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    VAIO - flashing red pixels, problem with graphics card?

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by Smay, May 28, 2010.

  1. Smay

    Smay Newbie

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    hey guys,
    My Vaio is about 6 months old and is awesome (aside from the really super loud fan) and now it started to display red flashing pixels-mostly where black or dark colours should appear. Is this a problem with the graphics card? I'm hesitant to send it in because it was bought in sanfran. and I am in new zealand!
    Could anyone give me a pointer as to what to do? is there some easy solution to fixing it? reformatting?
    thanks! sarah
     
    Smay, May 28, 2010
    #1
  2. heavenly_wild

    heavenly_wild Notebook Deity

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    Yes it definitely sounds like a video card / hardware issue.

    Try reinstalling the video driver and see if that fixes the problem but usually when you get lines appearing, it's a video card problem.

    Take it back to Sony NZ, they should be able to cover it - most Vaios (if not all) have a one year international warranty.
     
    heavenly_wild, May 29, 2010
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  3. 5ushiMonster

    5ushiMonster Notebook Deity

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    First off...
    - Your model no.?
    - And like heavenly_wild suggests, first try reinstalling the video driver and if that don't work, try taking it in.

    I understand that you have to apply for international warranty through a Sony site. I think the Oceania models, you can apply for it through the VAIO Oceania support page. I am unsure about models from other continents.

    To maximise your chances for a free repair, I would suggest taking with you the receipt (just to prove when the machine was bought).

    Rather curious, but can you see the issue when you are a few feet / metres away from the screen?
     
    5ushiMonster, May 29, 2010
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  4. Smay

    Smay Newbie

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    hey thanks guys! It's a VAIO Laptop with Intel® Core™ i7 Processor -Model: VPCF115FM/B |
    Don't even want to say how much it cost! haha

    I will try to have a play with the grafics card/video chip. If nothing works I will take it to sony. Thank god for that 1 year warranty!

    I am really surprised that I am having troubles already. I think that shouldn't happen so soon in the game.

    To answer the question: yes, I can see red shimmering pixels from meters away, as the black turn completely bright red. It does seem to go away at times and appear at random. Yesterday I restarted the computher three times and then it was okay...
    Thanks!
     
    Smay, May 30, 2010
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