NVIDIA 8800GS Failure Rate
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StealthscrapE
macrumors member
Sorry to bump up a somewhat old thread, but this problem is related to mine I believe. How do I know if this is the issue I am having? Last night while I was on the computer it froze up randomly and had an odd pattern overlaid on the screen. Almost a checkerboard with alternating tiles of no issue and tiles of wavy lines. When I tried to restart it, it just went to the apple logo and the gear with the same overlaid pattern. After the gear spun for a bit it froze again. I did some research and tried booting into safe mode with no luck. I tried the tech tool disc that came with the apple care which didn't boot. The only change I had is when I reset my PRAM, the pattern changed to four or five sets of three vertical lines, with the same apple logo and gears which eventually froze.
So, do I have the 8800 failure everyone is discussing? I have a genius appointment in an hour. Would it be beneficial for me to mention the known failure rates of this card or will my end result likely be the same?
Thanks for any input.
Oh and btw my iMac is the 24" 3.06, 4gb of ram (I believe. I don't remember if I upgraded to the 4gb or left it at 2 and I can't check.)
So, do I have the 8800 failure everyone is discussing? I have a genius appointment in an hour. Would it be beneficial for me to mention the known failure rates of this card or will my end result likely be the same?
Thanks for any input.
Oh and btw my iMac is the 24" 3.06, 4gb of ram (I believe. I don't remember if I upgraded to the 4gb or left it at 2 and I can't check.)
StealthscrapE
macrumors member
Just a quick update. I brought my computer in for my appointment and I was told he was going to replace the video card and just to cover all of the bases he ordered a new logic board too. Not sure if he will only replace it if the video card replacement doesn't work or what, but that's where I am now. We will see in 5-7 days.
Quick rundown of my genius bar papers:
"Steps to reproduce:
1. Powered unit cold. Observed unit has vertical graphics distortion on display.
2. Ran resource inspector. Observed CPU die0 sensor failing.
3. Restarted unit to user's OS. Unit froze on spinning gear.
4. Restarted unit to single-user mode. Ran fsck. Shows unit internal volume ok.
5. Attempted to exit single-user mode. Unit froze.
6. Attempted to restart unit to known hood OS. Unit froze.
Proposed resolution: Recommend replace graphics card and logic board to resolve issue."
Quick rundown of my genius bar papers:
"Steps to reproduce:
1. Powered unit cold. Observed unit has vertical graphics distortion on display.
2. Ran resource inspector. Observed CPU die0 sensor failing.
3. Restarted unit to user's OS. Unit froze on spinning gear.
4. Restarted unit to single-user mode. Ran fsck. Shows unit internal volume ok.
5. Attempted to exit single-user mode. Unit froze.
6. Attempted to restart unit to known hood OS. Unit froze.
Proposed resolution: Recommend replace graphics card and logic board to resolve issue."
Last edited:
Jerome Morrow
macrumors 6502a
Hi guys,
can anyone point me to some Apple press release or something similat that they will be repairing these at no cost, because i have iMac8,1 with 8800 GS that service in Denmark is refusing to take and repair for free.
can anyone point me to some Apple press release or something similat that they will be repairing these at no cost, because i have iMac8,1 with 8800 GS that service in Denmark is refusing to take and repair for free.
panzer06
Contributor
Apple never officially acknowledged this issue on iMacs, the the 8600 in the MBP, however, it is a very common problem and in many cases customers in the US have received repairs at no charge. In the US you would escalate to Apple's customer care reps to try and override the charge. That or some Apple Store Mgrs have been approving repairs. You may also have some local laws that protect you. nVidia had a problem with all their 8x00 series GPUs and settled with several manufacturers so perhaps your government has some sort of consumer protections that we in the US do not. Best of luck to you.
Cheers,
My previous iMac had a problem with the 8800GS, and after gathering a number of arguments/similar reports, they agreed to replace the GPU and the logic board for free, even though it was OUT OF WARRANTY.
Mind you, the 8800GS is part of the same GPU family already recalled by NVIDIA for some older MBPs...
I have a thread on this topic here at MR (from some 8 months ago), but don't feel like searching for it now...just look around and you will find it.
HiRez
macrumors 603
Damn. Looks like mine just took a dump too. Same machine, 24" 3.06 GHz iMac with 8800 GS GPU. Same screen artifact symptoms and lockups. Why is it that the Nvidia GPUs always seem to have problems...overheating, drivers, and so forth? The ATI cards always have been rock solid for me, when I got this machine that actually crossed my mind, but then it worked fine for over 3 years so I figured it was OK. Little did I know it was a time bomb lurking, waiting.
Unfortunately I'm out of warranty, but it seems some people have gotten help regardless of that, I guess it's worth a shot. What evidence is there that this is an actual defect, other than posts on message boards? In other words, what can I show to Apple to strengthen my case? It certainly seems like a product defect based on what you guys are saying. If it were a car, there would be a recall for it, but unfortunately there seems to be no such thing in the computer industry.
Unfortunately I'm out of warranty, but it seems some people have gotten help regardless of that, I guess it's worth a shot. What evidence is there that this is an actual defect, other than posts on message boards? In other words, what can I show to Apple to strengthen my case? It certainly seems like a product defect based on what you guys are saying. If it were a car, there would be a recall for it, but unfortunately there seems to be no such thing in the computer industry.
agentkow
macrumors 6502
Count me in on this problem. My trusty late 2008 iMac suddenly shut off the screen last week, and since it's 3 and a half years later, Apple Care expired about 6 months ago. Apple Genius agreed it was the NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS, and $424 later I've gotten it replaced.
Anyone know how I can approach Apple about getting it covered now that I've seen this thread?
Anyone know how I can approach Apple about getting it covered now that I've seen this thread?
panzer06
Contributor
Keep your receipt since all of these had potential defects many customers have seen repeated failures and eventually needed to replace the entire system.
Most of the time it is better to buy a new 21.5" refurb than pay to fix this issue.
Good luck with yours; I hope you have a better go of it in the future.
Cheers,
Found this thread amongst others whilst searching for problems regarding the 8800, seems like I'm now a victim to the dreaded timebomb with this graphics card 
The same drill here, my early 2008 24" 3.06Ghz with 4GB ram installed has worked flawlessly for just over 3 years then two months after applecare runs out, boom!
Only had the machine turned on for a few minutes, opened iTunes then Safari and the screen froze and the track playing went nuts and soon stopped altogether. With no keyboard or mouse response I shut down, waited a few minutes then restarted only to be greeted by the green and purple artifacts/split screen. After a number of attempts to restart, unplugging etc, and getting nowhere I did some quick searching (phone at hand!) and soon discovered this to be quite a regular occurrance with this spec of imac.
I went through some software tests with apple support over the phone, (they kindly agreed to try to help even though the applcare had expired) it was agreed that the card was likely to blame so I booked it in for a genius bar appointment.
A few tests later I was then quoted just under £260 to repace the card, I declined, walked out and decided to think about it.
Now after hearing of replacements failing and even second replacements, I'm at a loss what to do, I don't want to pay money for another card with just a 3 month guarantee only for that to potentially (and now by the sounds of it likely) die too. Nor do I wish to keep sending it to Apple for replacement of other parts which again seems likely and has happened in a number of cases.
I will speak to Apple customer services and hopefully know more about what to do next but man, finding this out has really ticked me off and left me computerless.
The same drill here, my early 2008 24" 3.06Ghz with 4GB ram installed has worked flawlessly for just over 3 years then two months after applecare runs out, boom!
Only had the machine turned on for a few minutes, opened iTunes then Safari and the screen froze and the track playing went nuts and soon stopped altogether. With no keyboard or mouse response I shut down, waited a few minutes then restarted only to be greeted by the green and purple artifacts/split screen. After a number of attempts to restart, unplugging etc, and getting nowhere I did some quick searching (phone at hand!) and soon discovered this to be quite a regular occurrance with this spec of imac.
I went through some software tests with apple support over the phone, (they kindly agreed to try to help even though the applcare had expired) it was agreed that the card was likely to blame so I booked it in for a genius bar appointment.
A few tests later I was then quoted just under £260 to repace the card, I declined, walked out and decided to think about it.
Now after hearing of replacements failing and even second replacements, I'm at a loss what to do, I don't want to pay money for another card with just a 3 month guarantee only for that to potentially (and now by the sounds of it likely) die too. Nor do I wish to keep sending it to Apple for replacement of other parts which again seems likely and has happened in a number of cases.
I will speak to Apple customer services and hopefully know more about what to do next but man, finding this out has really ticked me off and left me computerless.
Same problem here too!
Thank goodness I found this thread. I have been spending hours and hours trying to work out what the problem is with my 2008 iMac. Now I know!! I too have the 8800 GS and a week ago it started failing. Most times the computer would start with a blank screen. Occasionally it came to life for an hour or so and then blank again. A couple of times it started up slowly and flickered, so I had a guess that it might be GPU related. That is how I found this thread.
The HDD is fine (thank goodness!!) and I can access it over the network with my MBP. I tried resetting the PR and SMC, that didn't work. There are threads that say that it was a software problem but I couldn't find any way of fixing the so-called problem because my system didn't seem to have the files mentioned. Thank goodness I didn't go to the trouble of replacing the HDD or wiping and reinstalling!
I am in Australia and now I know the problem I will be asking for a free replacement. Here we have what is called a statutory warranty, where if a product fails before it should, even if it is out of warranty, the manufacturer must fix it or replace it. Could be interesting trying to make Apple aware of this!!
Wish me luck.
Thank goodness I found this thread. I have been spending hours and hours trying to work out what the problem is with my 2008 iMac. Now I know!! I too have the 8800 GS and a week ago it started failing. Most times the computer would start with a blank screen. Occasionally it came to life for an hour or so and then blank again. A couple of times it started up slowly and flickered, so I had a guess that it might be GPU related. That is how I found this thread.
The HDD is fine (thank goodness!!) and I can access it over the network with my MBP. I tried resetting the PR and SMC, that didn't work. There are threads that say that it was a software problem but I couldn't find any way of fixing the so-called problem because my system didn't seem to have the files mentioned. Thank goodness I didn't go to the trouble of replacing the HDD or wiping and reinstalling!
I am in Australia and now I know the problem I will be asking for a free replacement. Here we have what is called a statutory warranty, where if a product fails before it should, even if it is out of warranty, the manufacturer must fix it or replace it. Could be interesting trying to make Apple aware of this!!
Wish me luck.
same issue
I also have the same problem. 24 inch iMac, 2008; model number A1225. Few days ago, the screen started acting like the video posted in the first post and the computer would freeze (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x5bbTb2h5U).
Took the computer to PeachMac and they said that I need to replace the video card: Nvidia GeForce 8800GS.
After reading all this, I don't know what to do. The warranty for the card is 90 days and it costs $180 (apple's price, not market price; can't find the card online to really check the price either).
Apple Care is such bs. Most computer problems do not really start after 3 years. Basically, it's saying that after 3 years, buy a new computer, which is bs for a $2000 machine.
My lesson from this experience: NEVER by a high end Apple product. Go for the mid or low range. There are 2009 imacs that have similar problems but the video card is soldered on the logic board and they have to replace the whole logic board, which is like a $1000. If I could, I would never buy an apple computer again. But I cant since I work with music and video software.
PCs need to catch up so that Apple starts caring again.
I also have the same problem. 24 inch iMac, 2008; model number A1225. Few days ago, the screen started acting like the video posted in the first post and the computer would freeze (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x5bbTb2h5U).
Took the computer to PeachMac and they said that I need to replace the video card: Nvidia GeForce 8800GS.
After reading all this, I don't know what to do. The warranty for the card is 90 days and it costs $180 (apple's price, not market price; can't find the card online to really check the price either).
Apple Care is such bs. Most computer problems do not really start after 3 years. Basically, it's saying that after 3 years, buy a new computer, which is bs for a $2000 machine.
My lesson from this experience: NEVER by a high end Apple product. Go for the mid or low range. There are 2009 imacs that have similar problems but the video card is soldered on the logic board and they have to replace the whole logic board, which is like a $1000. If I could, I would never buy an apple computer again. But I cant since I work with music and video software.
PCs need to catch up so that Apple starts caring again.
I think everyone should call apple and complain about this faulty product. Here is the number: 1-800-275-2273
You will need your serial number.
Once you call, the automated teller will say that you are not under warranty and if you would like more information on a single incident report (which cost $49). But, once you get the person on the phone, complain about the issue and say that you want to be transferred to the iMac department. Then my call got disconnected: iPhone "Failed call" message. This feels like some Big Brother ****.
I was posting this while I was waiting. Now it's been an hour 30 min since I've been dealing with this. Need a break. Will keep you all updated.
You will need your serial number.
Once you call, the automated teller will say that you are not under warranty and if you would like more information on a single incident report (which cost $49). But, once you get the person on the phone, complain about the issue and say that you want to be transferred to the iMac department. Then my call got disconnected: iPhone "Failed call" message. This feels like some Big Brother ****.
I was posting this while I was waiting. Now it's been an hour 30 min since I've been dealing with this. Need a break. Will keep you all updated.
its not the the gpu
nvidia have had a large failure rate on there gpu's and to my understanding its not the gpu's thats at fault. its the the way the cooling systems are desinged in the notebooks.one fan to cool the cpu and graphics chip.yet the fan only comes on when the cpu is getting hot.so by the time that happens the graphics chip is already running very hot and thats where the problem lies.all gpu's in notebooks should have there own cooling fan and heat shield.rather than rely on one silly fan and a very small heat shield.so its not the nvidia chips its bad cooling.lets hope hp and all them other company'see sence.
nvidia have had a large failure rate on there gpu's and to my understanding its not the gpu's thats at fault. its the the way the cooling systems are desinged in the notebooks.one fan to cool the cpu and graphics chip.yet the fan only comes on when the cpu is getting hot.so by the time that happens the graphics chip is already running very hot and thats where the problem lies.all gpu's in notebooks should have there own cooling fan and heat shield.rather than rely on one silly fan and a very small heat shield.so its not the nvidia chips its bad cooling.lets hope hp and all them other company'see sence.
panzer06
Contributor
This is a known issue and only applies to the nvidia 8x00 series of GPUs and it's been determined to be more of an issue of component seperation due to a collection of issue seemingly related to heating a cooling cycles with some people claiming they've been able to reflow the chip on the card. Regardless, Apple has been willing to replace some of these outside of warranty.
There were quite a few of these on ebay last year being pushed on unsuspecting customers. At this point anyone still owning one should expect to replace it sooner rather than later.
Cheers,
again sorry to revive this thread, but my 2008 24" imac died last week and the genius bar is telling me they need to replace the graphics card (GeForce 8800 GS) and the logic board.
I am not clear on how both could fail at the same time, that doesn't make much sense to me. Now that I have found this thread I will see if they will do anything for me. Has been a great machine up until now.
I am not clear on how both could fail at the same time, that doesn't make much sense to me. Now that I have found this thread I will see if they will do anything for me. Has been a great machine up until now.