MBP dented next DVI port.. Does it void fault graphics card warranty

Hi all,

I bought my macbook pro in February 2008 when Penryn Processor model was released. I have had many problems with my display which obviously proves that I have one of those faulty Nvidia 8600M GT Graphics card in it. But I have been quite busy & haven't been able to get it fixed & just today morning I dropped my laptop carry bag on the ground from approximately 60 CM height from the ground. But because of the padding in the bag I just have a little dent right next to my DVI port.

Now, Apple has covered the macbook pros with 8600M GT graphics card for 2 years for Graphics Card related problems. I am also only interested in getting my faulty graphics card replaced for now... But what I am worried about is, will this little dent on the side of my macbook pro void my warranty, even for the faulty graphics card??

Here is the photo...

Similar Dent

I have a similar dent on my macbook pro. I had it in a shoulder strapped bag made of neoprene. I went to pick a textbook up off the floor and the bag slipped off my shoulder and on to the ground. When I took my MBP out of the bag at my next class I noticed that the metal around the DVI port was warped/bent. It still works though, luckily. Did your DVI port still work after it got dented? I understand you have problems with your Nvidia chip but if the DVI port still works then the dent should be considered a cosmetic blemish and in no way should it affect your ability to get the Nvidia chip replaced. They will have to replace the entire motherboard/logic board because the Nvidia chip is soldiered onto the motherboard/logic board.

I didn't like the idea of apple getting rid of the DVI port in the new generation of MBs and MBPs but after this incident I understand why the did it. The mini display port is much smaller and therefore the casing can be stronger. Less holes and smaller holes for the ports = stronger case.

When they open the case, depending on the technician. S/he may be so kind and push the dent back out for you.

If the machine is fully functional, aside from the known-faulty GPU issue, this shouldn't be a problem. If they made an issue out of it, I would definitely push back and ask them for a technical explanation as to why a cosmetic problem voids the warranty extended for a manufacturer's DEFECT.

But I would guess that unless you have a real winner of a tech, they won't make a big deal out of it. I suspect these guys are seeing MBPs with fried GPUs all day long and are used to quickly swapping logic boards without asking too many questions.