Old W3J video card problems

Hey all,

I'm and old asus w3j owner thats still going 5 years strong with this laptop but with the old age of this laptop comes with video card problems. Every time I play a game, red spots go all over my display after a half hour worth of gaming. I updated to the new catalyst drivers and I'm on windows xp. Anyone know how to get rid of this problem?

thanks

 

I think that is an integrated GPU, in which case you'd need to replace the whole motherboard if it is a hardware problem.

 

its a ati x1600. so its the motherboard thats the problem?

 

Right, but I think that GPU is integrated onto the motherboard, as far as I can tell (not a separate card).

 

Unfortunately, this is usually the symptom of a failing x1600 gpu, and it will likely worsen as time goes on. Using an external VGA connected lcd will not solve the problem. It could also be simple gpu overheating since it occurs only after somewhat extended gaming time. The x1600 was soldered onto the W3j motherboard.

First thing to do would be to open it up and be sure the radiator and fan is clear of dust etc. Second option is to replace the thermal paste on the gpu, which involves complete removal of the heatsink assembly. Third scenario is that the gpu itself is actually failing. This is going to be hard to find as the W3 series is nearly 3 years out of production.

The latter two options could get expensive, especially if a thermal paste replacement doesn't work, and it might be time to just start looking for a replacement notebook. Your best option is to consider how much you want to spend to fix this problem and avoid gaming in the meantime, which could accelerate the decline and failure of the gpu to the point where the screen symptoms start to occur during even normal use. Sorry for the news.

Edit: fixed statements that were corrected by Eddie below .

 

i can’t say that this was a common problem. the video cards sold by old estore were pretty cheap which means demand was low. i sold the last of our spares on ebay a few months ago and it seems they are now gone completely.

no, w3j has a modular card. it does need to be serviced after a few thousand hours. if you did not then this would contribute to its demise

 

Hello,

I am wondering if ATI 3XXX series need a service after some time. Have you ever heard of users complaining about their Mobility Radeon 3XXX series?

My laptop has Mobility Radeon 3650 and I am planning to use it for at least another year. Just wondered.


Thanks and Regards,
r.--

 

f8 series was not a hot seller for me i can not speak for it sorry

and i did not mean to say that the card it self needs service. it simply needs to be cleaned and inspected

 

Thanks + rep.


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