Dell extends warranties for Nvidia flaw

Author: Gareth Halfacree
Published: 20th August 2008
Comments (9) Stumble
Dell extends warranties for Nvidia flaw

GeForce GPUs fitted to certain laptops have a known design flaw, so Dell is extending the warranty by 12 months.

If you've been concerned by the news that a range of Nvidia GPUs used in laptop computers may suffer from a design flaw, there's some good news at last – at least, if you're a Dell customer.

First spotted by Engadget it appears that, in reponse to admissions from Nvidia that a range of previous-generation graphics chips developed for use in notebooks have a serious design flaw that adversely affects the product lifespan, Dell has announced that customers with laptops containing affected chips will have their warranties extended by an additional twelve months to cover any failure in the GPU.

The link on Dell's blog includes a list of laptops covered by the warranty extension – and, therefore, known to have the GPU glitch. The list includes the Precision M2300, M4300, and M65 models, the Inspiron 1420, Latitude models D620, D630, D630c, D820, and D830, and the Vostro 1310, 1300, 1510, and 1710 models. Those of you who have shelled out for a top-end Dell XPS will be less than impressed to hear that a pair are included in the watchlist – the M1330 and the M1530.

Although the warranty extension program hasn't officially launched, Dell's chief blogger Lionel Menchaca is advising that details will be “available in the next few weeks,” and that he will share details via the Direct2Dell blog as soon as any are made available to him.

Do we have any readers with laptops included in the list from Dell, or did you all manage to dodge that particular bullet? Share your thoughts over in the forums.
Quote DOA Draven 20th August 2008, 11:23
Interesting, an extension of 12 months warranty only? I thought the Sales of Goods Act covered known manufactoring faults for much longer than that?
Quote dr-strangelove 20th August 2008, 14:18
Quote:
Originally Posted by DOA Draven
Interesting, an extension of 12 months warranty only? I thought the Sales of Goods Act covered known manufactoring faults for much longer than that?

I doesn't apply in computing because even perfect computing devices will break from repeated use
Quote lewchenko 20th August 2008, 14:39
Atleast Dell acknowledge the dodgy Nvidia graphics cards in their latops ?

Where does Apple stand on this issue. The latest macbook pro's all seem to use the 8600 series of 'flawed' GPU's.. Not touching any laptop with an nvidia mobile GPU until Im sure which are defective/which are not.
Quote LA26 20th August 2008, 19:45
I just purchased a M1530 and when I saw this post I sent a Dell representative an email asking was I receiving an additional warranty as well.

I was told that the problem has been fixed and replaced.
Quote kenco_uk 20th August 2008, 23:38
There seems to be a lot of people asking if the Vostro 1500 is affected by this issue, as it's not included on the list. Anyone heard anything?
Quote DOA Draven 21st August 2008, 10:26
Quote:
Originally Posted by dr-strangelove
Quote:
Originally Posted by DOA Draven
Interesting, an extension of 12 months warranty only? I thought the Sales of Goods Act covered known manufactoring faults for much longer than that?

I doesn't apply in computing because even perfect computing devices will break from repeated use

I understand that computing parts eventually fail due to repeated use, however nVidia have admitted to a known design fault that will terminate the products life earlier than would be expected, therefore this product is not suitable for the prurpose it is intended for.

The chipset is inherently faulty. The Sales of Goods Act covers computers and computer parts.

While I commend Dell in taking the first step and offering an extended warranty, the chipset is inherenty faulty, one would resonably expect a chipset to last at least 4-5 years average use, so if fails early because of the known fault, techincally you could still claim for replacemnt/fix as the unit is still under 'warranty' till six years old. Might be difficult to prove, and burden of proof will be unpon the consumer by then.

So by then you might as well go out and buy the latest and greatest new laptop anyhow. :-)
Quote r4tch3t 23rd August 2008, 03:51
I have an XPS and hope it will last for another 3 years, if it does it will be fine. If the GPU dies, then I can jsut replace it as it is an MXM module. By that time the laptop will be outdated, so I could turn it into a low power server or HTPC and thus I could drop just about any mxm card I could get my hands on that can handle HD.
Quote Hazardous 24th August 2008, 05:34
Quote:
Originally Posted by LA26


I just purchased a M1530 and when I saw this post I sent a Dell representative an email asking was I receiving an additional warranty as well.

I was told that the problem has been fixed and replaced.

They've "fixed" the problem, by "replacing" Nvidia cards for ATI cards in their new Studio range

Unfortunately for the owners, there's nothing else they can do about laptops out there which have the problem cards in 'em - other than extend the warranty period :(
Quote Amon 24th August 2008, 06:00
I'm a bit concerned, here. The Vostro 1500 is not officially outlined, but it is a near-perfect replica of the 1510.
Log in

You are not logged in, please login with your forum account below. If you don't already have an account please register to start contributing.







Mobile Phones

LG Arena ReviewHTC Magic Review

Compare over 250 mobile phones &
52,000 deals!



Broadband

Mobile Broadband

Compare over 100 broadband & mobile broadband deals online!