MBP 2008 Video Controller problems

[haikujim]

My friend has a MBP 2008 17in. , core 2 duo, 2.5GHz, running leopard. She is having random freezes, especially displaying PDF files.
I had her run Apple Hardware test, and the following came up 4YDC/1/4000003: Video Controller
I had a MBP with the fatal video card problem, but hers is a different model I think.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
She ran the complete test, the above was the only result. Also, she has never reinstalled her system, done maintenance etc.
I suggested at the very least she upgrade to Snow leopard, wipe and restore.
But if its a problem with the video card, that wouldn't help.
thanks

 

[Idefix]

if you check Mactracker, you'll find that it still has the NVIDIA 8600M

If your friend lives in the UK, the repair is still covered by Applecare (if they run the test and if it fails the test--Apple does like to weasel out of the repair by stating that it's a different problem). UK gets better warranty coverage than the US.

Regardless, it can't hurt to make a Genius appointment to see what they say. I've seen quotes of $310 to replace the logic board, which that laptop is definitely worth.