Symptoms

In July 2008, NVIDIA publicly acknowledged a higher than normal failure rate for some of their graphics processors due to a packaging defect. At that same time, NVIDIA assured Apple that Mac computers with these graphics processors were not affected. However, after an Apple-led investigation, Apple has determined that some MacBook Pro computers with the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor may be affected. If the NVIDIA graphics processor in your MacBook Pro has failed, or fails within two years of the original date of purchase, a repair will be done free of charge, even if your MacBook Pro is out of warranty.

What to look for:

• Distorted or scrambled video on the computer screen
• No video on the computer screen (or external display) even though the computer is on

Specific products affected:

• MacBook Pro 15-inch and 17-inch models with NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processors
  
  • MacBook Pro (17-Inch, 2.4GHz)
  • MacBook Pro (15-Inch, 2.4/2.2GHz)
  • MacBook Pro (Early 2008)
• These computers were manufactured between approximately May 2007 and September 2008

Important points to remember:

• This only applies to MacBook Pro 15-inch and 17-inch models manufactured between approximately May 2007 and September 2008.
• Not all video-related issues will be related to the NVIDIA graphics processor; some out-of-warranty repairs may not be covered.
• Only repairs directly related to a failure of the NVIDIA graphics processor will be covered.
• Service provider are required to run the provided software diagnostic (Graphics Processor Test) to determine eligibility for covering the repair out of warranty.