repairmaster and my 8790

Insist that it has a hardware problem and send it in. Battery will not be covered by most Warranties.

Typically when your computer artifacts, it's because of the GPU--and with 8790's the problem is typically heat-related. Tell them there is something wrong with your graphics card next time they say it's a "software issue," and it needs to be repaired ASAP. Speaking to a manager is a good idea.

Good luck.

It's a bit of work on your part, but read through the Artifacting threads here in the 8790 support section. You'll get to know exactly why your machine is doing what it's doing. Armed w/ that information, you'll be equipped to do battle if Repairmaster/Warrantech decides that it was just an OS reinstall issue/whatever.

Knowledge is power.

I've always been in the habit of taking a name and/or extension of any human on talk to through tech support, especially the ticket number.

Also, if you call them back, tell them about the battery. Maybe if you're lucky, they'll replace it for you.

How to get RepairMaster to actually repair your lappy

I had the exact same problem, but I managed to get it repaired by Warrentec/RepairMaster.

Couple things to do with this company.

1. They will first require you to talk to a service engineer (which I believe is a Warrentec rep). They will run through all the questions about what your seeing and have you reinstalled your software, and blah blah. Now we all know that there's a artifacting problem due to problematic engineering with GPU proximity to a heat source. It's important that you say you've done everything that they throw at your way (even if you haven't) or you won't be able to get on to an actual service request

2. When you get by the Warrentec watchdog, a RepairMaster rep will call you to set up a RMA. They'll first send out all the packaging required to send in your computer. You MUST MAKE SURE TO TELL THEM YOU HAVE A 17" SCREEN or they'll send the wrong packaging materials.

3. Next, RepairMaster won't repair your GPU unless they can recreate the problem. Make sure you take screenshots of what your seeing artifact wise. Also, install a GPU hog graphic rendering program on your computer, which when run for x amount of minutes, will recreate the artifacting problem. If you don't do this, then they'll say that they couldn't recreate the problem and make you pay for shipping both ways. I know that there are numerous graphic rendering progs around that you can load onto your computer so make sure you get this done before sending away your lappy. You might even want to put the program on a disk and send that along as well as they might reinstall your OS as a first step. If they do that, then your little rendering program would be lost.

4. Finally get the number of the service tech and make sure you CALL THEM DIRECTLY to talk to them about what your seeing. RepairMaster has a web interface that will let you know exactly the status of your lappy in terms of what service is doing (diagnostics, etc). If you see that they couldn't recreate the problem YOU NEED TO CALL AND BE VERY SPECIFIC ABOUT HOW TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM.

Once your send in your lappy, the turn around time isn't that bad IF they can recreate the problem. It may take 1 to 2 weeks to order the new GPU, but the install occurs pretty fast. Also, I think they mail 2-day express.


Hope this info helps.

flobee

Good luck and just so you know, after I got my GPU fixed, the artifact problem disappeared.

flobee

flobee, the problem will only stay gone if you keep your machine clean inside and the temps down by changing the clocks speeds on the GPU.

Cleaning info here: http://www.notebookforums.com/showth...23#post1958723

GPU info: in the Artifacting threads. Sorry I don't have it offhand.

I just received my 8790 back from Warrentech / Repairmaster. They basically had it for over 2 months {it had been shipped back to me not repaired so I shipped it right back to them}. Anew Business Solutions in TX had actually done the repairs. They argued with me that the artifacting was a software problem and I emailed Sager for their diagnosis. They told me to tell them that it appeared as I described it to be a hardware issue with the GPU and should be repaired.

I believe Anew then sent the computer to Sager to replace the motherboard. It is working fine at this point.

I have found Warrentech to be unresponsive in getting back with answers, I basically had to keep calling them to find out what is going on, they would rarely return phone calls, and currently I'm still trying to get my powerbrick back from Anew, who never sent it back to me.

Fried Toast,

You are correct. It's been awhile since I visited that thread. Anybody got a post # on exactly how to underclock the GPU and what seems to be the safest speed? Perhaps it should be a sticky outlining all the steps neccessary to defeat the dreaded artifacting problem. I would think it would include the step by step instructions what artifacting looks like, how to best recreate it, helpful hints on how to get your warranty comany to actually fix it, how to open up the 8790, what exactly to clean, where exactly to place the artic silver thermal glue and finally how to reduce your GPU clockspeed to a safe speed.

I remember seeing a post about the cleaning, but it was with a different model. If someone could point out the thread/post number for all the above concerns, I could try and put together a succint "DIY Abolish Artifacting" tutorial.

Again, I haven't visited this problem in about 6 months. Is there anything I'm missing here?

flobee

I've been meaning to do the same. G-Omaha's got some of the info for both cleaning and GPU information in his review thread. gsferrari, iconcel and some others are also knowledgeable about a lot of the technical side of things here. Might want to PM them for specifics. I've often thought about putting together some sort of FAQ/Sticky for the Artifacting problems, but just haven't gotten around to it.

My experience has been once Sager has the laptop they will usually repair it within 2 to 3 business days and then send it out. The wait is usually due to getting repairmaster or their outsource company to approve the repair. You should contact them and voice a complaint if you have been waiting one month. I had an ongoing problem with them for about 2 1/2 months.