful Unix machine that most of my favorite Linux software runs without modification on - and then not have to fuck with it to keep it working.

    --
    I have developed a truly marvelous proof of this comment, which this signature is too narrow to contain.
  22. i don't get all the fuss by yanyan · · Score: 4, Funny

    Seriously, i don't get all the fuss. I got about 8 applications open, iLife stuff, Garage Band with a work in progress containing 42 audio tracks, word processing, and a few terminals compiling GNU stuff. No cra