In July 2008, NVIDIA announced that some notebook computers with NVIDIA graphic processors manufactured with a certain material set were failing in the field at a higher than normal rate. Since that announcement, Sony, in cooperation with NVIDIA, has been looking into any possible effect to VAIO® notebooks with NVIDIA graphic processors. Until recently we had not identified any VAIO models that were affected by this issue.
However, after closely monitoring the situation, Sony has now determined that a very small percentage of VAIO computers with the NVIDIA graphics chips may experience this issue. These PCs may exhibit distorted video, duplicate images or a blank screen due to a failure of the NVIDIA graphics chip.
Applicable Models
This issue only applies to the versions of these VAIO® computer models that came with a NVIDIA® graphics chip:
- VGN-AR1xx, VGN-AR2xx, VGN-AR3xx
- VGN-FZ1xx, VGN-FZ2xx, VGN-FZ3xx, VGN-FZ4xx
- VGC-LT1xx, VGC-LT2xx
- How to determine if your unit has an NVIDIA® graphics chip.
Resolution
As a part of our commitment to quality, for any customer who requires repair of their VAIO computer due to the NVIDIA graphics processor issue, Sony will cover the cost of repair (parts and labor) at no charge and, in addition to the standard limited 12 month warranty, Sony will provide a three year warranty extension for the NVIDIA graphics chip.
- If you are currently experiencing this issue, please contact us at 1-888-868-7402 to set up a repair service at our Sony repair facility.
- If you have experienced this problem in the past, please click here for more information.
Questions & Answers
Q1. How will I know if my unit is affected?
A1. Affected units may exhibit distorted video, duplicate images or a blank screen on the computer screen. This issue only applies to the versions of these models that came with an NVIDIA graphics chip:
- VGN-AR1xx, VGN-AR2xx, VGN-AR3xx
- VGN-FZ1xx, VGN-FZ2xx, VGN-FZ3xx, VGN-FZ4xx
- VGC-LT1xx, VGC-LT2xx
- How to determine if your unit has an NVIDIA® graphics chip.
Q2. How long will it take to have my VAIO computer repaired?
A2. For computers shipped using Sony’s carrier and container from the continental United States, it should take approximately 7- 10 business days to complete the repair.
Q3. Will Sony be offering refunds for affected computers?
A3. Sony will not be offering refunds for affected computers. However, we will gladly repair your computer at no charge. Please note, if you have experienced this problem in the past, please click here for more information.
Q4. I lost my service receipt, how do I get another copy?
A4. Please contact your servicer for assistance.
Q5. I have an onsite service contract. Why do I have to send my PC in for repairs?
A5. In order for your PC to be covered under the Sony extended warranty, it must be verified that the unit is experiencing this problem.
Q6. Can I get a refund on my extended service plan?
A6. No. The extended service plan covers the entire computer, while the three year extended warranty covers the NVIDIA graphics chip only.
Q7. Can I have my computer graphic chipset replaced even if my unit is not exhibiting these symptoms?
A7. Sony is not replacing the graphics chipset unless they are experiencing failure.
Q8. If my computer is exhibiting these symptoms, can I still have my PC repaired after my 12 month warranty has expired?
A8. Yes, if you have one of the applicable models that is equipped with an NVIDIA graphics chip.
