Sep 25 2008
Desktop Computer - Dell XPS Nvidia issue
Today I had to call Dell. The XPS desktop gave up and refused to boot. This is not the first time – the locking up started shortly after it was delivered. Internet forums are filled with users of various Nvidia graphics cards complaining of locking up, blue screens and the error “NV4_DISP”.
The issue is the 9800 series Nvidia graphics card installed in this XPS desktop. After talking to Dell tech support for over 1.5 hours they agree with me. Thankfully this computer came bundled with a fantastic warranty. The warranty is for 4 years, onsite, next business day, nights and weekends.
I was surprised with my experience concerning Dell support. As soon as all of the preliminary information was verified I told her that the graphics card was going out. It was very difficult to describe what the monitor looked like so I was instructed to unplug all peripherals, network cable and power cord from the back. Next I was told that I was going into the case.
Normally this would not cause me trepidation but I have had to break into Dell cases before. All of those hidden latches drive me crazy! This case appears to be easier to open and it is. Just pull the handle on the top and the side panel nearly falls off by its self.
Removing the Nvidia graphics card was not so easy. Two screws, 3 plastic tabs and 3 plugs later I was ready to pull. I did and it did come out. Replacing it was just as fun. After two unsuccessful tries I laid the CPU on its side. I could see things more clearly and on the third try was successful.
This exercise in futility and a quick monitor check confirmed my original thought. Sometime tomorrow some Dell repair person should come to my home with a new Nvidia 9800 series graphics card and a new hard drive in hand. I guess they may be throwing in a hard drive or maybe that is part of the problem – I don’t know for sure and at this point I don’t care. I just do not want to see that error code again.
