Test Error 4SNS/1/40000001:VMBS (Corrupt Video)

Question

Test Error 4SNS/1/40000001:VMBS (Corrupt Video)

While my Mac Pro was in an idle state (no active apps processing except for the screensaver), the video became corrupted. It looks like a patchwork quilt of short, colorful horizontal lines and blocks. On reboot, even the Apple splash screen has short horizontal lines running through parts of the screen. The OS is completely unusable, however, I was able to run the diags and came up with this error code:

4SNS/1/40000001:VMBS

I hadn't made any software updates recently, nor made any other changes to the computer, hardware or software. My instinct is that either my graphics card or motherboard are toasted.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Joe

Mac Pro (2006) w/ base nVidia GPU, Mac OS X (10.5.7), 24" Apple Cinema Display

Posted on Jul 8, 2009 1:48 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 11, 2009 7:22 AM in response to jazzejoewinters

After going to see the Geniuses, I have no new information. They came to the same conclusion: that it was either the graphics card or the logic board.

Surprisingly, they were not able to narrow it down for me, even with the error code I provided. Their suggestion was that I purchase a new graphics card, try it, and return it if that did not solve the problem. Then bring the system back in for a logic board replacement ($850).

I am hoping that someone on this forum has a better suggestion than that. I'd really like to have more confidence in the problem before I start dumping the cash into it. Thanks!

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Answer 2

Aug 14, 2009 9:51 PM in response to jazzejoewinters

Sadly, it sounds like a Logic Board failure. I'm in my second LB failure. Got Applecare to handle it. But it's a horrible time/money killer. I make a living with this thing and it's not good for a second failure with the same thing.

I am researching a back-up "system" in a Mac Mini or a dubious "hac pro." Sorry Apple, but you all need to make some parts cheaper or deal with the market.

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