MBP Graphics card update *repairs refunded*

[Music_Producer]

Great news (sorry if posted somewhere else, but I'm excited)

Apple has issued an statement acknowledging problems with the nVidia GPUs used in the SR MBPs - repairs for affected products will be carried out for free, and any repairs paid for will be refunded.

Now, I got my MBP back from repairs for this reason.. and when I turn it on or shut it down.. I get a DOS like code (startup, checking machine, etc) How do I turn that off and go to normal booting?

Here's the text from Apple regarding the issue:

Symptoms

In July 2008, NVIDIA publicly acknowledged a higher than normal failure rate for some of their graphics processors due to a packaging defect. At that same time, NVIDIA assured Apple that Mac computers with these graphics processors were not affected. However, after an Apple-led investigation, Apple has determined that some MacBook Pro computers with the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor may be affected. If the NVIDIA graphics processor in your MacBook Pro has failed, or fails within two years of the original date of purchase, a repair will be done free of charge, even if your MacBook Pro is out of warranty.

What to look for:

Distorted or scrambled video on the computer screen
No video on the computer screen (or external display) even though the computer is on

Specific products affected:

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
Products Affected
MacBook Pro, models with NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processors

Resolution
If your MacBook Pro is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above, please take it to an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) for evaluation, or call your local Apple Contact Center. Before visiting the Genius Bar at the Apple Retail Store, please make a reservation.

Apple is issuing refunds to customers who may have paid for repairs related to this issue. Please contact Apple for details on the refund process.

 

[J the Ninja]

It was posted in the GPU thread earlier, but I haven't seen it in it's own thread, which it definitely deserves. Here is the statement, btw:

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

 

[iBunny]

This is great news! Since my nvidia just broke today!!.

 

[moworks2]

Figures...

The first time I buy a laptop it might have an inherent problem...

but, bought mine in April of '08 and so far no problems at all...fingers and toes crossed that it stays this way...it's just been great to work with...not hot at all like some folks have reported, it's fast, (slightly faster than my old g4 450 tower ) works as advertised...love having it hooked up to an external monitor too...i've got my cake and i'm eating it too...

thanks for the heads up on this word from Apple...I hadn't seen it...

M

 

[winninganthem]

That's great news. I respect them a lot more as a company after hearing that they don't just cover up possible failures.

 

[Mackan]

"between approximately May 2007 and September 2008" ... Didn't nVidia say that they had fixed this problem long before September? Now it seems like the chips used in MBP were defect all time up to today... Doesn't really strengthen confidence in the nVidia 9xxx series either...

 

[jedivulcan]

"between approximately May 2007 and September 2008" ... Didn't nVidia say that they had fixed this problem long before September? Now it seems like the chips used in MBP were defect all time up to today... Doesn't really strengthen confidence in the nVidia 9xxx series either...

They probably stopped manufacturing Macbook Pro systems with the 8600m and started production of a new model has already begun. Expect a new Macbook Pro this Tuesday.

 

[MowingDevil]

"between approximately May 2007 and September 2008" ... Didn't nVidia say that they had fixed this problem long before September? Now it seems like the chips used in MBP were defect all time up to today... Doesn't really strengthen confidence in the nVidia 9xxx series either...

Nvidia fixed the problem but all the GPUs they had already manufactured & shipped were still in circulation. I imagine it took until September for them to get flushed out of the system...if they even did.

 

[waffl]

Legitimate source/proof of this?

Nvidia fixed the problem but all the GPUs they had already manufactured & shipped were still in circulation. I imagine it took until September for them to get flushed out of the system...if they even did.

I would really like to believe this - does anyone have any legitimate information that indicates this? In all my searching I've found none. My mbp is only one month old but it had an odd blue screen while doing some 3d in boot camp the first time. I love this computer, just don't like the idea that it could die at any moment or in particular that the 'fix' is just a replacement with another faulty part.