I think i have a faulty Nvidia GPU :(

So, This happened Twice Yesterday...

I had Parrallel Lines on my screen. Mostly in the Dark areas of whatever was being displayed. It kind of warped and bend around the curves of my desktop (the dark parts) and seemed to move around slightly. They stayed there for like 20 secs. I dont have any other symptoms though. It also happened once when i was closing the lid, but once i stopped closing it, the lines went away. So, is it possible its the connection between the LCD and GPU and possibly not a faulty GPU? Although the first time it happened the latop was still. So, maybe it was just a quincidence it happened when i was closing the lid? I dont know... But i do know my warranty is ending in Feb, so if it has to break, i hope it is soon and not after Febuary when my warranty expires... That would really suck. Any ideas? I have a 8600M GS and bought it around Feb 2008, this year. So, its in the time frame of defective ones. As far as temps, i run HWMonitor when i play games, and the max is usually never higher than 88C One time it went to 92C. So, as far as i know that is good. When the lines appered the GPU Core was ~63C i belive. So what do you think? Is it a faulty GPU? Or is it just a wire that could be coming loose? And if it is the wire, and it disconnects the day after warranty expires, is it possible for me to open it up and connect it again? Thanks, im very worried...

just my luck for having an NBR name: Nvidia...

 

You could check the video cable to ensure that it is secure, but beyond that, this is likely a GPU issue. If that is the case, there isn't much you can do about it; simply take it in for repair and hope that the manufacturer replaced the motherboard that uses the proper solder to secure the GPU.

 

How would i do so. Ive never opened a laptop before... I dont want to mess anything up. I have a dv9700t if you know of a simple step by step guides you could link me to.

So, you think i should send it in to HP and tell them abou the lines now, and hopw they will replace the card or mobo? i dont think they will if it isnt actually broken. Also, they dont sell any systems with the 8600M GS anymore, would they sent me a replacement, like a dv7t or something?

 

Can you reproduce the issue?

 

No, it hasnt happened today yet. I have been testing it, by moving the lid around, but no lines. Could it have been a one time thing?

Now i kind of want it to have a defective GPU IF ill get a dv7t replacement, lol

 

If you play any games, I would suggest trying to run them in order to stress the GPU. In order to send it in for repair, the problem should be reproducable so that the techs can confirm and troubleshoot.

 

ok, i will do so. And since they no longer sell the dv9000 series, so you think i would get a replacement dv7t?

 

They have spare parts, so you'll end up getting a motherboard replacement.

Don't go looking for free stuff, just get the notebook fixed.

 

when my 8600 gt went out i was getting lines all over the screen every time i turned it on. i would get yours replaced as soon as possible because its only going to get worse.

 

the manual you will need. i have a dv9740us. and i have taken it completely apart already.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01295898.pdf
you just need to take off the media bar and unplug then plug back in the cable. push the power button and check t see if that worked. if not, then you will need to split the screen apart and check the video connection at the top.



and it might not even be your gpu.... it could be your lcd screen.

 

There is no way you will get the dv7t and don't underestimate HP's inventory stocking capabilities. For each and every model of laptop released so far, HP stocks their individual parts upto a maximum of 3 years from the date of that model's release in market. So if you bought your laptop in Feb 2008, the parts will be available till Feb 2011.

 

hahahahaha, just long enough for your extended warranty to run out. *LOL*

 

Exactly. Moreover he has to really prove it to them that his current laptop is a lemon to be entitled to get a replacement new laptop and that is going to be very tough.

 

im sure it's just his lcd screen. when they start showing lines...it's usually<b/> the screen.

side note:
plug in an external monitor and see if it shows correctly.

 

OK, well, it doesnt happen very often. Once aday usually very quickly. So ill see if i can connect it to an external monitor one day. But thanks for that link if i do need to dismantke it.

Ok, i shouldnt expect somthing free... Thanks for your help everyone. +rep to all.

 

OK, i think ive Confirmed that it is either the screen or a loose connection to the screen. Because, now, whenever i move the lid, i get some red lines. So, do you think i should open it up now and make sure all connections are stable? Or should i sent it in to HP soon? I guess i hould try dismantling it first, before i send it in, but is there any way after doing that, HP could tell and it could Void my warranty???

 

if you go breaking things and not putting things back as they should be...they may say something. but basically it's put the screws back. put the little rubber tabs back and all is well. now if your not really feeling good about taking it apart...then just send it in and wait the 2 to 4 week process to get it back. most people take them apart so they dont have to wait. and allot of the times it's something the end use can actually fix. and if you can't fix it, then they send it in and and it gets sent back fixed. it's very rare that they say you voided your warranty.(speculation of course)

 

I agree with what john said. If you are not a veteran of opening up laptops, better don't do it and leave it for HP. I would say why take chances with the warranty void thing.

 

Here are some pics... 1st is regular, 2nd is when i tilt/move my display, and 3 is a close up so u can see that they are small parrallel lines...

 

Yes, its definitely the LCD Screen, if you get the red when you move the lid.

I agree that you should send it in also, just to make sure nothing wrong may happen.

 

i have a spare 1440x900 screen. brand new if they dont want to replace yours.