Damn it! My MacBook Pro has succumbed to the dreaded NVIDIA graphics processor defect. The NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT apparently can stop working various MacBook Pros from 2007 and 2008. It’s bad enough that Apple extended the repair period to be up to 3 years from date of purchase, which is fortunate since this laptop is about 18 months old and out-of-warranty.
In retrospect, the video had been acting a little flaky lately. Sometimes the displays would not come back up after waking from sleep, for example.
Everything was fine this morning; the system booted normally. I decided to apply the OS 10.6.1 update before I started anything else since it would need a restart. That appeared to go fine, but after restart only 1 of my 3 displays was working. Both the laptop display and the external Cinema Display (connected to the DVI port) were blank. The 17″ LCD connected to my Gefen USB/DVI adapter was working.
I originally attributed this to the OS X update, but that proved not to be the case (PRAM resets and battery removal had no effect). The screens are blank immediately at startup even before the OS loads. So I cannot even choose another OS (Windows or Leopard) to boot from.
Fortunately, the Gefen adapter has its own graphics processor and uses its own drivers, so it is not affected by the dead NVIDIA chip. So I am still able to use the computer as everything else is working fine.
I immediately called the local Apple Store and made an appointment to see a Mac Genius. I’ll be there tomorrow at noon.
Since this is my primary Mac, I really hope it is not out of commission for long. It’s tough working on just a single 1280×1024 screen!
5 Responses to “Dead MacBook Pro Displays”
I took my machine in yesterday to an authorized Apple service centre (no proper Apple stores down here in Melbourne) and they knew exactly what I was talking about. By running the serial number of my laptop and a little diagnostic box (via USB) they established very rapidly that the NVIDIA problem was indeed the culprit. They allowed me to take my MacBook away and told me the new motherboard would arrive in the next two days at which time I could bring the machine in and they would fit it on the spot.
This is the kind of excellent service one expects from a business, and I couldn’t be happier that it has been resolved so quickly and painlessly.
Thanks Paul for your thoughts on the list.
Peter.
Hy!
So you’re saying that it is possible to get it work with a Gefen adapter on an external display?! Does it require any installation, or simply plug and go? I’m asking this because I’ve read through the manual and it’s drivers are only for Win. Thanks!
@Thomas Yes, the Gefen adapter works great. It does require drivers; it’s not just plug-and-go. Unfortunately, it doesn’t ship with Mac drivers on the CD, but you can get them here:
http://www.displaylink.com/support/mac_downloads.html
Mine just died today. I can remote desktop to it and everything else works. Taking it to Apple Monday.
Hi,
My MBP was out for 4 month with no video – thought it was the NVidia-Problem but diagnostics at Apple reseller said no (and the external video oout was working, so no faulty video card). As they took over 4 months to get a ned logic board here in Mauritius, I took it back and installed Snow Leopard (using external screen)…… Now it works like a charm!