Graphics corrupted / garbled display on Core Duo MacBook Pro (ATI)

My first-generation (Core Duo) MacBook Pro (with ATI chipset) is having video problems.
When this happens, the graphics become corrupted / display becomes garbled and the computer freezes shortly afterwards making it basically unusable. You can just about follow a garbled mouse pointer around, but it is unresponsive.
The only solution is a hard reset (power button for seven seconds).
Has anyone encountered this problem?
At first, I suspected that the computer was overheating as it seemed to occur only after prolonged use - but in the past two days, it could freeze immediately at login screen basically making it completely unusable.
Apple Hardware Test (on original CD) says "No Problems Found", but I still suspect hardware trouble as this only began occuring a week or so after my computer had the left fan replaced (it stopped working after an earlier problem in January at the Apple Store in Highcross Leicester.
I suspect something ELSE is wrong and that it requires service again, so am planning to go to the store in Birmingham on Sunday (which is closer to me -- I went to the Leicester store last time). What should I ask Apple to look at? The graphic corruption occurs even when running right off the Leopard CD, or even on the Apple Hardware Test!

Hi - thanks for your help with the issue. Just as an update, I brought my Mac in for service on the 8th February at the Apple Store Bullring – and oddly, it worked perfectly in the Store. However, I showed them this thread and the pictures they had – and they replaced the logic board and apparently it's one of the costliest parts ever possible to place, shockingly expensive that it's like the cost of a new laptop! However as it's under AppleCare (well, higher education parts and labour warranty) it was covered. Phew!
I got my Mac back today, and so far, it appears to be working perfectly (though as the graphic problems were intermittent, I'm making sure I do backups!), and fingers crossed, I should now have a working Mac once again!
Message was edited by: mintchocicecream

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