Q: MacBook Pro 2007  NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT issues

You can't replace the graphics card. It needs a new motherboard.

You might be covered by the following program, though I think it's too late:

MacBook Pro: Distorted video or no video issues

If not, I've read that Apple Stores offer a flat-rate repair for about $300 in the U.S.

Do you know if apple service requires a proof of purchase MBP in order to free repair "Disorted video..." issue? I bought my MBP via ebay and I only have such documents like PayPal bill but no receipt from Apple Store. Is Serial Number is not sufficient?

Best regards

I have the same problem here. The Macbook runs fine then occasionally (for no reason it seems) the screen glitches and freezes up. Sometimes it will boot and others it cant evern get past the grey screen.

I took it into Apple today and had it tested. It came up faulty on their GPU test, but as the machine is past the 4 year window there was nothing I could do. Although one genius did offer me £200 off a new machine, which was nice, but I didnt have enough to put towards one. The best thing they told me to do was contact Nivida directly about it and see what they can do. The manager said they may stump up the cost of a new motherboard. I know theres no way Im paying for it!

I recently ran into this issue as well. Its unfortunate but I didn't know about any of

this until my macbook started failing. Now that I've started looking on the internet,

well I found it.

So how was I supposed to know about the 4 year window?

Anyway, did you have any success contacting Nvidia?

Thanks.

Has anyone actually only spent $300 for this repair?  The quote I have from an authorized center is $1,400, plus tax.

It seems Apple have deleted my (and others) posts about this issue which I believe it down to the way Apple handled fixing my laptop (even though it was a very positive one) which is a great shame.

My advice to people is to email Apple directly about this issue and go from there. Good luck!

Hi Reddmanz

How interesting! I posted a reply to you this afternoon asking about Mr. Cook and it appears it was never posted.

It appears a nerve has been touched - how strange. Fortunately I took a print of the discussion page so that's stuffed up their corporate effort - what a load of plonkers. I do have to deal with CEO's, SVP's and the like. All is well until their little apple cart is upset. I have no idea who, or should I say at what level, the editor is that makes these decisions. In most cases they have a lot to learn about corporate trust and public relations. It is highly likely that the person responsible is at a very low level. If he does not think so, he will when he reads this.

Ah well, no Steve to write to - it will have to be the other one - is his name Cook?

Best regards to all and do not get upset by one lowly corporate plonker.

TY

PS To Mr. Plonker - I've been using and buying Apples since 1986 - probably a long time before you were born.

PPS I suppose you pull this before it goes out but at least you will have read it.

My wife recently paid the ~$350 because she had the bad fortune of 8600M problems 4 years and 6 months after her purchase date.

To aleph1965

It looks as though someone took offence to your post!

That's as far as link got to your post. I have now had my logic board replaced. Apple Reseller confirmation cost £66 and independent supply and fit £450 (Apple wanted £536). All is now working well apart from iPhoto Library permissions having been corrupted by Time Machine and an Excel spreadsheet becoming read only. Apparently they are known issues with Time Machine restorations. On top of that, I'm waiting for my re-imbursement for the cost of replacing the Seagate HD in my iMac 27 which is also a now acknowledged hardware failure. That cost me around £300 in May. All in all, not a good Apple year.

TY

I had a problem with my Mac at 4 yrs and 6 months after the replacement window. I tried to get it replaced and the autorized Mac repair shop told me they had to replace the motherboard. Price quoted 800,000won ($700).

Has anyone else had this problem of the graphics card going out within months of the 4 year extendion period,  besides gcfl's post? My previous post was taken down because I found it to be a coincedence that gcfl's post mentioned that their computer had the same lifespan as mine.

I would appreciate any information on how soon after the 4 year time frame your computer's screen went black and if you contacted NVIDIA or Mac about it. Did they get back to you?

My early 2008 MBP failed last night 4 years 6 months taking to AASP to get it checked and quoted repair. These machines cost a fair bit and to fail now really not acceptable. Apple should still pay replacement. This will probably take a while...