T60p GPU Burned Out?

The cooling fan on my T60p (Build 8743 with the 256MB ATI FireGL V5250, T7200Duo & 1680x1050 display) sounded like a blender when I got back from lunch. I shut down, got a replacement fan, and installed it. On bootup, the display had a little "snow/static" during and subsequent to bios - I can read the screen enough to make out text.

During bootup to WinVista32, I got a BSOD with a reference to ATIKMDAG.SYS. I can boot into safe mode, but can't (don't know how) run any diagnostics. I can't get the external VGA output to work in safe mode to verify it's a GPU problem and not an LCD connection issue.

Someone told me the VRAM is burned out, and that my laptop is essentially dead (short of replacing the motherboard, which doesn't make financial sense).

2 questions:
a) Is there anything I can do at this point?
b) Does it have any value for alternative use other than selling on ebay for parts (I have a docking station, spare power plug, etc). Does this have any value for parts?

Thanks- FF

 

I don't think it's the gpu problem!

I think the machine does have use as a parts source and I'm sorry this happened for you.

Renee

 

Doesn't the GPU have thermal shutdown when it reaches critical temps like the CPUs?

 

I'm don't know (which is why I'm reaching out to the community). It would be nice if I could run the laptop without the GPU, even if it means sacrificing high-end graphics and/or screen resolution (basically, just use it for a internet box to with which to surf). But I can even get past the BSOD.

 

You need a GPU inside, otherwise you can't get a video signal out of it.

 

As far as I'm aware, without a GPU, you won't have any graphical output, period. I've never heard of such an issue, but at this point in time, you might want to consider a replacement machine anyways (the T60 series is like 4 years old, no?).

 

I actually ordered a T420 last night, but I was hoping to salvage the T60p. It's a great machine, nice keyboard, awesome display. Most of what I do is writing & surfing, so something new doesn't offer much benefit. I actually still use my T22 (running Puppy Linux on it) because I liked it so much.

I was hoping some guru could weigh in on my options for the GPU

 

try reinstalling the heatsink.

While the ATI GPU is fairly robust, but severe overheating for prolonged period with inadequate cooling measure will cause it to fail. I have seen couple of these examples in several T60p that was left to run in dusty environment for prolonged period.

 

Sorry I wasn't clear - I installed a new heat sink/fan. Ran correctly immediately, which is when I noticed the display snow. I was pretty careful with the thermal paste on the CPU and the contact points on the GPU.

 

I think he's suggesting to try it again just in case.

 

was the replacement fan and heatsink new or second hand?

 

It was a refurbished fan/heatsink combo. It was an exact match.

One additional clarification - The snow/static started as soon as I booted after changing the fan (it could be seen during the BIOS startup).

Per recommendation, I verified the heatsink was making proper contact - As best as I can tell, it's good (there are 3 obvious contact points).

Is there any way to get past the BSOD during boot up (see my original post for how it fails).

Thanks- FF

 

I beleive your GPU is beyoned repair if you have snow on screen at Thinkpad logo screen, it's only VGA at that point.

Does it look like this?

YouTube - ‪MacBook Pro ver 2008 broken GPU‬‏

 

Here is what I get (my upload - skip to the 1minute mark): YouTube - ‪Lenovo T60P GPU Failure‬‏

All the distortion you see is real - No recording artifacts.