MacBook Pro 15-inch Unibody (2008–2012) Logic Board Repair

Apple MacBook Pro

If your MacBook Pro 15-inch Unibody needs logic board repair, our London technicians can help, usually with a quote on the same day you bring it in.

Beyond the graphics chip, 15-inch unibody logic boards commonly suffer liquid corrosion, failed power rails and SMC faults. We carry out component-level repair using the board’s schematics and replace the failed parts rather than the whole board.

About this model: The 15-inch unibody MacBook Pro (A1286) was the professional’s laptop for four years. It shares the easy-access drive and RAM of the 13-inch but adds a discrete graphics chip, and that’s where the trouble is: the 2011 models with AMD Radeon 6490M, 6750M or 6770M graphics are notorious for GPU failure.

Signs it needs logic board repair

  • No power
  • Fans spinning, no image
  • Liquid corrosion
  • Charging problems
  • Ports not working

How we do it

We don’t swap boards by default. Your board is examined under the microscope, its power rails measured against the schematic, and shorts located with a thermal camera. The failed part is then replaced by micro-soldering.

At a glance

Years 2008–2012
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo, then Core i5/i7 with NVIDIA or AMD graphics
Storage Standard SATA drive
Memory Socketed, upgradeable
Battery Screwed in (no glue)
Power / charging MagSafe 1

Before you bring it in

Describe exactly what the Mac does when you press the power button: lights, sounds, fans or nothing at all. Mention any recent spills, drops, updates or power cuts.

Which model do you have?

This page covers the MacBook Pro 15-inch Unibody (2008–2012) (MacBookPro5,1 to 9,1; A1286). Open the Apple menu, choose About This Mac, then More Info or System Report. The A-number is also printed in small text on the underside. 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.

How long does a board repair take?

Most take a few working days, including testing. Complex liquid damage can take longer, and we keep you updated.

Is there a warranty?

Yes, our repairs come with a warranty on the work and parts. Ask us for the terms that apply to your repair.

Book a repair

Call 020 7394 2528 or email info@mac-repair.london with a short description of the fault and we’ll come back with a quote.