Apple to Replace Defective MacBook Pro Video Chips
Apple to Replace Defective MacBook Pro Video Chips
by , 9:10 AM EDT, October 10th, 2008
Apple has acknowledged that the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT video processor found in some MacBook Pro models is defective and the company is offering to replace those chips for free. The defective chips have caused problems that include distorted or scrambled video, or no video on built-in or external displays.
MacBook Pro models that are eligible for the repair program include the 2.2GHz and 2.4GHz 15-inch MacBook Pro, the 2.4GHz 17-inch MacBook Pro, and the early 2008 model MacBook Pro. The affected computers were manufactured between May 2007 and September 2008.
MacBook Pro owners with qualifying machines that are experiencing video-related problems should make an appointment at the local Apple Store's Genius Bar, of contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Apple is also issuing refunds to customers that have already paid for repairs.
Do this to verify which video chip your MacBook Pro uses:
- Choose Apple menu > About This Mac.
- Click More Info in the About This Mac dialog to launch System Profiler.
- Select Graphics/Displays in the Contents column on the left side of the window.
- Look for the Chipset Model in System Profiler's information panel.
 Use System Profiler to see which video card your Mac has. |
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Apple will replace the defective NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT chips in qualifying MacBook Pro models for two years after the date the computer was purchased even if it is out of warranty.
[Thanks to setteB.IT for the heads up.]
Observer Comments
Fri Oct 10, 2008 11:37 am Subject: It happened to me
I already had the motherboard replaced in my 15" 2.4 GHz MacBook Pro in June after it failed with the black screen. Luckily it was still under warranty, so they replaced it for free. Even better, they replaced it the same day, since I was going to leave for WWDC two days after it happened.
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