Is the 8600 GPU that bad? Why?

[h1r0ll3r]

I was planning on getting another MB/MBP as a backup unit however some of them have the 8600 GPU. I keep hearing/reading that the 8600 is bad, for whatever reason and I'm not sure as to why? I don't know if it performs poorly for gaming or if there is some other reason why this GPU is not good/great. Basically, if this chip is that bad, can someone explain why? Assuming I were to get another laptop with this chip in it, I'd only be doing the basics, internet, email, basic photo editing, etc, nothing heavy. Thanks.

 

[airplaneman]

The batch used in the MBPs with 8600's was defective, so they're prone to burning out. I think offers a free replacement program for the burnt-out ones, but I don't recall the details.

 

[mark28]

I was planning on getting another MB/MBP as a backup unit however some of them have the 8600 GPU. I keep hearing/reading that the 8600 is bad, for whatever reason and I'm not sure as to why? I don't know if it performs poorly for gaming or if there is some other reason why this GPU is not good/great. Basically, if this chip is that bad, can someone explain why? Assuming I were to get another laptop with this chip in it, I'd only be doing the basics, internet, email, basic photo editing, etc, nothing heavy. Thanks.

8600 = failbook pro. Stay away from it.

But some people managed to get brand a new 2010 MBP though as a replacement unit when the 8600 failed If you want to take the risk, you can try it and hope you get a 2010 machine if it dies

 

[iPave]

I was planning on getting another MB/MBP as a backup unit however some of them have the 8600 GPU. I keep hearing/reading that the 8600 is bad, for whatever reason and I'm not sure as to why? I don't know if it performs poorly for gaming or if there is some other reason why this GPU is not good/great. Basically, if this chip is that bad, can someone explain why? Assuming I were to get another laptop with this chip in it, I'd only be doing the basics, internet, email, basic photo editing, etc, nothing heavy. Thanks.

8600 will perform just fine for you.

 

[cluthz]

The 8600 was great in terms of performance, the GT330 in the newest MBPs are only slightly faster, the 8600 was a top performer in early 2007.

BUT,
they have had huge problems. The replacements are also failing. I've had one screen and 2x 8600 die on me in my 2007 MBP. There are many forum users here that have had the same problem.

 

[Hellhammer]

It has had high failure rate but Apple has raised the warranty to 4 years so it's still covered

 

[h1r0ll3r]

Thanks for all the help everyone. Seems like all the trolls manage to stay in the iPhone forum thankfully. This will be good info to consider if I wind up pulling the trigger on a 8600 MBP.

 

[daneoni]

It will die eventually and Apple's 'fault-free'replacements' will follow suit too thus completing an endless cycle.