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I have an early 2011 Macbook Pro with a 2.3ghz Processor, an Intel HD 3000 Graphics Card, 250GB Samsung EVO SSD, and 8GB 1333Mhz DDR3 Ram. I had a voltage sensor error with the Apple Hardware test, and I took my Macbook to a Genius Bar last week. They concluded after an overnight test that I had some corrosion or ‘failing’ Voltage Sensor, which concurrently caused a 360% CPU Kernel_Task spike, rendering the Macbook useless when the MagSafe AC adapter was disconnected. However, after the Genius Bar cleaned out my Macbook interior, the Kernel_Task issue has resolved itself. Though I am weary of the Logic Board essentially failing, instead of replacing the macbook with the same version Logic board, I was wondering if I could possibly install a Early 2011 with a better processor, Mid to Late 2011 or Mid 2012 Logic Board? Even to go as far to ask if I could get a logic board with a dedicated GPU; additionally, if it would be compatible with my macbook. If I am spending $500+ CAD, I rather upgrade my logic board if possible. Cheers, and thank you!
First thing here is the 13" (pre-retina) models don’t offer dual graphic services only Intel’s imbedded HD Graphics 3000 or 4000 services (part of the CPU chip). As to swapping logic boards It’s always smart to stick within the model series. As an example your system is part of this series: MacBookPro8,1. The problems you can face as an example is the mounting studs can be in a different location preventing the logic board to lineup. Sometimes the ports are changed (FireWire to Thunderbolt) so it really can’t be used. I would be careful using one of the MacBookPro9,2 logic boards while the ports lineup, the heatsink is different. I don’t know of anyone attempting putting in this series board in the older case. Update (06/11/2016) Deciding on which board to go with is never easy. One needs to look at ones wallet as well as what it needed. The best thing is to get a comparison using a known test suite here’s what EveryMac has: Processors (2 Cores) - i5 2.3 GHz - i7 2.8 GHz Geekbench 2 32 - 5883 - 6973Geekbench 2 64 - 6448 - 7722Geekbench 3 SC 32 - 2189 - 2553Geekbench 3 MC 32 - 4335 - 5082Geekbench 3 SC 64 - 2375 - 2769Geekbench 3 MC 64 - 4794 - 5655 As you can see there is an improvement in performance. So from the face of it you do gain, but, the balance of the systems other elements as well as the OS and the apps being used will all have a bearing here. In your case you’ve already upgraded to a SSD so that a good start. Next is the RAM 8 GB maybe on the lean side depending on what you are up to. The next is the level of the OS I would make sure to be at Mavericks or newer. Last thing here is the apps you are running. Only you can decide if the investment is worth it.
I have the opportunity to buy for a few bucks an old Early 2011 MacBookPro (model 8,1) which case and keyboard are really messed up. If possibile, I would like to swap the internals in my older MacBookPro 5,2 (Mid 2009) 13" MacBook Pro. Is it possible?
