So are all MBP owners with the 8600m GT cards screwed?

[daneoni]

Good questions

He just said degrees, I think he meant 130 degrees celsius because the fans don't speed up until the GPU passes 70 degrees c.

I misunderstood what you meant. Is that your 3rd replacement? or a revision 3 board?

I'm also thinking of visiting an Apple Genius again. Here are the questions I'm going to ask.

Are the Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT you are replacing the faulty ones with manufactured differently to not fail from the same issues?

If so, why are there reports of peoples replaced ones failing?

Can you prove it? If not, why not?

I know the fault is on Nvidia’s behalf but that can’t ruin Apple’s reputation, what are you doing about it? Replacing faulty with faulty?

Can I buy Apple Care more than once to extend my warranty further?

I’ve got some videos of my MacBook Pro displaying some distorted graphics, can you test mine to see if it is dying?

If the GPU issue isn’t resolved can I have a refund for what my Mac is currently worth now or can I get a new one with a small price added on?

If I cannot have a refund or a replacement, am I supposed to let my MacBook Pro just die because of the GPU issue once my warranty has ended?



What do you think of them?

On that topic i just dropped off mine today. The genius requested a "PCBA MLB 2.6GHz REV2"

Hopefully its a good board with a good card cos i really want to keep this machine but if the new board doesn't live up to expectation, then i'll have no choice but to return it

Does anyone know if the Logic Boards of the 17" & 15" MBPs are physically different or if its the same. I'm thinking since its a 2.6GHz model and Apple still sells those in the 17" line then they might be using boards that have remanufactured cards in them...assuming the 17" models are using boards with remanufactured cards.

After all i would hate to think Apple is purposefully selling inherently defective machines

Also my repair form states "Checked at the bar, ran the Nvidia GPU test and it came up failed"

So the test IS called the Nvidia GPU test

 

[chill3nspree]

Last week my Macbook Pro 17" 2.4 ghz (purchased September 01 2007) died on me, and I did not buy apple care. Had the typical symptoms of a failed GPU, turn on the computer and the display did not work.

Right before this happened, I was gaming for about an hour (starcraft broodwar, in OSX). After I finished, I packed up my laptop and headed to class, once I got there, I opened up my laptop and the screen would not turn on. I never had any problems with my GPU ie screen fragments, just this one fatal failure. Also, this isn't a very demanding game, but my computer does run its fans heavily during it.

I took my mbp to genius and he told me that I needed a new logic board at the price of 1500cdn$, and the damage was not caused by a failing gpu. He explained to me that the computer did not pass the preliminary tests of "when turned on does the caps lock buttton light up; and does the computer make the apple chime when turned on. And could not go further with the test" Before I took the unit in, I was able to turn on the computer, log in, turn the volume up and down (hearing the sounds) and eject the cd.
Was he right with his diagnostics? I think that my logicboard replacement was a result of the GPU failing, because I was gaming before, but do these test conditions accurately state otherwise?

Although my mbp was just 2 months out of warranty, the genius talked to his manager and apple is footing the bill for the repair (thank god). I didnt want to pay 1500$ to fix my 2 month out of warranty computer. I think we should be able to expect a quality product when spending $3000+ on a computer, but I guess I’ll know otherwise for next time.

I am also concerned that I will be replaced with another faulty board or maybe a refurb? I know that I am getting a free repair which is awesome, but is there anything I can do to ensure that I am not getting shafted into a board that is going to fail again?

 

[RobT]

If you buy the older MacBook Pro today from a place like Amazon (they still have a few in stock) would they likely still have the faulty 8600 chip in them or has this been corrected in a machine that would ship next week (mid November)?

 

[nikhsub1]

GPU 1 failed July 3, 2008. MBP was bought 6-17-07. Replacement GPU failed 4 months 2 weeks later, 11-13-08. Make no mistake, if your GPU was replaced before about 2weeks ago, you have a part doomed for failure. Genious had a special HD that specifically came from nvidia to test the GPU. My laptop was then SENT to TN for repair, NOT REPAIRED IN STORE. They are now aware of the failures and are replacing with parts that are NEW and do not have the defect. Again, if you have a logic board replacement in the past, that part will fail too eventually no doubt about it.

 

[iSpoody 1243]

GPU 1 failed July 3, 2008. MBP was bought 6-17-07. Replacement GPU failed 4 months 2 weeks later, 11-13-08. Make no mistake, if your GPU was replaced before about 2weeks ago, you have a part doomed for failure. Genious had a special HD that specifically came from nvidia to test the GPU. My laptop was then SENT to TN for repair, NOT REPAIRED IN STORE. They are now aware of the failures and are replacing with parts that are NEW and do not have the defect. Again, if you have a logic board replacement in the past, that part will fail too eventually no doubt about it.

great at least if mine breaks it will only have t be replaced once!

 

[Romanesq]

Okay if you are accurate...

GPU 1 failed July 3, 2008. MBP was bought 6-17-07. Replacement GPU failed 4 months 2 weeks later, 11-13-08. Make no mistake, if your GPU was replaced before about 2weeks ago, you have a part doomed for failure. Genious had a special HD that specifically came from nvidia to test the GPU. My laptop was then SENT to TN for repair, NOT REPAIRED IN STORE. They are now aware of the failures and are replacing with parts that are NEW and do not have the defect. Again, if you have a logic board replacement in the past, that part will fail too eventually no doubt about it.

Go into your system profile "about this mac" and give us the data that comes up for your new and non-defective graphics card data with get more info:

GeForce 8600M GT:

Chipset Model: GeForce 8600M GT
Type: Display
Bus: PCIe
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 256 MB
Vendor: NVIDIA (0x10de)
Device ID: 0x0407
Revision ID: 0x00a1
ROM Revision: 3212


We need to FINALLY see some evidence that there is in fact something to put our hat on with your post. Thanks.

 

[nikhsub1]

As soon as I get it back I will post any info you want

 

[JC0205]

GPU 1 failed July 3, 2008. MBP was bought 6-17-07. Replacement GPU failed 4 months 2 weeks later, 11-13-08. Make no mistake, if your GPU was replaced before about 2weeks ago, you have a part doomed for failure. Genious had a special HD that specifically came from nvidia to test the GPU. My laptop was then SENT to TN for repair, NOT REPAIRED IN STORE. They are now aware of the failures and are replacing with parts that are NEW and do not have the defect. Again, if you have a logic board replacement in the past, that part will fail too eventually no doubt about it.

How do you know it's new and completely not defective? If so, I am going to return my Refurb MBP 2.16ghz and get the 2.4Ghz model.

 

[nikhsub1]

How do you know it's new and completely not defective? If so, I am going to return my Refurb MBP 2.16ghz and get the 2.4Ghz model.

Well because apple has officially acknowledged the issue and has a support article regarding the fix http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2377 Apple will not now replace gpu's with more potential failures, least I hope not,

 

[wheelhot]

Hmm, here is a question, since now there is still the old MBP so it make sense that they can fix it, how about next year? or next 2 years? What happens then if your MBP 8600M GT GPU failed? Do they give you a new MBP? or let you purchase the new MBP at much cheaper price or they fix for you? Anyone got any info on this?

 

[daneoni]

GPU 1 failed July 3, 2008. MBP was bought 6-17-07. Replacement GPU failed 4 months 2 weeks later, 11-13-08. Make no mistake, if your GPU was replaced before about 2weeks ago, you have a part doomed for failure. Genious had a special HD that specifically came from nvidia to test the GPU. My laptop was then SENT to TN for repair, NOT REPAIRED IN STORE. They are now aware of the failures and are replacing with parts that are NEW and do not have the defect. Again, if you have a logic board replacement in the past, that part will fail too eventually no doubt about it.

I just dropped mine off this week at London's flagship to be replaced on wed and got a call yesterday (friday) that its been fixed...does that mean my replacement board will still fail?

 

[JC0205]

Well because apple has officially acknowledged the issue and has a support article regarding the fix http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2377 Apple will not now replace gpu's with more potential failures, least I hope not,

Well, let's hope so, but there hasn't been any definitive answer regarding the fact that non-defective chips are being used. If anything, nvidia might decide to run through all their stock to see which ones are fine and which ones are not. Who knows..Well I don't think its up to Apple but more up to nvidia to manufacture new non-defective chips. But until we hear some clear answers from nvidia, anything is up in the air.

 

[chill3nspree]

Just got my computer back today, everything appears to be working well.
(17" mbp 2.4ghz sep-1-07)


This is what I was replaced with:

PCBA MLB 2.4 ghz Rev 2

Chipset Model: GeForce 8600M GT
Type: Display
Bus: PCIe
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 256 MB
Vendor: NVIDIA (0x10de)
Device ID: 0x0407
Revision ID: 0x00a1
ROM Revision: 3175

Does anyone think I will be safe lol?

 

[daneoni]

Just got my computer back today, everything appears to be working well.
(17" mbp 2.4ghz sep-1-07)


This is what I was replaced with:

PCBA MLB 2.4 ghz Rev 2

Chipset Model: GeForce 8600M GT
Type: Display
Bus: PCIe
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 256 MB
Vendor: NVIDIA (0x10de)
Device ID: 0x0407
Revision ID: 0x00a1
ROM Revision: 3175

Does anyone think I will be safe lol?

Hmm...dunno that ROM version has me worried because a lot of people with that ROM version have failed but then again i've heard they didn't change the ROM version in the Rev 1/Rev 2 boards so you might still have a good card. Time will tell...or the Nvidia GPU test

 

[soLoredd]

Hmm...dunno that ROM version has me worried because a lot of people with that ROM version have failed but then again i've heard they didn't change the ROM version in the Rev 1/Rev 2 boards so you might still have a good card. Time will tell...or the Nvidia GPU test

What ROM revision wouldn't worry you then? I have a June 08 MBP and my ROM revision is 3212. What does everyone else have?

 

[daneoni]

What ROM revision wouldn't worry you then? I have a June 08 MBP and my ROM revision is 3212. What does everyone else have?

I also have this ROM version and if you go to Apple discussion boards, the results suggest that the number of failures with this ROM version is lower than that of 3175.

Having said that i have this ROM version and whilst my card didn't outright fail on me, it failed the test AND if i pushed it REALLY hard...it froze on me. However the ROM thing is just pulling at straws...ROM version can't truly determine if your card is failure prone. Its just stats that would seem to suggest so

Anyhoo i just got my replacement board and its the same ROM version the question now is....will it pass the Nvidia test or fail it again. i.e. has my machine been replaced with a good card or another faulty one?

 

[PDE]

I have to say this again: if Apple/Nvidia has genuinely fixed the new boards, they would have made it extremely explicit in their statement. Since they have been vague and passive about it all, and have not take pro-active steps to assure customers that they're replacing with revised/fixed gpus, I think we should assume that they are replacing with the same boards and just hoping htat they'll last through the pathetic one-year extension. After that, they're not going to fix it and can even make some money off the repairs--more cash for them! It's clear also that most gpus don't fail in the first year, which means that if Apple fixes with the same board during the second year, the gpu will most likely last until after their extension ends.

Am I cynical? Damn right I am. Apple is handling this poorly and I hope people will hold them responsible for this issue even after the 2nd year. In the EU they won't get away with this because of consumer laws that force manufacturers to cover inherent defects for three years from purchase. Even that, to me, is too little given that the functional lifespan of a laptop can easily be 4-5 years.

 

[daneoni]

I have to say this again: if Apple/Nvidia has genuinely fixed the new boards, they would have made it extremely explicit in their statement. Since they have been vague and passive about it all, and have not take pro-active steps to assure customers that they're replacing with revised/fixed gpus, I think we should assume that they are replacing with the same boards and just hoping htat they'll last through the pathetic one-year extension. After that, they're not going to fix it and can even make some money off the repairs--more cash for them! It's clear also that most gpus don't fail in the first year, which means that if Apple fixes with the same board during the second year, the gpu will most likely last until after their extension ends.

Am I cynical? Damn right I am. Apple is handling this poorly and I hope people will hold them responsible for this issue even after the 2nd year. In the EU they won't get away with this because of consumer laws that force manufacturers to cover inherent defects for three years from purchase. Even that, to me, is too little given that the functional lifespan of a laptop can easily be 4-5 years.

For some eerie reason i think you're right.

I just ran prelimenary tests and the card seems to be holding up well. I used Aperture and played around with some images and scrolled through hundresds of pics, i then ran photobooth and played with some effects, i then ran coverflow in iTunes to scroll though 700 albums and finally ran some screensavers and it hasnt froze on me.

I have a genius appointment for 1.40 (currently 12.11) but i dont know if i can stomach sitting at an Apple store for another hour plus change. Then again i might just wait it out to get this checked once and for all and determine if i'm keeping this machine or not

 

[daneoni]

....i waited it out and attended my Genius appointment. I asked the genius (two of them were actually attending to me...the guy who diagnosed the problem originally who recognised me and a regular genius) to run the test again just to be sure and the MBP..................................................PASSED the test!.

I was so happy cos i really like the machine. Now i was skeptical at first of the accuracy of the test but the fact that the machine chewed through the preliminary stress tests i did b4 the appointment makes me inclined to believe i finally got a good card...possibly a remanufactured one

So it stands to reason that Nvidia has sent out revised boards with remanufactured cards...which would make sense giving that Apple is still selling the 17" MBP

 

[MoeOz]

Hi all, i have a MBP 2.2 was bought 13 month's ago failed just after the security update 07-2008 in last day of warranty (NO GPU stress or any kind of weird Graphic's was just the security update right after the restart)by the blank screen nothing else, anyhow i got the logicboard replaced after all and now i have 2 questions hope someone could help me ..

1. How can i get sure that my logicboard was replaced ?

2.i still have that (doomed) security update on my software update list,should i install it and give another try or what ? ...

this is my new graphic card info (the new logicboard)
GeForce 8600M GT:

Chipset Model: GeForce 8600M GT
Type: Display
Bus: PCIe
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 128 MB
Vendor: NVIDIA (0x10de)
Device ID: 0x0407
Revision ID: 0x00a1
ROM Revision: 3175

thanks for all .. moe

 

[JavaWizKid]

....i waited it out and attended my Genius appointment. I asked the genius (two of them were actually attending to me...the guy who diagnosed the problem originally who recognised me and a regular genius) to run the test again just to be sure and the MBP..................................................PASSED the test!.

I was so happy cos i really like the machine. Now i was skeptical at first of the accuracy of the test but the fact that the machine chewed through the preliminary stress tests i did b4 the appointment makes me inclined to believe i finally got a good card...possibly a remanufactured one

So it stands to reason that Nvidia has sent out revised boards with remanufactured cards...which would make sense giving that Apple is still selling the 17" MBP

Can you please post your GPU info from the System Profiler to see how the new revision one is different from the bad ones?

 

[daneoni]

Hi all, i have a MBP 2.2 was bought 13 month's ago failed just after the security update 07-2008 in last day of warranty (NO GPU stress or any kind of weird Graphic's was just the security update right after the restart)by the blank screen nothing else, anyhow i got the logicboard replaced after all and now i have 2 questions hope someone could help me ..

1. How can i get sure that my logicboard was replaced ?

2.i still have that (doomed) security update on my software update list,should i install it and give another try or what ? ...

this is my new graphic card info (the new logicboard)
GeForce 8600M GT:

Chipset Model: GeForce 8600M GT
Type: Display
Bus: PCIe
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 128 MB
Vendor: NVIDIA (0x10de)
Device ID: 0x0407
Revision ID: 0x00a1
ROM Revision: 3175

thanks for all .. moe

There's only one way to find out. I'd install the update regardless. The only way to tell you Logic Board was replace is through the genius bar receipt or in certain cases if your serial number is missing from System Info

Can you please post your GPU info from the System Profiler to see how the new revision one is different from the bad ones?

GeForce 8600M GT:

Chipset Model: GeForce 8600M GT
Type: Display
Bus: PCIe
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 512 MB
Vendor: NVIDIA (0x10de)
Device ID: 0x0407
Revision ID: 0x00a1
ROM Revision: 3212

No difference as far as i can tell. Looks like they didn't change the card information. However, maybe there's a different marking on the actual logic board...who knows

 

[JavaWizKid]

There's only one way to find out. I'd install the update regardless. The only way to tell you Logic Board was replace is through the genius bar receipt or in certain cases if your serial number is missing from System Info



GeForce 8600M GT:

Chipset Model: GeForce 8600M GT
Type: Display
Bus: PCIe
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 512 MB
Vendor: NVIDIA (0x10de)
Device ID: 0x0407
Revision ID: 0x00a1
ROM Revision: 3212

No difference as far as i can tell. Looks like they didn't change the card information. However, maybe there's a different marking on the actual logic board...who knows

Do you use SMC Fan Control to keep your GPU and CPU cool or do you let OS X handle it? The weakening point for the solder on the bad 8600m is 70 degrees c, so if you let OS X handle the fans, it lets the GPU fly over that thermal limit temperature. Whereas with SMC Fan Control, you can make sure it doesn't pass 70 degrees c.

 

[daneoni]

Do you use SMC Fan Control to keep your GPU and CPU cool or do you let OS X handle it? The weakening point for the solder on the bad 8600m is 70 degrees c, so if you let OS X handle the fans, it lets the GPU fly over that thermal limit temperature. Whereas with SMC Fan Control, you can make sure it doesn't pass 70 degrees c.

I leave OS X to do the temp management

 

[MoeOz]

@daneoni thx 4 ur fast reply, so u mean the serial number (w87*****XAH) should be changed with the logicboard replacement ? .. if so i still have the same old serial number.