The Nvidia Issue on Macbook Pros with the Nvidia GT8600 Chip: Macbook Pro’s screen suddenly turns black, monitor backlight completely shutoff, yet system remains functional as normal. Upon reboot, resetting PRAM and SMU results in the same. Connecting an external monitor results in no signal from the computer to the monitor. The Nvidia GT8600 graphics has died, and you have the infamous and feared Nvidia Issue.

My MBP 17″ had the Nvidia issue in October 2008, had it fixed at no cost in about 7 days. However the new logic board was overheating alot, even when it was just idle, it was at about 60-70 degrees, and easily 80 degrees when surfing or gaming, with the fans at max.

Yesterday (8 Jan 2010) the nvidia chip died again, right out of the blue. Just got it in the Apple Service Center in Shanghai, and they accepted the system. Hope they will not call me back and claim it’s not the nvidia problem.

My main worry is, what happens if this happens 1 year later? or 3 years later?
Apple recently extended their ’special warranty’ for this nvidia issue for 3 more years from the date of purchase between 2007 and 2008, but if it breaks down again 2 years later doesn’t that mean we are screwed?

Also, eventually that logic board will be discontinued in production, and there will no longer be parts available for replacement.

As far as I know, the logic board they replace is still the same one with the Nvidia issue, because that defect is not something they can correct without re-designing/structuring a new logic board. That means no matter how many times we get the Nvidia problem fixed, the MBP is still a ticking time bomb!

I think the best way that Apple could really prove their commitment and responsibility to their customers, is to allow owners of the affected models to at least have the option to exchange for a up-to-date Macbook Pro (without the nvidia chip in question) for a special price. That way we can at least be ensured that our fears for our Macbook Pro going kaput has been put behind us, and that will continue a longevity of appreciation of Apple’s service and products.

Mind you that the Macbook Pro 17 inch model is Apple’s top of the line notebook, the most feature-heavy and not to mention expensive model. I really would expect a little more, and certainly a little more longevity for this investment I made.

I hope someone from Apple reads this, and brings it to attention.