Mac Repair London carries out logic board repair on the MacBook Pro 13-inch Unibody from our Central London workshop, for home users and businesses.
The A1278 logic board is simpler than later designs, which makes component-level repair very effective. Common faults are liquid damage around the keyboard connector, failed power circuitry, and the SMC not responding. We diagnose to the failed component under the microscope and repair rather than replace the board wherever possible.
About this model: The 13-inch unibody MacBook Pro (A1278) is one of the most repairable and long-lived Macs Apple ever made. It has a user-accessible hard drive and two RAM slots, a removable optical drive and a screwed-in battery.
Signs it needs logic board repair
- No power, no fans, no chime
- Charging light but no start-up
- Liquid corrosion
- Fans stuck at maximum
- USB or FireWire ports dead
How we do it
Our logic board work is component-level. We inspect the board under a microscope, measure the power rails, use thermal imaging to find shorts, and work from the board schematics to identify the exact failed component. We then replace that component by micro-soldering rather than swapping the whole board.
At a glance
| Years | 2009–2012 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo, then Core i5/i7 |
| Storage | Standard SATA drive |
| Memory | Socketed, upgradeable |
| Battery | Screwed in (no glue) |
| Power / charging | MagSafe 1 |
Before you bring it in
If it partly works (for example charges but won’t start), note exactly what happens and how long it’s been like that.
Which model do you have?
This page covers the MacBook Pro 13-inch Unibody (2009–2012) (MacBookPro5,5 / 7,1 / 8,1 / 9,2; A1278). Look under Apple menu > About This Mac, or check the small print on the bottom case for the A-number. Not sure? Bring it in and we’ll identify it for you.
Price
Non-complex board repairs from £165 + VAT; complex repairs (liquid, lightning or GPU faults) from £285 + VAT. The initial assessment and advice are free, as long as we don't need to open your Mac. If a technician needs to open it and spend time diagnosing the fault, or you need a report for an insurance claim, it is booked in as a diagnostic at £45 + VAT (£54). All prices are subject to inspection, and nothing is done without your approval.
Questions we’re often asked
Will you need my password?
Only if FileVault encryption was switched on. Without it, we can read the drive directly. With it, we need your login password or recovery key.
Why not just replace the whole board?
A new or refurbished board usually costs far more than a component repair.
Do I pay if you can’t fix it?
No. If the repair isn’t possible, you don’t pay for it, and the free initial assessment costs nothing.
Book a repair
Call us on 020 7394 2528 or email info@mac-repair.london to arrange a time to drop it off.