Window border graphic distortion

I think all systems have this problem, some people just ignore it or really don't do anything that would cause it.

I called Apple today and went through the problems that I'm having with the Windows distortion. Also provided them with some snap shots.

Last night after using iPhoto, the problem appeared again and started showing up indiscriminately in various windows. Funny thing is that not all windows were effected, even in the same program.

I've set up an iWeb page for anyone is interested in the screen shots that I have managed to take. Two options, if you have dial up use the Photos Page (Snap Shots) Broadband use the direct links at the bottom of the page for full size screen shots (23" Display).

http://web.mac.com/dworld/iWeb/Site/Mac%20Mini%20Graphics.html

Meanwhile Apple suggested that I start off the process by doing a Hardware test. Since tomorrow is a Public Holiday in Ozz I'll do it tomorrow night and then get back to Apple. Pretty sure though that it's a Software problem and not hardware.

Got another Mac Mini Core Duo with these issues.

Has anyone got a reply from Apple on this?? It is really annoying ... and I don't want to have to send my Mac Mini back in just to have it occur again. From reading all the posts on this topic (here and on other discussion forums), it would most likely appear to be a driver issue.

For me, it mostly occurs when waking up from sleep.

Any Apple response on this issue would be greatly appreciated.

I called Apple support as well and the tech I spoke to had not heard about this issue before. He checked with his colleagues and they had no clue either. Very frustrating.

I see the problem happen at random times and do not tie it to any use of full screen apps since I don't use any.

IMHO this is a software issue. Could be a memory leak; mishandling of memory segments around certain events; or conflicts between system and video memory. I don't know the architecture that well, but I understand the video RAM is off the same mainboard RAM chips as the system and user space.

Yoo hoo! Apple Support dudes! Wheeere aaaare youuuu?

Just happened to me again and all I've use this morning is Safari so I don't think it has to be a full screen application. Just happens randomly and it pain the the you know where! Funny how it oly affects some windows.

http://homepage.mac.com/dworld/.Public/again.jpg

My guess is that it is a software driver issue. Remember that the driver dynamically resizes the memory that it is using in the GMA950. So my guess is that when this resizing occurs, the current usage of that memory is not being handled correctly when the allocation is reduced.

Just a guess, but seems logical.

There seems no standard actions that can replicate the issue ... happens for me mostly when my Mini wakes from sleep.

C'mon Apple, give us something to stop this issue ... it seems clear that it is a driver related problem!

I've just run the Hardware test as advised by Apple although I might run it again over night as they suggested I run it in a loop since the problem is so spasmodic.

Here's how to run the test if you want to try it out,

Put the Install disk one into your mini and restart holding the D key down.
Choose the Extended disk option then press the Command and L keys and you'll see Loop come up in the Dialogue Box. Begin Test.

Looped the Hardware Test six times and all Hardware is working fine.

Apple Hardware Test:

Last Run: 25/04/06 1:55 PM
Version: 3A102
Loop Count: 6
Result: User stopped tests

Well, I am glad we are making some progress, I will run the test as well tomorrow.

I've run the same tests repeatedly, with absolutely no errors found.

So ... that would mean that my hardware is fine (assuming the hardware test software works!), leaving the Graphics Driver issue. See my last post about memory allocation for the GMA950.

Has to be software but why has not everyone with a mini got the problem. Some people even went as far as getting a new Mini only to have the same problem.

Wonder if it's got anything to do with the kind of display that the mini is trying to drive?

I'm using a 23" HD Apple Display

I don't have an intel mini, but from what I've been reading here, it's probably fair to say it's a graphics driver/video RAM issue.
Resolution could be a factor, might be helpful to get a list of resolutions people are driving there monitor at.
I'll bet the problem occurs more often on higher resolutions, whenever quartz extreme is heavily used (exposé and dashboard, front row or 3D stuff, like a screensaver or even minimizing a couple of windows)

After I installed the 1.0.1 firmware update, I've not had the problem again (knock on wood). I've tried everything, but can't replicate the problem.

I'm running 1600x1200 resolution on a Samsung 21 inch flatscreen.

I've installed all the Apple updates, including the 1.0.1 Firmware, and the problem still occurs. As to high resolutions, it is happening for me with 1280 x 1024 using a Samsung 940B DVI Display.

I concur that it is a Graphics Driver / Memory Management issue.

Please, can someone from Apple please have a look at this?

They usually don't look at the forums on a regular basis. You should either use the bug reporter or the feedback form to let them know about it. They probably do know but making some noise about it will increase the chances of a fix coming sooner.

I have raised a Bug Report .... let's see how this goes.