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2004 VGN-S170, Corrupt Display Adaptor?

Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by joeag, Sep 13, 2007.

joeag Newbie

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Sony tech support says my ATI Mobility Radion 9700 graphics adapter may be corrupt and if I want to repair it is $600 plus downtime.

I can get the computer to run at a reduced screen size, but functionality is limited. (I have to start the computer in safe mode, uninstall the adaptor, then restart in regular mode, and my screen size is 1024x800 (not filling the screen). Any attempts to change resolution cause the machine to die and reboot continually.

I have already tried to update drivers without success.

Has anyone had this problem and is it worth getting repaired or just buy a new machine.

Thanks!

joeag, Sep 13, 2007

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Eleison Thanatos Eleison

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If updating the drivers doesn't work and even changing the resolution is causing a crash, Sony's right, it's a bad video card, but at $600? That's a no-brainer...you can buy a low-end new notebook (that still has newer/better graphics than the 9700) for $500, or you can buy a pretty nice one for around $1000.

Eleison, Sep 13, 2007

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joeag Newbie

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Thanks, that's what I figured. Kind of bummed I only got 3 years out of this machine, but I guess that's the way it goes. $2,200 when new!

joeag, Sep 13, 2007

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