Used Early 2008 MBP (8600GT), should I be worried for gaming?

[erkanasu]

GF just bought a used early 2008 MBP 15" with a 8600GT. I know these are supposed to have faulty nvidia chips. We were hoping we could play games together, but now I'm worried about her computer failing if we play too much.

Anyone know if apple will still fix these nvidia chips if her computer fails in the next year or two?

 

[Hansr]

Still under guarantee: http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2377

 

[erkanasu]

Thanks you

The writing is slightly ambiguous. "fails within four years of purchase"... Does it matter that she bought it used and has no purchase documentation?

 

[jbrenn]

Thanks you

The writing is slightly ambiguous. "fails within four years of purchase"... Does it matter that she bought it used and has no purchase documentation?

it does not matter if it was used. I purchased one on ebay with a dead board and apple fixed it.

 

[And1ss]

I run the last generation of the nvidia 8600 gt chips fine. Granted, it can't push many of contemporary games (on windows side), but the games are still playable.

 

[Huntn]

I just went through this with my 2008 MBP. If you have a video issue with the computer, take it into an Apple store and ask them to run a video test on it. If it fails, they should replace your motherboard for free.

 

[cluthz]

I had three failures, and Apple replaced mine with a i5 MBP.

 

[Ampidire]

I had three failures, and Apple replaced mine with a i5 MBP.

Oh how I love this policy

CD BlackBook replaced for C2D BlackBook replaced for Unibody MB (trade+cash) replaced for 15" C2D Unibody MBP to i5 MBP (upgraded to HR-GLSY display)

If you count umm, I only paid Apple for the first one and subsequent AppleCare's if they went over the 1yr, using the refunded money from previous AppleCare to buy the new ones (all at Student pricing while I'm in College).

 

[rickvanr]

I had three failures, and Apple replaced mine with a i5 MBP.

I'm at 2, would love an upgrade

Seriously though, Apple's great with warranties.. I wouldn't worry about it failing from excessive gaming, if it's going to go, it's going to go.. Just enjoy your computer

 

[chaosbunny]

I still have one of these and it has been pushed pretty hard in the past 3 years gaming wise. All source games run quite well, sc2 on mid/low settings, Dragon Age 2 are the most recent ones I have played in OS X, and various others in Windows. On mid/low settings you can play most games out there.

Also, mine never acted up (knocks on wood).

Maybe get smc fan control and set the default fan settings a little bit higher, I have mine on 2800 rpm. So the machine never heats up to more than about 65° C.

 

[cluthz]

I still have one of these and it has been pushed pretty hard in the past 3 years gaming wise. All source games run quite well, sc2 on mid/low settings, Dragon Age 2 are the most recent ones I have played in OS X, and various others in Windows. On mid/low settings you can play most games out there.

Also, mine never acted up (knocks on wood).

Maybe get smc fan control and set the default fan settings a little bit higher, I have mine on 2800 rpm. So the machine never heats up to more than about 65° C.

Mine reached about 90°C while gaming with SMC on 5000RPM, well all 3 of them. Maybe you have a better thermal paste application.