Replacement policy for hardware failures?

I've had 2 GPU changes and 1 HDD change in the past. Now, I've got a GPU issue where it heats up to cut-off temp and then it instantly shuts down. In a previous thread, I was told this happens at 108 C. Was happening during Trine 2 and now with L4D2 as well. I've got v-sync enabled so my fps doesn't go above 59-60. From what I can tell, the fan on the primary GPU is never going to its full speed so over heats. The other stays at 80-85C max for most games.

I'm still under warranty so I plan to call Dell this week to get it replaced, again. My question is: Is there a number of hardware failures that can occur before the laptop gets replaced? This may have been there in the past (3 failures), not sure if it still applies. HW spec as per sig: Dell/Alienware M17x Black | QX9300 @ 2.93 GHz | 8 GB 1333 MHz RAM | GTX 280M SLI

 

well if they don't have any 280m's on hand they are gonna have to replace your system. I think the policy is to have the same component replaced 3 times and then they will give you a new system, but don't quote me on that though. Good luck!

 

I had mine replaced a few months ago. When they wanted to send a fourth part I asked it it wasn't time they gave up and sent me a replacement. He said he'd check, came back and started to build a replacement config.

This it totally at dell's discretion though, unless you can invoke some local 'lemon' law, they can just keep trying. The engineer I spoke to said that after 3 on-site visits I was entitled to a replacement but then said that he probably shouldn't have said that as it's an internal guideline...

 

I think they will have 280M's on hand. My last replacement wasn't all that long ago. But yes, this would count as my 3rd GPU replacement.

Internal maybe but I'm sure it's been mentioned on these forums before, which is why I brought it up.

Guess I'll call them and ask. If I can't game properly, I might as well get a Mac instead

 

you could probably also try the program hwinfo to increase your fan speeds when your gaming. If you look a the complete fix for the GTX580 throttle they put together an awesome guide on how to use hwinfo and its amazing!

 

Yeah, it's come up a few times, all I was trying to say is that you can't demand a replacement on that basis. Just ask and hope but the "I'm sick and tired of not being able to use my AW for what I purchased it for, and it cost a lot!" attitude is how I went about it. Try and get the tech to feel your pain

Good Luck!