Faulty Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT - Should I leave computer on?

Hi All,
I recently began encountering issues with my MacBook Pro, purchased April 2008. Never had any problems before, and a few day ago, I tried to use skype and green vertical lines appeared across the screen and the system froze. I did a hard shut down, re-booted, and saw the vertical lines again. Once again, system froze. When I tried to reboot the next time, there was no start-up chime, no apple logo, just the spinning wheel and system freeze.
I believe that I have the faulty Nvidia video cards that Apple has issued statements/refunds about. However, I am in rural Mexico for the next month and can't bring my computer into the Apple Store until I return to the States.
My computer won't start at all in regular mode, but it will boot in Safe Mode and function pretty normally. It does take a long time to boot up though, each time I do it. So far, I have booted, shut down, and booted again a day later successfully.
I am wondering if it is better for me to leave it on (and plugged in), rather than shutting down and rebooting when I need to use it? I am trying to use it minimally, but still need it sometimes while I'm here. Is it risky to shut it down each time? I am afraid that eventually, it might not boot at all. But, I don't know if it would be worse to leave it on...
Any advice would be great!
Thanks so much!

Hi-
Safe Mode disables graphics drivers and only allows for basic function of display processes.
This basic environment is much less stressful than with drivers and is why the machine will operate properly; the graphics hardware is not "pushed" to work.
I wouldn't worry about turning the machine on and off, or even sleeping, while using Safe Mode.
It does take longer to start, but this is due to system checks, function disabling and system repairs that occur during the startup process in Safe mode.
I would limit use to essentials, turn it on when needed, off for overnight and extended periods, and definitely get it to an Apple repair center as soon as possible.

Similar Messages

My early 2008 has a faulty NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT GPU.

A random day my early 2008 MacbookPro could not turn on its display when i powered it on. I sent it to Apple and they told me that it has a faulty GPU. (and that it was a known issue for the "NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT") But there have been 4 years and 4 month since I bought it.
They told me that thay couldn not fix the problem because I bought that Macbook 4 years and 4 months ago. It cant understand why I have to pay for a known faulty hardware problem!
I really loved using that macbook pro for 4 years but knowing that it has a known faulty hardware and that Apple is not willing to help me just makes me angry.
I LOVE APPLE so i think there may be a way to get this done. THX

Hi-
Safe Mode disables graphics drivers and only allows for basic function of display processes.
This basic environment is much less stressful than with drivers and is why the machine will operate properly; the graphics hardware is not "pushed" to work.
I wouldn't worry about turning the machine on and off, or even sleeping, while using Safe Mode.
It does take longer to start, but this is due to system checks, function disabling and system repairs that occur during the startup process in Safe mode.
I would limit use to essentials, turn it on when needed, off for overnight and extended periods, and definitely get it to an Apple repair center as soon as possible.

Early 2008 MBP w/ NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor fail

My beautiful Macbook Pro 17" (early 2008) just started getting stripes on the screen and randomly shutting down; research and a call to a local Mac repair person say this is the known problem with the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor.
What do I do now considering the class action suit in the States, and it being 2014? Do I take it to my nearest Apple store and request a fix/replacement?
I've been a Mac user since the early 6100, moved to my beautiful G4 ('Albert', as he was lovingly known), then on to the eMac 800. Bought the Macbook Pro 17" in May 2008 because I needed it to travel with but now it's presenting with vertical stripes and will suddenly shut down for no reason.
Have a Mac Mini which is my main machine, but I really need the MPB for when I travel abroad.
I don't think it's fair that the machine I bought, which I now I find out has a known issue with the graphics card, won't get dealt with because Apple closed the replacement programme in December 2012 (according to this page on Apple MacBook Pro: Distorted video or no video issues). And if it's a known faulty piece of hardware that was installed in their machines, how can there be a time limit on the replacement? If I only use my machine once in a blue moon that means it will, logically, fail much later that a person who uses a machine every day, so why do I lose out. I spent just the same amount of money to buy the new machine as everyone else so where are my consumer rights?
If there's an Apple representative that would like to respond and resolve my issue, I would be grateful. I can take my machine to the nearest Apple 'genius' bar tomorrow for the diagnostic to prove it's a faulty Nvidia graphics processor.
I'm hoping my dad with his Dell PC, which he bought in 2005 and is still running, is not right to scoff at my Mac love!
With kind regards,
Tracy Shorrock
@Freelancealot

Hi Kappy,
I found my nearest UK store in Solihull, but it tells me there's no availability for appointments with people with Macs until Friday at 4pm!!! I'll be leaving the country on Thursday and need this sorted out before then.
I don't want to delay my flight, drive all the way to Solihull to be told my MBP is out of the time perioid available for the replacement programme. What exactly do you mean by 'take it in for a service'? If it's the Nvidia card as everything points to, what will they do?
Thanks for your time, and suggestions.
Cheers,
Tracy

MacBook Pro A1260 with NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor

Hello,
I booted my MBP 2.5Ghz Core 2 Duo this morning and was greeted with a startup chime and then a pink 'chequer board' effect on screen while the apple logo appears faintly in the background. The OS doesn't ever load because the startup sequence seems to freeze shortly after this.
I think this sounds like the infamous NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor failure
If so, am I correct in thinking Apple may still be addressing the failure, free of charge. I think it's supposed to be up to 4 years from date of purchase, but given that this macbook was discontinued in Oct 2008, and it's now sept 2012 it would make it very tight, perhaps even exceeding the cutoff, becuase I can't remember the purchase date.
Does anyone know the restrictions to this offer? Do you need the original receipt/invoice? Does the MBP need to be standard, or can it have been upgraded with SSD or 2nd Hard Drive, or anything? Are they even strict on the cutoff date? Anyone have any experience on what to expect? I'm fearing the loss of time and projects while this is being sorted out
Thanks all.

It's a little late for me to jump into your discussion, I only read it when I posted an issue with the same model.
Well, I hope you got it fixed soon enough in 2012, because as I learned in the past few days after purchasing that model and reading up on the issues, Apple stopped the care for this fault on December 7th or so in 2012.
Seeing that people still get problems due to that graphics card, I should try to return the used one I just bought. I might run well now, but who knows how long.

HT203254 MacBook Pro 2007 NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT issues

I have a MacBook Pro from 2007 that all of a sudden went black. Unfortunately it was out of warranty by one month when it happened. What would be the least expensive way to replace the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphic processor. Also, is there a way to use a different graphic processor?
Is it difficult to replace it by myself? Thanks...

Hi Reddmanz
How interesting! I posted a reply to you this afternoon asking about Mr. Cook and it appears it was never posted.
It appears a nerve has been touched - how strange. Fortunately I took a print of the discussion page so that's stuffed up their corporate effort - what a load of plonkers. I do have to deal with CEO's, SVP's and the like. All is well until their little apple cart is upset. I have no idea who, or should I say at what level, the editor is that makes these decisions. In most cases they have a lot to learn about corporate trust and public relations. It is highly likely that the person responsible is at a very low level. If he does not think so, he will when he reads this.
Ah well, no Steve to write to - it will have to be the other one - is his name Cook?
Best regards to all and do not get upset by one lowly corporate plonker.
TY
PS To Mr. Plonker - I've been using and buying Apples since 1986 - probably a long time before you were born.
PPS I suppose you pull this before it goes out but at least you will have read it.

MacBook Pro met NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT-grafische processors: vervormd beeld of geen beeld (2007-2008)

Re: Artikel: TS2377, Apple website (MacBook Pro: Distorted video or no video issues)
Specifieke producten waarop dit van invloed is:
MacBook Pro 15-inch en 17-inch-modellen met NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT-grafische processors
MacBook Pro gebuikers opgelet!
Letterlijke tekst op de Apple website: "In juli 2008 heeft NVIDIA openlijk toegegeven dat er een hoger percentage defecten bij de grafische processors is dan normaal, vanwege een verpakkingsfout. Tegelijkertijd verzekerde NVIDIA Apple ervan dat het probleem niet gold voor Mac-computers met deze grafische processors. Na het uitvoeren van een onderzoek constateerde Apple echter dat het probleem mogelijk gold voor enkele MacBook Pro-computers met de grafische processor NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT. Als de grafische processor van NVIDIA in uw MacBook Pro defect is of binnen vier jaar na de datum van aankoop defect raakt, wordt er kosteloos een reparatie uitgevoerd, zelfs als de garantieperiode van uw MacBook Pro is verstreken."
Waar dient u op te letten:
"Een vervormd of een verdraaid beeld op het computerscherm. Geen beeld op het computerscherm (of extern beeldscherm), zelfs wanneer de computer is ingeschakeld"
Mijn ervaring met de Apple helpdesk:
Ik kocht mijn MacBook Pro 17-inch-model in de week voor Kerst 2007. In december 2011 was de MacBook nog geen 4 jaar oud toen de kuren begonnen.
Ik had net een upgrade gedaan van OSX Snow Leopard naar Lion, en ik verweet Lion dat het meer gebruik maakt van geheugen en video: de laptop werd heet en de fan blies bij het minste of geringste. Met als gevolg dat de laptop hing (in jargon op internet fora: 'freeze of the screen').
Op enig moment ontstond dit verschijnsel al tijdens het opstarten. Soms moest ik wel 20 keer rebooten om de MacBook aan de praat te krijgen. Ik wisselde Memory chips op aanraden van iemand op een forum, batterij er uit start knop indrukken en battarij er weer in, maar niets hielp. Dit gebeurde steeds vaker en ik zocht op internet naar vergelijkbare kenmerken.
Alles wat er op internet over dit onderwerp te lezen valt heb ik gelezen.Die waren er in overvloed maar de relatie met de videokaart vond ik pas rond de Kerst 2011 toe iemand verwees naar bovenstaan artikel TS2377 op de Apple Website. De relatie werd mij duidelijk omdat de computer niet hangt: de harde schijf reutelde door maar de muis was onbewegelijk.
Begin januari ging ik twee weken op vakantie, maar bij thuiskomst kreeg ik de MacBook pro helemaal niet meer aan de praat. Ik baalde stevig omdat ik de MacBook pro voor mijn werk nodig heb zodat ik de laptop naar een door Apple erkende serviceprovider (AASP) bracht.
Wat blijkt? Had ik de MacBook pro een maand eerder gebracht dan wilde Apple de kosten van vervanging van het moederbord (waar de grafische processor op is gemonteerd) vergoeden. Sterker nog, de Apple helpdesk verklaart dat de computer geen dag later dan 4 jaar oud mag zijn om voor de regeling in aanmerking te komen.
Dus mensen die twijfelen: DIRECT contact opnemen met een door Apple erkende serviceprovider en die datum schriftelijk laten bastleggen als BEWIJS voor later! (advies van de Apple helpdesk)
Ik heb sterk het vermoeden dat door de hitte als gevolg van het gebruik van Lion, het soldeerwerk van de processor slechte verbinding is gaan maken. Dat de MacBook Pro 27 inch heet wordt is een algemeen bekend verschijnsel. Nog geen jaar geleden moest ik de bartterij vernieuwen (drie jaar na aaschaf), omdat deze deze zo bol ging staan dat het trackpad niet meer functioneerde. Maar Apple geeft helaas ook geen garantie op batterijen!
Ik betreur dat Apple geen coulance betracht met mijn - verder nog prima functionerende - MacBook Pro 17-inch met NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT-grafische processor. De eneige oplossing die ik nog zie is aanspraak maken op het 'consumentenrecht'. Ik adviseer iedereen dan ook contact op te nemen met de rechtsbijstandverzekering als Apple in deze casus niet meewerkt.
U bent gewaarschuwd.
Bart Lensink

If your internal display works, it's not the nVidia problem. The language in the article you quoted states that a non functioning internal "or" external display is an indicator of the problem. That's a little misleading (and could be cause for confusion). In all cases, the internal display would have an issue. If you also happen to have an external display, it would experience an issue as well. If your internal display is functioning properly, your GPU is functioning properly. Of course that still leaves you with getting your external display working. Fortunately, the Bravia is a popular model and it is likely others here have used it and will hopefully chime in with their experiences.

Compiz-fusion, nvidia GeForce 8600M GT, no Compiz-fusion configurator.

Hi there,
I have few issues with the Compiz-fusion...
1. I have the Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT card, one thing is for sure - i can play The Witcher without any trouble. And Compiz-Fusion is running very slow... Maybe not very slow, but i think, that a card that can handle The Witcher - should have no trouble with sth like Compiz-Fusion... I've installed the newest Nvidia drivers, everything seems to be OK... But it isnt... C-F is running slow, making me mad ;]
2. I can't use the ccsm... AFAIK, ccsm should be the graphical configurator for Compiz-Fusion... But i have some trouble with locales... i'm using Polish locales, and the (standard?) en_EN UTF8 locales...

Thanks for the reply.
I did that, restarted Xserver with Ctrl+Alt+Backspace
no black screen after fusion-icon command this time (I suppose because Option "AllowGLXWithComposite" is off)
but when i select Compiz as a Window Mnager from fusion-icon I have no borders in my windows and no effects and I canot switch throw windows. Why is that...?
after fusion-icon command I take this exit:
* Detected Session: kde
* Searching for installed applications...
* No GLX_EXT_texture_from_pixmap with direct rendering context
... nor with indirect rendering, this isn't going to work!
* Using the GTK Interface
* Starting Compiz
... executing: compiz --replace --sm-disable --ignore-desktop-hints ccp
Xlib: extension "GLX" missing on display ":0.0".
Xlib: extension "GLX" missing on display ":0.0".
Xlib: extension "GLX" missing on display ":0.0".
compiz (core) - Fatal: glXCreateContext failed
compiz (core) - Error: Failed to manage screen: 0
compiz (core) - Fatal: No manageable screens found on display :0
Why I take Xlib: extension "GLX" missing on display ":0.0".
and
compiz (core) - Fatal: glXCreateContext failed
compiz (core) - Error: Failed to manage screen: 0
compiz (core) - Fatal: No manageable screens found on display :0
is there something wrong wiht my drivers? I installed them from the official repo.
Last edited by TreeMinds (2008-05-25 16:02:32)

Reset NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics driver

How can I reset my NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics driver in my MBP 2.2 GHz, 2 Gb RAM, Mac OS X 10.7.2? When I start it up, white screen appears OK, but when the login window should appear, the screen goes black, and I need to connect my external monitor (Apple Cinema Display 23-inch DVI) to see the image. When I finally log in, and I go to the System Preferences panel and try to detect my MBP display, it seems that it does not exist.
I have tried everything: resetting PRAM, fixing permissions, etc, but nothing happens. I even formatted the HD, and tried to reinstall OS X Lion, and in this case, both monitors work as mirrors (weird, eh?). As it did not work, I tried to install the original OSX that the installation disks have, but starting the installation process from the disk did not work, because the video is scrambled (weirder!). So it is not a hardware problem, and I think the NVIDIA drivers are corrupt, but I don't know how to fix this problem. Can anybody help? Thanks in advance

Hi
Are you getting the MacBook Pro repaired ?

NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT - What does Apple use for replacement?

I have had 'issues' with my display on my MBP 2.4 since Jan. '08. I've documented this w/ Applecare (so there is a list of reported issues so they can see there's a problem as it's not something I can replicate at the Genius bar). It's still under warranty, but my concern, and question is this...
I'd like it fixed. But, If I bring in my MBP (again) to Apple and let's say they say it is the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT that's faulty, WHAT WILL THEY REPLACE IT WITH? Another 'faulty' chip? [I realize the whole board has to be replaced]
Is there a definitive answer to what NVIDIA chip Apple would use? I've read that they are using the SAME likely-faulty product. That is not good news. And if NVIDIA has acknowledged the problem, do they have a FIXED Chipset for this model?

My best guess is that the replacement boards also have the faulty chip. The fact that the affected MBP production run all the way to the last ones made (Sep 08) leads me to believe the there is no other option but to use the same video chips. BTW please do not assume that since the nvidia chip is soldered on the logic board that it can't be replaced. These Rev.2 boards could very well be just rebuild ones with the video chip replaced at a central workshop equipped to do such a thing.

NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT driver for Vista x64

Hello,
I have an issue with my new MacBook Pro 2.4Ghz 17" that was released on the 5th of June, 2007.
It has NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT installed on it and I simply cannot find Vista 64 bit drivers for it.
I have tried the latest beta Vista x64 drivers (163.11) downloaded from nVidia's official website. I have tried several previous versions including 100.97 one, which contains drivers for 8600M GT model. But they don't work with me. All the driver installation programs allert the following error and quit:
'The NVIDIA Setup program could not locate any drivers that are compatible with your current hardware. Setup will now exit'.
I also tried Vista 32-bit drivers for 8600M GT. The driver installation program claims the operation system is wrong and quits.
Anybody has the same issue?
Does a working driver of nVidia GeForce 8600M GT for Vista x64 exist at all?
MacBook Pro 2.4Ghz Windows Vista nVidia GeForce 8600M GT

There was one Apple's presentstion where they boot into Windows Vista. So if you claim you can do it why do you forget about Vista x64 customers? I reckon it is because of Leopard that is coming. But it's not an excuse.
I'm currently working in Vista x64 and everything is fine except one thing, I cannot find a working graphics card driver and it is manufacturer's responsibility to provide it. Apple knew there going to be customers who will install Vista x64 on their computers and they at Apple didn't care about it because I guess it's a lame war between you know who.
So why you don't make everything perfect to attract even more Windows customers but instead you hint that you don't care about Vista x64 as you are getting your own 64-bit OS soon. So now they are forcing me to wait having been announced that I can use Vista. But isn't that kind of lame that it's slightly tardy? Why I should wait for Leopard launch if I was insured that Windows will work on my Macbook Pro? Because Apple claim you can run Windows. And don't say it's not official. Who else if not Apple made it possible to run Windows on Mac.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to insult you. I'm just angry that I cannot find a working driver.
Message was edited by: Melnyk

HT203254 mac book pro 2008 with NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor...

Hi,
I just want to know if my mac book pro 2008 15" with NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor can be changed or repaired?My Mac doesnt have display on it...Sometimes it shows up...but after a while its black screen again..tnx

It's a little late for me to jump into your discussion, I only read it when I posted an issue with the same model.
Well, I hope you got it fixed soon enough in 2012, because as I learned in the past few days after purchasing that model and reading up on the issues, Apple stopped the care for this fault on December 7th or so in 2012.
Seeing that people still get problems due to that graphics card, I should try to return the used one I just bought. I might run well now, but who knows how long.

Will Motion 5 work with the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256 MB?

I have a 15" MacBook Pro Intel Core 2 Duo with a NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256 MB and 4 GB RAM. I need to know if this will work with Motion 5?

Patrick, You should be fine "just" - here is the spec sheet:-
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4664
Alan

DVI to Component video w/ MacBook Pro and NVIDIA GeForce 8600M card...

I just got a new MacBook Pro with the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M video card. On the NVIDIA website for the card, it states:
"Integrated HDTV encoder provides analog TV-output (Component/Composite/S-Video) up to 1080i/1080p resolution".
I have a Sony HDTV that only has component video (Y Pr Pb) inputs (the red/green/blue inputs). It is capable of HD up to 1080i.
If the NVIDIA card does output an analog TV (Component) signal, it should work. However, when I went to the place that sells the DVI-to-Component adapter, I got some bad news:
See it here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E8V0YI/ref=pdluc_sbs_0202
I wrote a question to the Sewell folks about this product and asked this:
Will this work with the dual link DVI-I port on my macbook pro? Graphics card info: Nvidia 8600 GT 256MB of GDDR3 memory Here is the link to the card's site: http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce_8600.html
They answered:
Unfortunately this will not work. While the GPU may support the function, the Mac Version of the cards do not implement the component signal.
I think they are still thinking about the older MacBooks that use the ATI chipset and don't know about the new NVIDIA cards.
Is component really not implemented in the new MacBook Pros?
I have the 17" model that has more VRAM than the 15" and I got the HD screen upgrade.
Does anyone know any solution that will work with the MacBook Pro with the NVIDIA chipset? As I said, I'm trying to output an HD signal from the DVI port on the MacBook Pro to component video input on my HD television.
Thanks for the help.

Sorry, the website for the Sewell adapter is here:
http://sewelldirect.com/dvivideoadapter.asp

Lock-ups/freezes - Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT

Hi all, I have been the owner of a MacBook Pro since August or so. My problem is that when working with my MacBook Pro, occasionally the display freezes up. Sometimes it recovers, sometimes the machine refuse to recover. If I listen to iTunes, I hear the music playing on in the background, which indicates that this is an issue with the graphics chip, and not the computer in general.
I have searched the Internet, and it seems I am not the only one who has issues with the Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT. According to slashdot.org, Apple acknowledges that this may be an issue (http://apple.slashdot.org/apple/08/10/11/1518246.shtml).
Have anyone else experienced these kinds of issues, and if you did, how did you solve them?

Hello! I am feeling a little more secure now that there have been quite a few posts about the poor preformance of the nVidia cards in the SR Macbook Pros, its comforting to know this isn't an isolated issue. I've gone as far as contacting Apple to let them know of the poor preformance. They've were, as usual, very nice and as helpful as they are allowed to be. Currently, I have a replacment on the way apparently, my original was deemd DOA I believe. However, it seems at the time all we can do is report our issues to Apple. My main concern is the legnth of time these machines have been out, and the amount of units sold to unknowing customers who are being sold on what Apple is marketing as a strong feature of the machines: the graphics card. When in reality, the card is extraordinary, the preformance in OSX is extremely poor. It is up to us as consumers to let Apple know how aggrivated we are.
Please, take the time and send your responses and feelings to Apple. You can do that here:
http://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookpro.html

HT203254 Can you find a NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processors

Where Can you find a NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processors. I need one for my MacBook Pro 15" A1260.

the GPU is soldered on the logic board. you would need to buy a new logic board.

Faulty Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT - Should I leave computer on?

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