What to do if gpu dies?

So I was just playing a game and then suddenly my screen started going haywire. I turned off the computer, waited. And when I turned it back on, it was the same problem, and in fact I got a bunch of black and white bars. I suspect this may have something to do with that nvidia gpu problem from a while back. This is the gateway 7801-u I got from newegg btw.

So, what step should I take now? Call up gateway? I didn't buy any extra warranty btw, but I hear that all computers get a standard 1 year warranty. I've actually never needed to use a warranty before so I'm not sure what I need to claim it. I don't think I have the receipt still but I can look, but in the case that I don't, am I alright?

Anyways, sorry if my post seems a bit convoluted, hope you guys can make sense of it!

Edit: What's the best way of backing up my stuff since I'm 100% sure Gateway isn't going to leave my privacy intact.

 

I would definitely give Gateway tech support a call - if you're machine is in the standard 1-year warranty period, it's covered. Usually, they'll want to see some sort of proof of purchase, so if you can find your receipt, it would help you out.

 

yes call gateway. its definately a bad gpu. and make sure you take a picture of the problem just in case the issue goes away when it gets to their tech. that way you'll have some proof of the problem.

 

Hmm, I waited like 10 mins, turned it back on, and now it's ok. Maybe I should hop back into a game and see if the problem comes up again.

 

Double checking is never a bad idea. If it happens again, it'll just reassure you that it is a GPU problem.

 

When my gpu started to die I could still turn the computer on. But a week later it died completely. So I would call now.

 

Either way it makes no difference. A dieing GPU is just as worthless as a dead one. I hate to say it, but if your GPU dies, you are assured of Gateway replacing your motherboard, rather then just sending back the same old dieing GPU.

 

Hmm, unfortunately I didn't take that picture of the problem.

 

= ( i use to work for hp as one of their techs and alot of times when system comes in with video garble. we would run a 24hr burn-in test if it posted up fine and if it pass then we would ship the laptop back unfixed. =/

 

If its fine now, keep a close eye on your temps. Was it OC'd?

Try a different driver if you can

Theres a place for you in hell


.. jokes

 

T_T i was following standard procedure.
btw this isn't only with Hp techs, acer, gateway, sony, do the same thing. i use to fix em all =P

 

SOP with any repair facility. If you can't duplicate the problem you can't fix it. That is why pictures showing the problem are always a good idea. A tech can hit suspected components with freeze spray or a hair dryer in an attempt to "thermal-shock' them into failure, but that's about it.

You used to see lots of repair tags indicating "repaired cold solder joints". This was tech-talk for "I couldn't find anything wrong so I just touched-up any suspect solder joints that looked less than shiny hoping that took care of the problem".

As there are no self-diagnosing problems, it's (unfortunately) up to the user to provide enough information to point the tech in the right direction.

Unless it's dead...