How to solve Video card error problem?

My thinkpad x200s stopped working suddenly. It just beeps without anything on the screen now. I searched the beep code and it may be video error. The machine has Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD. I am very much a layman, so questions:

1) What could cause a video card failure? Does watching short video clips or youtube a lot cause it?
(I never played video games)

2) What is the solution to video card error? Is replacing the card expensive and must be done by expert? (I opened the laptop and couldn't even tell where the video card is located!) I think this is integrated video card, so probably I am better off buying a new laptop??

Thanks a lot.

 

Video card failure: most likely heat related.

Most likely the video is integrated into the M/B - so unless you can get an X200s M/B installed cheaply, a new notebook is probably a wiser choice.

Did you use the notebook on a bed or other soft/suffocating surface that blocked the intake vents? This is the most likely way the igpu died.

 

No, not all. My laptop is always on the desk with plenty of space under it. I also don't do games or other intensive use. What would be the value if I sell such a machine without repair?

 

Well, you'd be surprised what people may pay for parts - sometimes more than for a complete and working system.

Intensive use doesn't have to be playing games. It could be an accumulation of dust bunnies in the vents and running the system at high ambient temps with moderate and even low cpu/gpu intensity (if the dust is choking strategic parts from the airflow).

Doesn't matter in the end though. Getting a new M/B (because gpu is soldered on...) is the best time to get a new system/platform instead.

In the meantime, did you try connecting to an external monitor and see if it is the video card or the screen that is at fault?

Good luck.