Is it possible to replace ATI FireGL3200 in my T43p? Help!

[mystiky]

After 4 years of SOLID work, my trusty T43p today started to expereince random screen flashes, garbled text and a few blue screens. I was able to keep the system up and running long enough to install the "latest" ATI FireGL driver but that did not fix the issue. Everything else is running without any problems whatsoever.

I assume that my 128MB ATI FireGL V3200 graphics card needs replacement. Is there a way to do it by one-self? Where can one buy the part if so or would I need the whole motherboard replaced? How much might all this cost at a service center?

My exact model is: ThinkPad T43p 2668G2U

Any and all input is appreciated!

I am in Brooklyn, New York by the way.

[Brad]

Sorry to hear of your T43p trouble. While not as common as the earlier T40-T42 GPU issues I am afraid to say the symptons you describe point to the same problem.

Unfortunately the GPU is integrated into the motherboard so the entire board needs to be replaced.

Check you PM.

Brad

[RealBlackStuff]

Contact GPU Medics if they perhaps can reball/repair this
http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-THINKPAD-MOTHER ... 0509139459
I've had work done by them, and am very happy!

[mystiky]

Contact GPU Medics if they perhaps can reball/repair this
http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-THINKPAD-MOTHER ... 0509139459
I've had work done by them, and am very happy!

Thanks for the suggestion. So it was a soldering issue for you?

[mystiky]

Sorry to hear of your T43p trouble. While not as common as the earlier T40-T42 GPU issues I am afraid to say the symptons you describe point to the same problem.

Unfortunately the GPU is integrated into the motherboard so the entire board needs to be replaced.

Check you PM.

Brad

For the record, I had "Brad" replace my motherboard and it now works like a charm.

Brad is very highly recommended!

[scr71822]

Before I'd replace the motherboard I'd have an attempt made to have the GPU reflowed or reballed. I have a T41P motherboard undergoing that operation right now.