MacBook Pro Special Report: Replaced logic boards have no software serial numbers
MacBook Pro owners are attempting to determine whether or not their systems have revised logic boards, which Apple is providing for units that exhibit various issues -- processor whine, excessive heat, sudden shutdowns -- on a case-by-case basis.
Many MacBook Pros which have revised logic boards (indicated by Apple in repair notes included with updated systems) lack a serial number identifier in the "Hardware Overview" pane of Apple System Profiler.
MacFixIt reader Stephen Fleming writes:
"I've had the logic board replaced (endless kernel panics) and have the 'MBP' string. But the easiest way to prove that it's been replaced is that the serial number has been erased... see attached screen shot. So the only way to find the serial number for this machine is the microprint under the battery."
While this doesn't help in determining whether a new MacBook Pro has the revised version of the logic board, it will provide a indicator of whether or not the logic board was replaced during repair.
Index:
- 30" Cinema Display distortion
- Airline, auto power adapter problems
- Audio distortion/poor sound quality
- Apple addressing issues with new revisions?
- Battery Exchange Program
- Battery problems: Shuts off when not connected to power, more
- Built-in Display distortion
- Clock speed of ATI X1600 card -- some units apparently underclocked
- Cooling solutions
- Dead-on-arrival units
- Display slightly bent, not latching properly -- solutions
- Downgraded SuperDrive relative to PowerBook G4
- ExpressCard issues
- FireWire 800 cards for ExpressCard/34 slot on the way
- High-pitched whining noises: Eliminating; Apple acknowledges
- iSight not functioning properly -- fix
- Kernel panics caused by AirPort drivers; Not sleeping properly, still "on" with lid closed
- Kernel panics upon waking up (Inability to wake from sleep)
- Lack of alternative power adapters
- LEAP Networks; cannot connect to
- Loss of speaker capabilities
- Missing components
- Not sleeping properly, still "on" with lid closed
- Notes from service manual
- Poor general network performance
- Printer issues: Not recognized, more
- Problems sharing the Internet connection
- Release notes
- Repeated system freezes or sudden restarts -- checking for bad RAM
- Replaced logic boards have no software serial numbers
- Slow networking performance with VLANs; VOIP phones
- Wireless connectivity issues
I've had Apple previous laptops which were sent for repair and had the
motherboard replaced, only to lose their software serial number.
The TiBook that I'm currently using is an example of that. I've often
wondered if it might one day create problems with certain types of
software verification is no serial number is to be found.
number is the same, however, under "about this Mac". The daily kernel crashes
are no more, so something was fixed. Is it possible to replace the logic board
and maintain the same seriel number?