In July 2008, NVIDIA publicly acknowledged a higher than normal failure rate for some of their graphics processors due to a packaging defect. At that same time, NVIDIA assured Apple that Mac computers with these graphics processors were not affected. However, after an Apple-led investigation, Apple has determined that some MacBook Pro computers with the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor may be affected.
If the NVIDIA graphics processor in your MacBook Pro has failed, or fails within four years of the original date of purchase, a repair will be done free of charge, even if your MacBook Pro is out of warranty.
Via Apple Support
Since I have been affected by this issue, I thought I'd throw up a quick post for anyone else who may get bit by it. Apple has extended the NVIDIA 8600M GT graphics processor recall on MacBook Pros manufactured around 2007/2008 to four years from date of purchase.
Update: My son's machine was in fact covered under the recall, and the local Apple Genius Bar was able to diagnose and replace the motherboard in the unit in a day, no questions asked. One thing to note, your video has to have failed before they will fix it though. If your MacBook Pro from that time period is still running okay, you'll have to wait for it to fail before you're covered.
My screen failed in the manner described. The dealer ran the test and says that it did not produce the right code and this means no free logic board replacement for my 3 year old 17" macbook pro. This means US$700-$800 for a logic board replacement.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone else experienced this?
Did you have an Apple Genius run the diagnostic by taking it to an Apple Store? If not, definitely do so. And if you did, have them run it again. I recall reading that sometimes running the test a second or third time will finally produce the correct failure code.
ReplyDeleteMy Mac was purchased in 2008. It failed last week and when I took it into the Apple Store to a 'Genius', he did not bother to mention that there was a recall - just said "this is bad - $1400 to replace the motherboard." Second opinions are good! I took it to The Mac Group, who told me about the recall and that my Mac was covered. I am SO not impressed with the bright lights at the Apple Store - or with Apple.
ReplyDelete@Victoria - sometimes you get lucky and get a genius who gives a darn, lots of times you don't. Smart move getting the second opinion on this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks. My macbook pro bought in June 2007 failed just in time before 4 years completion.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to make yours fail in time .. so that you can use the recall .. try connecting it to a bigger external display and watch 2-3 movies back-to-back...
Well, that's certainly one way to do it... ;)
ReplyDeleteMy Macbook Pro I purchased 7/4/2008 has a wave to the text on the screen, Is this covered in the repair recall?
ReplyDeleteDon't know Douglas. It doesn't cost anything to take it into an Apple store and have them test it though. If you live near one, it wouldn't hurt to try.
ReplyDelete