Dell D830 graphics display?

Sammie_

All of a sudden my trusty Dell is freaking out!

Trying to describe what is happening is difficult, but I will try.

From the bottom right corner of the screen appears a white cloud which then slowly completely covers the screen so the whole thing turns white. It is not transparent.

On reboot it might be OK for a short while, then the same again.

Does anybody know if my Dell is dead or can this be fixed? That is, of course, if anyone has any idea what I am describing!

davb

Now that's something you don't see every day.

You could try starting in safe mode (F8 on startup) and see if it is the same, or download, burn and try booting off something like an Ubuntu CD, but I think it's more hardware related.

It could be the LCD panel that is faulty, or it could be a bad connection between the screen and motherboard. If you fancy reseating it, then the service manual is here, select display assembly.
I would only do this as a last resort, try the other options first.

Sammie_

Thanks daveb, I have a Ubuntu cd that I can try. It is interesting that you didn't say the graphics on the board because I thought that is what it might be.

I don't have the Dell with me at the moment, so when I get back home next week I'll give your ideas a go.

It might be better to take it to be fixed as I don't have the experience to go deep into the workings.. my knowledge goes as far as upgrading memory and the like.

Thankyou.

davb

Now you mention it, I thought it was an older model - does it have Nvidia graphics.
There have been some serious problems with Nvidia GPU's on Dell and HP laptops, and I believe Dell are adding 1 year on to the warranty for that specific problem -so if it applies to you, it's definitely worth giving them a call.

Sammie_

Yep it is Nvidia.. one phone call coming up next week.. !!

davb

Here is a link to a description of the problem - if you have a few days spare to read it all.

Sammie_

:rotfl:

Well it certainly isn't a quick brouse!

It sounds like a bit of a bun fight on first looking, but the tele is usually poor after New Year so it will give me something to do!

I'll let you know how I get on, but I think emails are my first round with them, phones sound a bit like listening to cr*p music for an hour or so for no answer!

Many thanks :T

steven_garner

The D830 has a dedicated graphics card under the keyboard that can be removed or replaced. as appose to onboard graphics or dedicated graphics built onto the board.
Its more then likely the BGA (Ball Grid Array) causing trouble when it warms/cools/warms/cools.

I would try reseating the GFX card, if you get the same issue i would but a new GFX card for it.
I can probably get the Dell Part number from work if you need it.