More problem Nvidia graphics card details emerge

Tue Aug 5, 2008 12:54AM EDT

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The continuing saga of the buggy/crash-prone Nvidia GPUs continues to develop: Engadget notes that both Dell and HP have released information on the specific machines affected by the problem.

Dell has released a patch which, as previously hinted, runs your laptop's cooling fan more frequently (albeit at slower speeds, so as not to kill battery life) in order to help mitigate the risk of a GPU meltdown. Dell is also hinting that more fixes are on the way, but this current BIOS patch is merely a stopgap measure. Also worth noting: Dell says that if your computer is already displaying video problems of any kind, your GPU is already in the process of failing and the BIOS patch won't correct them. It will only make at-risk systems less likely to crash in the future.

HP has a huge list of machines in both the Pavilion and Presario notebook lines which may be at risk for failure. Look up your HP computer on the linked page and reference the product number (aka "p/n") on the service tag (found on the bottom of your computer). If your model computer is listed, continue along the steps outlined on the page to update your BIOS, if a new one is available. HP also has information on enhancements to the warranty on affected systems that are showing active problems, including free shipping if you have to return the machine for repair. 

Although at least one commenter accused The Inquirer's previous report of being some kind of vendetta against Nvidia, that's rapidly proving not to be the case. As The Inquirer alleged, the affected chipsets aren't just the GeForce 8600 and 8400 series GPUs, but also at least some chips in the GeForce 7000 and 6000 lines and a few in the Quadro series as well. Nvidia still hasn't announced how far back this problem extends, but things are looking grim for any computer with an Nvidia inside.

More details as the story develops.

Comments on More problem Nvidia graphics card details emerge

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  • 1 Posted by epcortek on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:55PM EDT Report Abuse

    What are you talkin about YAHOO. I have owned a 6000 and 7000 in the past and overclocked both. I havent had any problems with any of them for the 2 years i was gaming with them. Look at everyone trash nvidia lately. Where did you get this information yahoo!!! I hope yahoo gets swallowed up by google. YUM!

  • 2 Posted by epcortek on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:55PM EDT Report Abuse

    What are you Talking about I have owned both 6000 and 7000 series cards and have overclocked them both. No Studder in FX or any problem at all in my long Gaming sessions. They ran well considering the high temps they were reaching. Where did you get this info YAHOO!!! What is your source ?

  • 3 Posted by raidergreg3079 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:27PM EDT Report Abuse

    http://apcmag.com/Content.aspx?id=2750 Their is a source. You could also do some of your own research. Just cause your card is fine that means all others are fine too? Do you work for Nvidia or something?

  • 4 Posted by gregorysun on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:13PM EDT Report Abuse

    "but things are looking grim for any computer with an Nvidia inside" What an objective article! The author implies that all nvidia GPU cards are faulty. hehe, dream on! Someone here can call the authorities concerned because author is likely taking some money from some institutions to steal ordinary investor's money by shorting NVDA. Shame on you!

  • 5 Posted by kupriaa1 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:54PM EDT Report Abuse

    why dont we all relax- and lets see what happens- I will say this- these NVDA cards do run hot. So lets be patient and see what happens.

  • 6 Posted by agustin2489 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:47PM EDT Report Abuse

    Honestly, I don't think the problem is spread to the 7000 and 6000 series. It sounds to be a bit much considering.

  • 7 Posted by rogueist on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    Well this is a great opportunity for AMD/ATI to make a comeback! Personally I have always liked both AMD and ATI, and every notebook I have has an AMD processor and ATI graphics card, except my MacBook Pro - I wish they would use AMD's products too and offer options.

  • 8 Posted by hatenumbers1 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:17PM EDT Report Abuse

    my nvidia G8400 on my Dell inspiron 1420 failed already. all these nay sayers to me are hired by nvidia for damage control..i d i o t s

  • 9 Posted by metallicake on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:16PM EDT Report Abuse

    My dv6000 failed already, but they repaired it free of cost. If the HP site is willing to extend the warranty and admit this, I doubt it's something that Yahoo! is making up.. Do people click on the links and sources provided by Mr. Null?

  • 10 Posted by alan_r_cam on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    People laughed when I went for a passively cooled card. Since I don't play many games, it was easy to justify- and now I have the Smirk Of Satisfaction...

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