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    Sager 8170 Video Driver Trouble

    Discussion in 'Sager and Clevo' started by foodies, Dec 4, 2013.

  1. foodies

    foodies Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello!

    About a week ago my laptop spontaneously stopped working. The sager boot logo and windows logo load, but as it approaches the password screen it just turns black. After a lot of tinkering and completely wiping the laptop I figured out the video driver was causing this. When using the driver provided on the disc and the beta driver from AMD's website the blank screen occurs again. When downloading another version of the driver off another website the installation fails to complete or it installs and nothing happens. Please help me find a solution! I am all out of ideas and convinced it's a lost cause. I'm prepared to sell it, but I'm afraid it is not worth much. The video card by the way is AMD Radeon 6990M.
     
    foodies, Dec 4, 2013
    #1
  2. Prostar Computer

    Prostar Computer Company Representative

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    Unfortunately, the 6990M has a known history of a higher than average failure rate. Since your system uses the AMD card for display (rather than later systems that used the Intel chip in Enduro setups), there's not a lot you can do to troubleshoot.

    One thing you are welcome to try - at your own risk - is the baking method of reflowing the card. I don't advise this, but it has worked for quite a few users when they're in a bind (although it tends to be a temporary fix).
     
    Prostar Computer, Dec 4, 2013
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  3. foodies

    foodies Notebook Enthusiast

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    Do you know if there is a list of video card compatible with the Sager 8170? I'm going to look into purchasing a new one. Or do you think it would be better to purchase a new laptop entirely?
     
    foodies, Dec 4, 2013
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  4. Support.3@XOTIC PC

    Support.3@XOTIC PC Company Representative

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    For AMD the 6990M and 7970M works. Nvidia the 560M/570M/580M work.

    Prices for notebook cards hold up pretty well over time. I'd see what you can get one for, then base your decision on getting a new computer off that. Best place to start is your original reseller to see if they have any around still.
     
    Support.3@XOTIC PC, Dec 4, 2013
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    foodies likes this.
  5. foodies

    foodies Notebook Enthusiast

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    I originally bought it from xoticpc. :p
    I'll check out the website.
     
    foodies, Dec 4, 2013
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  6. Support.3@XOTIC PC

    Support.3@XOTIC PC Company Representative

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    We dont have them listed on our site. You can open a service ticket under our "Contact" section by clicking "Request RMA" even though you're not technically doing an RMA, and we can get availability and pricing for you.
     
    Support.3@XOTIC PC, Dec 4, 2013
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  7. Ellatan

    Ellatan Old Timer

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    They do offer 3 year warranty for $150 or so.
     
    Ellatan, Dec 4, 2013
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