Problems with Monitor after Hard Drive Replacement

Question

I never had any problems with my iBook G4 until the past 6 months. I sent it in once because it wouldn't start up. They were able to fix the problem without replacing the hard drive. It malfunctioned again and the second time they had to replace the hard drive. I've had it back for about a month and 1/2 now and for the past three weeks, whenever I try to use it I get problems with my monitor. I'm not sure if the video card is going out or what? The image on the screen gets chopped up in horizontal and vertical line increments. Its really hard to explain but sometimes it comes in waves and I have to shut down my computer and walk away from it. Other times like right now, I'm able to use it for up to an hour but then it gets choppy again and I can't use it. My Apple Care Protection Plan expires in December and I want to get as much from it as I possibly can before I have to replace the laptop altogether.

Answer 1

sorry,
to clarify, "internal or external;" display
internal = ibook display
external = display connected via display adaptor
Ok, well I max out the graphics on my ibook on regular intervals (games, high-end graphics work, gigabyte photoshop files etc...)
It isn't likely to be the hardware, so here's some suggestions.
LOOSE WIRES/CABLES:
The ibook's internal monitor connects through the central pivot where the ibook opens, the wires in here may be damaged. (you can't fix this yourself, refer it to apple) this could pertain to a loose or defective cable is you are using and apple display connector also.
REFRESH RATE: (this sound like your problem)
to quote a source:
"If the refresh rate is not properly set the monitor may have a wavy or an appearance that lines are going down or across the monitor slowly or fast. This may also cause a flickering affect."
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000242.htm#02
This is set in display preferences. try setting your monitor's refresh rate. (75hz is good)
INTERFERANCE:
Monitors are succeptible to electromagnetic interferance: Speakers, hard drives, phones etc. try moving them away from the monitor.
BAD MONITOR:
finally; and we hope this isn't the problem. if you are not already doing so, connect an external monitor to the ibook using the display connector (VGA only), if the issue persists with the external monitor the problem is software based, if not you probably have once of a small percentage of monitors that just goes "bad" after a time period, unfortunately it's often cheaper to replace an entire unit as opposed to the screen itself (new computer)
Message was edited by: Peter Miller