Parts of screen getting messed up.

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Hi,

For some reason ever since yesterday parts of my screen have been getting messed up, and the only way to fix them is to log in and out. Sometimes its my dock, sometimes there is a weird outline around certain windows. I really don't know what is going on.
Here's a screenshot of one time it happened:
Screen%20shot%202010-05-01%20at%208.12.56%20PM.png
 

chscag

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It appears to be related to a graphics problem. Since the screenshot shows the same thing that your display does, that probably eliminates the display.

I believe your machine uses the Intel GMA X3100 integrated GPU. I haven't heard of any problems with that chipset but that doesn't mean yours is OK. If it continues, you may want to consult someone at Apple and have them look at it. If your machine is covered by Apple care, definitely take it on in.

Make sure your fan is working and that the machine is not overheating. If you have no warranty left or Apple care and you know what you're doing, you may want to open the machine up and clean it out. Use canned air and blow the dust from around the fan and CPU heat sink. Also clear out the vents.

Regards.
 
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Can you test with a second display and MB set to mirror?
 
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i have the same problem. i dont have apple care and im not comfortable opening my macbook. is there any thing else i could do. screen shot shows black blocks on top left of screen and black line on my dock icons.

Screen shot 2010-05-03 at 1.29.41 AM.jpg
 
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Try running the hardware test that came with the computer to see if that shows any issue and if it makes it work better for a while.
 
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how do you get to the hardware test?
 
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It came on the Disc that came with your computer.
 
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ah! cant get to that til tomorrow. ill post results tomorrow. thanks.
 
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im in the same situation as sithvdv (no apple care, no warranty and i am not comfortable opening the macbook) - ill also try running the hardware test as soon as i can.

thanks!
also, if this problem does turn out to the be graphics card, is it permanent damage to the card?
 
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im pretty sure i dont have that graffic card. is there another solution?
 

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You have a problem with the graphics card. chscag has provided the best answer. There is no easy answer for this hardware problem. If you're not willing to open it up yourself to try cleaning it first, your next step is a trip to Apple.
 

bobtomay

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What is sithvdv?
 
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rohan.xlr8
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took my computer to the apple store - the logicboard (motherboard) needs replacing.
 

chscag

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Unfortunately the GPU is integrated within the logic board. Soldered to it using a method called surface mounting. The only way to swap out the GPU is to change the entire board.

You can check with other authorized Apple repair centers to see if any of them will do the job for less. There are several good on line service centers that are reliable. Some advertise replacing the logic board with a refurbished one. That may be a way to save.

LINK

LINK

And finally, do it yourself: LINK

Good luck.

Regards.
 
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hi rohan,
i actually reinstalled leopard on my macbook and it fixed it. not sure how long it will last, but it has been a week without weird blocks or anything. just make sure to back up everything.
 
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rohan.xlr8
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well what happened was that my hard drive crashed in between so that's when I took it to the apple store, since then I've got a new hard drive and had to reinstall snow leopard from scratch - and the problem went away for a while, but came back a few days later (although there aren't as many blocks).

I guess my GPU really is dying :(
 

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