Q: Graphic card diagnostic test availability

There is an on-line, search for Apple Hardware Test, that does a high-level check of the system but the diagnostic tools the Apple techs use at the Apple store genius bar are not available to the public.

Apple Hardware Test

The general Apple Hardware Test, and the Lion-specific AHT.

In that case you would be better off having the techs at the Apple genius bar test the MBP.  The graphics module is part of the logic board so there could be a problem with either and will need the more sophisticated tools of the techs to sort out.

Venus55 wrote:

 

 

I have heard that apple use a USB based test specifically for the Nvidia graphic card and I was wondering if it is possible to perform this test at home.

no its not.

There are some tests Apple can perform over the internet, not sure they can do this one.

Go to the ExpressLane and fill out a repair request and see what they can do to help out with this:

https://expresslane.apple.com

Apple now is able to do some tests remotely, such as testing an iPhone to see if it can be accepted for AppleCare+ during the 30-day window to buy the coverage.  Used to be necessary to bring it to an Apple store for testing but they have the ability for remote testing, at least in some areas.

Doubt they can do a remote hardware test but worth the OP asking to save a 2.5 hr drive.