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#1 2009-06-20 11:42 am
VRAM problem
Need a little advice. My iMac (2005 vintage) started getting little square shaped barcodes
around the cursor and desktop icons yesterday. Google searched and from what I found it appears to
be a video problem. Ran Disk Utility and the hard drive tests fine and then ran System Hardware Test
from the original install disk and it came up with an error code on testing the VRAM.
( 2AT1/1/4 113-xxxxx-117) So I assume the VRAM will need to be replaced out of warranty at this point.
One post talked about making sure Voice Over was turned off in Universal Access. I checked and it was
already off so I toggled the on/off for Voice Over and the barcodes went away temporarily. Strange.
What I am wondering is if you have a better source for a repair like this as opposed to taking it back to Apple
or more specifically what that error code means?
It falls just outside of Apple's Repair Extension program by one number. The affected numbers are W8435-W8522
and hers is W8523.
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/05 … ogram.html
Let me know if you have a thought on this.
Thanks!
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#2 2009-06-20 12:02 pm
- Nefarious
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Re: VRAM problem
moving thread to the MyService section
Team Folding: Most Intel Mac users can upgrade to Folding@Home version 6.26.1
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#3 2009-06-20 3:42 pm
- dv
- Negusa Negest
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Re: VRAM problem
Well, VRAM is sodlered on, can't really be replaced.
I'd bring it in and see if they'll fix it under the Repair Extension program. I had my laptop refurbished last year under that program, and it didn't technically qualify. I was ready for the $300 repair bill and they said, "no charge, see you."
"Now commences the process of cutting off the head, which generally takes from an hour to an hour and a half by an expert workman with a sharp blade." -Reuben Delano, Wanderings and Adventures
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#4 2009-06-21 10:15 am
Re: VRAM problem
I thought about trying to reinstall the system software before heading off for a possible repair. Is it possible to do that without messing up the rest of my system? I am running 10.5.7. I searched Apple site on a how to but didn't see one other than a reinstall of Server software. Would I have to go back to my boxed version of Leapord and then reinstall all the revisions after that?
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#5 2009-06-21 10:45 am
- Nefarious
- Snowbelt Tailor
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Re: VRAM problem
There are 4 kinds of re-install:
1. erase and install
2. install, preserving user settings
3. install, but creating all new users
4. re-installing the latest Combo Update http://support.apple.com/downloads/Mac_ … mbo_Update
#1 and #3 are overkill.
#2 is the version of "archive and install" that most people use. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1710
#4 is the safest and easiest to do for now.
I urge you to backup all of your files now.
If the situation is hardware, and I believe it could be, then a re-install probably has no effect.
Team Folding: Most Intel Mac users can upgrade to Folding@Home version 6.26.1
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#7 2009-06-22 3:25 pm
- Robert B Technician
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Re: VRAM problem
It's correct that the VRAM is soldered to the logic board and unfortunately there is no software fix for the issue you are experiencing.
Since this is an iMac, I would take it in to your local AASP (we can help if you're in the Bay Area, CA)
Just for reference, we charge $495 for logic on a G5 iMac.
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#9 2009-06-22 3:30 pm
- Robert B Technician
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Re: VRAM problem
No tax on the repair however we don't offer a shipping option for individual desktops. Where are you located? I might know a good shop.
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#10 2009-06-22 5:15 pm
Re: VRAM problem
Cleveland Ohio
I was also considering taking it to the Apple store and see if they would fix it under warranty. There had been an extension of warranty on models that had video cooling fan issues. If my cooling fan was not working it could have killed the video RAM? I opened it up and there are two fans near the top. One had a little normal dust clinging to the vanes as if it were in service. The one just above it and smaller was absolutely clean. They both spin freely but I question the operation of that one. My iMac unfortunately is just one number above the recall numbers. They had numbers W8435-W8522 .......mine is W8523.
Let me know if you know of a Cleveland repair facility. I would consider shipping it though to California. Thanks for responding!
Last edited by patart (2009-06-22 5:22 pm)
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#11 2009-06-22 6:20 pm
- Robert B Technician
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Re: VRAM problem
I would take it to the Apple Store first (I don't have a referral for your area) and see what they have to say. A malfunctioning fan could very well have caused the issue (we have seen this before.)
Let us know what they come back with and good luck!
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