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The issue with nVidia chips, and what to look for if yours is failing

post #1 of 13
8/24/08 at 11:34am
Thread Starter 
Downclocking and overheating are some of the noticeable problems with the m15x and other systems using 8600,8700,8800,9600, 9800 cards. To address this issue DELL, Alienware, HP and other OEM's have released new updated BIOS versions that modify the fan profile in the system. (Alienware m15x x34 BIOS update)

The defective nVidia chips real issue though is a weak die/packaging material set, which may fail with GPU temperature fluctuations. (Fans running on high through the modified BIOS profile help to prevent weak die failures by preventing temp fluctuations). If your GPU fails, you may see intermittent symptoms during early stages of failure that include:
  • Multiple images
  • Random characters on the screen
  • Lines on the screen
  • No video
To help keep temps down, it is highly recommended to use a notebook cooler with twin fans that BLOW AIR UPWARDS. A 15" cooler can be modified for a 17" notebook.
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post #2 of 13
8/24/08 at 12:04pm
great advice! thanks for the post!
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post #3 of 13
8/31/08 at 2:28am
Thread Starter 
Updated Info:
the failures are caused by a solder bump that connects the I/O termination of the silicon chip to the pad on the substrate. In Nvidia’s GPUs, this solder bump is created using high-lead. A thermal mismatch between the chip and the substrate has substantially grown in recent chip generations, apparently leading to fatigue cracking. Add into the equation a growing chip size (double the chip dimension, quadruple the stress on the bump) as well as generally hotter chips and you may have the perfect storm to take high lead beyond its limits. Apparently, problems arise at what Nvidia claims to be extreme temperatures.
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post #4 of 13
9/1/08 at 2:41pm
My solder bumps are all fine.

Go figure.
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post #5 of 13
9/6/08 at 1:46am
Thread Starter 
Yep go figure.
You must have the 1 card in existance made by nVidia not using high-lead. A super lead-free card...
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post #6 of 13
9/6/08 at 2:11pm
As I've said repeatedly, I have four of the cards you say are defective. I've had no issues whatsoever. With your claim that all nVidia cards with these chipsets are defective, then I should have four problematic systems.

Why don't I?
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post #7 of 13
9/7/08 at 3:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hammerhead View Post
As I've said repeatedly, I have four of the cards you say are defective. I've had no issues whatsoever. With your claim that all nVidia cards with these chipsets are defective, then I should have four problematic systems.

Why don't I?
Maybe cuz the most gpu stressing game in your arsenal is "Care Bear Adventures".... sorry Hammer J.K.
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post #8 of 13
9/10/08 at 8:39pm
Thread Starter 
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post #9 of 13
9/11/08 at 3:32am
I must kick my Quadro 1600M (equals 8700M GT) with really hard overclocking to get it to 85 C, default clocks run 79 C when stressed.
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post #10 of 13
9/11/08 at 1:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by archalien View Post
Maybe cuz the most gpu stressing game in your arsenal is "Care Bear Adventures".... sorry Hammer J.K.
teehee...

Just for informational purposes, my m9700 has run 12-18 hours a day now for more than two years. My current desktop has an eVGA 8800gtx, overclocked to 650/1500/2000 (stock is 575/1350/1800) and is on 18 hours a day. I play TF2, GRID or DiRT, and just finished Crysis on very high settings at 1440 x 900 (don't know why everyone is bitching, I loved Crysis...). I'm using an aftermarket cooler on the 8800gtx, and it never gets above 62 deg C even after hours of use.

Again, nVidia has seen a higher than normal failure rate for some cards, that does not mean all their cards are defective.
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post #11 of 13
9/11/08 at 9:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hammerhead View Post
teehee...

Just for informational purposes, my m9700 has run 12-18 hours a day now for more than two years. My current desktop has an eVGA 8800gtx, overclocked to 650/1500/2000 (stock is 575/1350/1800) and is on 18 hours a day. I play TF2, GRID or DiRT, and just finished Crysis on very high settings at 1440 x 900 (don't know why everyone is bitching, I loved Crysis...). I'm using an aftermarket cooler on the 8800gtx, and it never gets above 62 deg C even after hours of use.

Again, nVidia has seen a higher than normal failure rate for some cards, that does not mean all their cards are defective.
I totally Agree...
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post #12 of 13
8/21/11 at 5:02pm
Lawsuit alleges Nvidia hid chip defects | Nanotech - The Circuits Blog - CNET News
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-10037632-64.html
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post #13 of 13
8/22/11 at 5:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by BillW50 View Post

Lawsuit alleges Nvidia hid chip defects | Nanotech - The Circuits Blog - CNET News
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-10037632-64.html

Isn't this a bit old? They are on the paying up phase now if I remember correctly

cheers ...
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