PCMech Forums - nVidia GPU failures in laptops - Prevention & Repair & Lawsuit Settlement FAQ

Some background Info:

Basically, if you have an 8400M or 8600M in your laptop, there's a high probability for failure.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/10/a...-chips-faulty/

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post...-failures.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Del...-GPU,5988.html

Also, but unconfirmed-- desktop models *might* be affected: http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/12/n...s-failing-too/

update (8/15): brief response from nvidia stating desktop models aren't affected (which is what they originally said about the laptops), only a small percentage of laptops are affected, and that they are working on keeping chips that are currently being manufactured from exhibiting the problems that have shown up so far. I'll take all this with a grain of salt since nvidia hasn't been entirely up front about everything so far.

http://gizmodo.com/5037070/proof-nvi...erials-defects

New Laptop Purchases

It is unclear whether or not newly manufactured laptops from Dell and HP are affected, or how they are addressing it since many models still carry the defective nvidia GPUs.

Until this is officially addressed, my best suggestion for users purchasing new laptops is to avoid models that include the defective GPUs. You can also try calling in before you order to see what they say. But, since there's been no official statements as of yet, you may not get much of anywhere, or you may simply get empty assurances from the sales rep.

*update*: Dell is currently shipping newly manufactured laptops with the BIOS fix. No word yet on if the defective GPU lines have been replaced in newly manufactured laptops.

HP/Compaq

If you own an HP/Compaq laptop, look here even if your warranty has expired. An additional 2-year coverage period is given for laptops meeting certain conditions:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...name=c01300427

update (10/12): Some desktop models with integrated video are affected:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...reg_R1002_USEN

Dell

List of affected Dell Laptops and BIOS fixes:

http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archi...op-owners.aspx

http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archi...customers.aspx

Basically, this will affect how long the fan will run, but is said not to affect battery life because it runs at half or quarter speed. This fix will not repair GPUs that have already failed or in the process of failing.

If your GPU has failed or is failing, Dell suggests contacting support. No word yet as to what they're doing about out-of-warranty repairs.

Go to support.dell.com
Choose your country or region from the drop-down list
Choose Contact Us
Choose Technical Support
Choose Call Technical Support

update (8/18): Dell is extending warranties by 12 months on affected laptop models: http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archi...worldwide.aspx

update (9/14): Dell still extending warranties by 12 months on this issue: http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archi...t-details.aspx

Apple
update (10/12): Some Macbook Pro models may be affected, as they have the nvidia 8600M chip

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2377

Quote:

MacBook Pro 15-inch and 17-inch models with NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processors
MacBook Pro (17-Inch, 2.4GHz)
MacBook Pro (15-Inch, 2.4/2.2GHz)
MacBook Pro (Early 2008)
These computers were manufactured between approximately May 2007 and September 2008

Users experiencing "Distorted or scrambled video on the computer screen" and/or "No video on the computer screen (or external display) even though the computer is on" with these models are enouraged to contact apple or the nearest retail store. It *appears* that these repairs are offered at no charge, as they are offering refunds on past repairs exhibiting these issues.

[edit]:Issue Update (1/18/11):

Quote:

The NVIDIA GPU Litigation page is finally taking claims from people affected by the company's faulty laptop GPUs. The courts have approved the settlement and you have from now until March 14, 2011 to get your claim in.

The lawsuit alleged that some of NVIDIA Graphics Processing Units ("GPUs") and Media and Communications Processors ("MCPs") contained a defect that affected the performance of some of the notebook computers in which they were incorporated. NVIDIA denies all allegations of wrongdoing and has asserted many defenses. The settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing.

--from http://hardocp.com/news/2011/01/18/n...gpu_litigation

http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/