iMac graphics card faulty

[Jethryn Freyman]

Computer is one of the original Intel iMacs, 2.16GHz Core Duo processor, 2GB RAM, 1680x1050 20" screen, 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics card.

Recently, distorted artifacts have begun appearing on the screen while the graphics card is undergoing heavy use (e.g. games, DVD playback, other apps that use the card.) I have also had the screen freeze. This is happening in both OS X and Windows XP in boot camp, which confirms it to be a hardware issue.

The iMac is covered by AppleCare, fortunately. Would Apple be able to repair the Mac, or would they simply replace it with a new one? If anybody has personal experience in dealing with faulty or replaced Macs, I'd appreciate their input here.

[Apocrathia]

they would most likely just replace the logic board in the system since the gpu is soldered directly to the board.
try booting while holding down 'd' to enter the diagnostic mode and see if you really do have a hardware issue.

[darrellishere]

I have the exact same issue, same card too in my Core 2 Duo Imac.

Their are alot of people having the same graphics card failure over on the Apple discussions forum.

I think its disgusting how they can get away with it and not offer repairs on these machines.

And wonder about all the people we don't hear about!

Personally I think its also related to the vertical lines issue, as they share the same graphics glitches.

Glad you got apple care, for those of us without , the repair outways the cost of the imac

Most of the imacs were effected, just after the leopard update.

Go figure

[SelfMadeCelo]

I'm having that SAME issue too, sucks. I made a post about it here. I'm still within the year from when I bought it but I bought it on eBay. Not sure if I'm eligible for the AppleCare.

I thought it had something to do with the last update but I wasn't sure...Maybe if I can roll back and find out....