NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT - What does Apple use for replacement?

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Level 1

18 points

NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT - What does Apple use for replacement?

I have had 'issues' with my display on my MBP 2.4 since Jan. '08. I've documented this w/ Applecare (so there is a list of reported issues so they can see there's a problem as it's not something I can replicate at the Genius bar). It's still under warranty, but my concern, and question is this...

I'd like it fixed. But, If I bring in my MBP (again) to Apple and let's say they say it is the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT that's faulty, WHAT WILL THEY REPLACE IT WITH? Another 'faulty' chip? [I realize the whole board has to be replaced]

Is there a definitive answer to what NVIDIA chip Apple would use? I've read that they are using the SAME likely-faulty product. That is not good news. And if NVIDIA has acknowledged the problem, do they have a FIXED Chipset for this model?

MacBook Pro 2.4GHz Intel Core2Duo 15", 20" Cinema Display, 5G Vid ipod 30GB ++, Mac OS X (10.5.4)

Posted on Aug 22, 2008 10:40 AM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Aug 22, 2008 1:22 PM in response to NightBird

As this is not an official Apple venue for such questions as yours, we really cannot give you any answer. We don't have any idea what Apple would do to repair your computer nor even if there is a repair. You simply will need to take this up with AppleCare.

I can only tell you that the GPU is soldered onto the motherboard, so that any "replacement" would simply require a new motherboard.

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Answer 2

Kyn Drake

Level 7

21,585 points

Oct 27, 2008 11:36 AM in response to NightBird

Came across this thread looking for others regarding this problem. You can go here

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

for more information about this issue. Having gone through this, I can tell you that the replacement chip is listed as "Chipset Model: GeForce 8600M GT", same as the older one.

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Answer 3

goobus

Level 1

18 points

Oct 29, 2008 4:31 PM in response to NightBird

My wife had her's replaced the second time this past week (only once so far for me). The logicboard replacement is listed as a revision 2. No idea if it means it's been actually fixed but I can tell you that when our boards were replaced before they were not designated 'revision 2'.

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Answer 4

pao1250

Level 1

30 points

Oct 30, 2008 5:55 AM in response to NightBird

My best guess is that the replacement boards also have the faulty chip. The fact that the affected MBP production run all the way to the last ones made (Sep 08) leads me to believe the there is no other option but to use the same video chips. BTW please do not assume that since the nvidia chip is soldered on the logic board that it can't be replaced. These Rev.2 boards could very well be just rebuild ones with the video chip replaced at a central workshop equipped to do such a thing.

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Answer 5

yvis

Level 1

0 points

Aug 28, 2009 7:57 AM in response to NightBird

Just got my MBP back. GPU is 8600M GT Revision ID: 0x00a1 So looks like pretty much same chip. Don't know what the original revision number was. Not even sure it had one.

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