Mac Repair London carries out graphics (GPU) repair on the MacBook Pro (2006–2008) from our Central London workshop, for home users and businesses.
The NVIDIA 8600M GT fitted to the 2007 and 2008 MacBook Pro fails because of weakened solder under the chip and the chip itself degrading with heat. Apple ran a repair programme years ago; it has long since ended. A heat-gun reflow can bring it back briefly, but it rarely lasts. We tell you honestly whether a chip replacement makes sense on the value of your machine, and where it doesn’t we can still recover your data.
About this model: The original aluminium MacBook Pro (before the unibody design) covers the Core Duo and Core 2 Duo models from 2006 to 2008. The big known fault is the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics chip used in the 2007–2008 models, which fails and causes no video or a garbled screen.
Signs it needs graphics (GPU) repair
- Black screen but the Mac chimes
- Stripes or blocks on screen
- Freezes when graphics load up
- Works on external monitor intermittently
How we do it
A heat-gun ‘reflow’ is often sold as a GPU fix, but it rarely lasts more than a few weeks. We diagnose whether the fault is the graphics chip itself, its video memory or its power circuit, and then either replace the chip or disable the discrete GPU where the model allows it, so the Mac runs reliably on integrated graphics.
Before anything is done, we explain the cost against the value of your machine, and if a repair doesn’t make sense, we’ll still help you get your data off.
At a glance
| Years | 2006–2008 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Duo / Core 2 Duo, ATI X1600 or NVIDIA 8600M GT |
| Storage | Standard SATA drive |
| Memory | Socketed, upgradeable |
| Battery | Removable |
| Power / charging | MagSafe 1 |
Before you bring it in
Photograph the screen when the fault appears. Stripes, blocks and colour patterns each point to different causes.
Which model do you have?
This page covers the MacBook Pro 15 & 17-inch pre-unibody (2006–2008) (MacBookPro1,1 to MacBookPro4,1; A1150, A1151, A1211, A1212, A1226, A1229, A1260, A1261). The A-number is printed in tiny text on the base, near the hinge. You’ll also find the model in Apple menu > About This Mac. 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
Is a Mac this age worth repairing?
It depends what you use it for. For recovering data, running legacy software or keeping a working studio setup, often yes. We give you the cost upfront and an honest view on whether it makes sense.
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 us on 020 7394 2528 or email info@mac-repair.london to arrange a time to drop it off.