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Dell Issues Bios Update to Help With Nvidia GPU Trouble

Posted 07/28/08 at 09:38:25 AM  by Chris Moody

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Dell has issued BIOS updates for their notebooks with the troubled Nvidia G84 and G86 GPUs that have been dying in notebook computers at a statistically higher rate is exacerbated with GPU temperature fluctuations. If the GPU fails, you may see intermittent symptoms during early stages such as: multiple images, random characters, lines on the screen, or just plain no video. As Dell points out if you are already experiencing the issues you see above the BIOS update won’t fix them. Your GPU is on its way out.

Dell’s statement is pretty serious since it lays the blame right at Nvidia’s doorstep saying the higher rate of failures are because of a weak die/packaging material set.

Dell says it will provide support for customers “who have experienced GPU failure according to the terms of the system warranty”. In other words if you didn’t get the extended warranty and it’s after the standard one year warranty your S.O.L on your GPU, but I wouldn’t let that stop you from beating on their door. It may not get you anywhere but at least it keeps them from forgetting that these things are out there and causing problems.

What do you think? Is Nvidia in trouble with these thermally sensitive notebook GPUs?

G84-G86
COMMENTS:4
TAGS: dell, nvidia, gpu, hardware, videocards, notebooks, G84, G86
COMMENTS
avatarGuess HP wasn't The Only One

Submitted by nsvander on Mon, 07/28/2008 - 7:42pm

In the original article I thought nVidia said that it was a handfull of parts that was release to just HP.  If Dell has issued a BIOS fix the means they suspect they will have or are having issues.  If that is the case looks like nVidia was holding out on everyone.  This is the kind of shady business practice that the dog needs to set loose on.

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avatarDell isn't to blame here.

Submitted by gatorXXX on Mon, 07/28/2008 - 10:12am

Dell isn't to blame here. Nvidia is! Nvidia probably thought in the lines of their overpriced desktop GPU's that people, especially power users, would upgrade to a new laptop within 18 months as performance progresses to have the latest and greatest, so most users wouldn't even experience the problem.

ThE OnLy wAy 2 pLaY!

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avatarCan't blame Dell

Submitted by zodi on Mon, 07/28/2008 - 9:02am

I think whether its under warranty or not Nvidia should step up to plate and replace it.  As for Dell anyone who doesn't get the extended warranty (especially the complete care) on a laptop needs there head examined.  Especially if you actually take it off your computer desk and actually use it elsewhere.

 

Used my Dell for school and complete care saved my a** quite a few times as little problems here and there.  Not to mention 3 day return time after I send it back.  A few others who had acers and toshiba's had to wait up to three weeks and some stuff wasn't even covered. 

 I am not say Dell is the best, but you can't really beat there completecare warranty.  Anyways I digress.

Nvidia step up to plate and replace what you manufactured especially if its a defect.  The consumer shouldn't suffer because its out of warranty.

 

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avatarI'm glad I don't own

Submitted by dwr50 on Mon, 07/28/2008 - 7:03am

I'm glad I don't own anything with Dell or Nvidia written on them... and never will. I hope other manufacturers are paying attention to this problem. This is a prime example of quality taking a back seat to proffit.

 

Acer Aspire 5610z,Vista HP, No problems with Vista... so far, but I'm learning Linux, just in case.

Acer Aspire 5315-2153, $348 Walmart Special,Mandriva Linux 2008.1 Spring Edition

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