beast811
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Black screen video issue

Hello, I have kind of a hard question.  I have an old macbook (a1226) in which the video card has died. It still works great, just can't see anything on the screen.  Since putting in a new logic board is rather hard, and I can't afford a new one, I was wondering what could work.  Then I thought of a usb to dvi adaptor, in which has an external video card in it.  Do you think that would work?  Is there anything you could recommend?  Another thing I'm worried about is having to install drivers or change settings for it to work, as I need one that works when you plug it in.  Thanks.

Posted on Mar 11, 2016 9:57 PM

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beast811

Q: Black screen video issue

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  • by kaz-k,

    kaz-k kaz-k Mar 11, 2016 11:18 PM in response to beast811
    Level 5 (5,660 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 11, 2016 11:18 PM in response to beast811

    How do you know the video card has died?

    Resetting SMC could solve the problem if it's a screen backlight ambient problem.

    Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support

    Connecting external display via mini-DVI port as mirroring display could work.

  • by beast811,

    beast811 beast811 Mar 12, 2016 12:09 AM in response to kaz-k
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 12, 2016 12:09 AM in response to kaz-k

    I have spent a rather incredible amount of time on this.  I have tried nearly every single thing imaginable.  I've reset the SMC, PMAC, tried recovery disc, tried a flashlight, hooked up an external monitor, ect.  Only thing i have not tried yet is baking the logic board and this.  Do I know for a fact its the video card? No.  But considering all the research Ive gone through, and considering that these models tend to have a problem with the video card, to a point where they once had a recall on them, I think its safe to think it is.