Nvidia problems with HP laptops

I just stumbled across this article regarding nVidia problems on HP laptop.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13554_3-10020782-33.html?tag=mncol;tback

Last month Nvidia disclosed that due to a manufacturing flaw, some of their laptop computer graphics processors and chipsets are overheating and failing. This is a brief summary of the story for those that missed it.

All of the flawed processors and chipsets are not failing but the frequency of failure is unclear. Nvidia put it this way:

"Certain notebook configurations with GPUs and MCPs manufactured with a certain die/packaging material set are failing in the field at higher than normal rates. To date, abnormal failure rates with systems other than certain notebook systems have not been seen."

The day after the announcement, Humphrey Cheung at tgdaily noted that "significant quantities" of Nvidia chips are overheating and failing.

Two ways that failures manifest themselves are not being able to start the computer and, of course, a blank screen. Dell said that failure symptoms include multiple images, random characters on the screen lines on the screen. HP lists not detecting wireless networks as a sign of failure along with the wireless adapter not appearing in the Windows Device Manager. They also note that if the "battery charge indicator light does not turn on when the battery is installed and the AC adapter is connected" it may be due to this Nvidia problem.

The problem has existed for a while. CNET blogger Brooke Crothers says the HP knew about this since November 2007. At The INQUIRER Charlie Demerjian wrote about this problem back in April of 2007. Last month, Mr. Demerjian offered a fascinating explanation of what's going on in his article Nvidia plays the meltdown blame game. In it he says "...this problem hasn't cropped up in desktop parts yet, but it most assuredly will."

Today, the Wall Street Journal had a story about dissatisfaction with the way Nvidia has dealt with this issue, Chip Problems Haunt Nvidia, PC Makers. The article notes that "Nvidia hasn't recalled the affected chips or identified which models have problems." Nvidia's failure to publicly identify the problematic hardware, strikes me as inexcusable. According to The INQUIRER, All Nvidia G84 and G86s are bad.


On HP's website, this was mentioned:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&cc=us&docname=c01087277&dlc=en

HP Pavilion dv2000/dv6000/dv9000 and Compaq Presario v3000/v6000 Series Notebook PCs - HP Limited Warranty Service Enhancement.

HP has identified a hardware issue with certain HP Pavilion dv2000/dv6000/dv9000 and Compaq Presario V3000/V6000 series notebook PCs, and has also released a new BIOS for these notebook PCs, version F.39 for dv2000/V3000, and version F.3D for dv6000/dv9000/V6000.

My is the DV6500T so I don't think it's affected, but I could be wrong. I'll have to checkup on the info on my laptop later.

 

I believe many folks on this board have said the BIOS enhancement was to have the fan spin all the time thus trying to hold back the failure by way of not allowing it to get so hot...

 

I probably missed it then. Thanks for pointing it out. I used the search but couldn't find any results that pertains to the above.

 

Getting my notebook replaced for the second time in a year (of course i have a 256mb 8600mgs) and i was wondering if the 512mb version from the hp laptops had similar problems?

 

I have a quadro 570m card in my 8510w. Been 3d gaming for a whole year with it with no issues. Hope the business machines were better made then the consumer ones.

 

yup, but the upgrade did not come quick enough for me. my laptop died 1 week later

 

just wondering -

how hot is too hot? is there a range which is acceptable and also won't cause failure?

 

I've been anxiously awaiting my new HP dv7t for over two weeks now. It shipped out yesterday and I should have it by Friday.

I configured it with the 512mb nVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT, but I'm really starting to have second (and third...) thoughts about it!!! I only have a 21-day window of opportunity to return it if that's what I decide to do.

Obviously, I don't want to be in a situation where I have a new $1500 notebook out of service for any extended period(s) of time. I also don't want to have a $1500 notebook that bites the dust a week or two after the warranty expires! (I just went thru a similar situation with my transmission going bad 2,500 miles after the warranty expired. I raised H*LL, blood was drawn, they paid to fix it! But I just don't have the energy to do it again!!!)

Am I overreacting or should I be concerned and considering my options???