MacBook Pro A1260 TIP

MacBook Pro A1260 with damaged GPU

 If this happens to your MacBook Pro and you know that your GPU is a Nvidia 8600m GT, have no fear! Also, don't try to fix it, don't do anything!

This is caused by the GPU due to a packaging defect. The symptoms are artifacts on the screen and no DVI output. Apple takes full responsability for this and will replace your whole motherboard for free!

Here is a quote from the apple support site:

"In July 2008, NVIDIA publicly acknowledged a higher than normal failure rate for some of their graphics processors due to a packaging defect. At that same time, NVIDIA assured Apple that Mac computers with these graphics processors were not affected. However, after an Apple-led investigation, Apple has determined that some MacBook Pro computers with the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor may be affected. If the NVIDIA graphics processor in your MacBook Pro has failed, or fails within four years of the original date of purchase, a repair will be done free of charge, even if your MacBook Pro is out of warranty."
 
You can read more here http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2377 . Actually i would advise you to print this before going into an Apple store.

 

Do this before it is too late! You have four years counting from the original date of purchase!