Signs your Apple PowerBook G4 15" M8858 needs this repair
- No picture on the laptop screen or on an external monitor
- Vertical or horizontal lines, blocks or random colours
- A picture on an external monitor but not on the built-in screen
- Freezes or crashes during games or video
- The underside of the laptop gets very hot
- Startup chime or lights but no display
How we fix your Apple PowerBook G4 15" M8858
We start by connecting an external monitor. That tells us straight away whether the fault is in the screen and its cable, or in the graphics system on the motherboard.
Graphics chip faults are often caused by heat cracking the tiny solder joints under the chip. We repair these on our rework station or replace the chip where needed, then clean the cooling system to help stop the fault coming back.
How long it takes
We diagnose most graphics faults the same day and tell you how long the repair will take before we start.
Good to know: Keep the vents clear and have the fan cleaned now and then. Heat is the main cause of graphics chip failures.
Entry 867 MHz version of the final Titanium PowerBook G4, sold from November 2002 until the aluminium model arrived in September 2003. More about the Apple PowerBook G4 15" M8858
Common questions
Is a graphics chip repair cheaper than a new motherboard?
Usually, yes. Repairing the chip keeps your original board, which is normally the more economical option.
Will a graphics repair affect my files?
No. Graphics repairs don't touch your storage drive, so your files stay where they are.