Sager NP8170 Video Card Problems?? (485m)

Hi. I bought a Sager NP8170 from XoticPC back in 2011. I recently started to have problems with it in regards to the screen flashing/flickering constantly. It happened all at once and wasn't something that slowly built over time. I'm not sure what is the cause because when I connect it to another monitor everything works fine. I am hoping that someone here might be able to give some advice. I took it to a local repair shop and they told me that my gpu or motherboard is likely dying. I really hope not, since I have only had the computer for around 2-1/2 years. I was skeptical only because they were so quick to suggest it. Anyhow, I have attached a link to a short video of the monitor alongside a second monitor that I have the laptop connected to.

Any ideas?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghcUy7lgAyY&list=UUC86nDPOcuevYfj08P9EFFw

 

Im having gpu issues as well. It could be the LCD or GPU but I doubt it has anything to do with the mobo. Try gpu baking to see if it may fix the issue.

 

if you plug the lappy into an external monitor and it still has problems it could well be the gpu.
as youve done this and it works fine it most probably could be the screen or the ribbon cable to the screen or something else which doesnt help much i know but with these sorts of problems its try one thing at a time until we find out the culprit causing the problem.

at work now so cant check the video til tonight.

 

Thanks. I'm hoping it's something as straight forward as a loose cable. Before the screen issues I did take the laptop back and forth to and from the school where I teach. Could have been bumped perhaps? I will have to look up what gpu baking is since I am not familiar with the phrase.

 

i can post links later to the baking method as this is a last resort if it defo is a fried gpu.
if you bake it and it turns out not to be the gpu then it will be broken afterwards.
in simple terms when a gpu dies it normally shows lines down the screen. baking it slowly melts the broken solder contacts which will then reconnect when melted.
ive seen this help from 2 weeks to over 2 years so it does vary.

 

Thanks. I have contacted xoticpc to see if they can offer any advice/assistance. If the gpu was going bad, wouldn't the second monitor be flickering too?

 

yup sure would. does your laptop have optimus switchable graphics with intel graphics as well. me old and i get confused with the worldwide model numbers

this is a last resort so try all else thats advised first.

baking The Oven Trick (repairing your broken video card with an oven) | Overclockers

http://forum.notebookreview.com/zep...znote-6224w-but-works-all-brands-modells.html

whatever you do dont use a microwave like one poor member did and then come on here screaming it almost burnt his house down