Replacement go 7900 gs?

Question

The GeForce Go 7900 GS card in my Inspiron E1705 died last week, giving me a blue screen memory parity error, artifacts at the Windows loading screen, and a blank black screen instead of loading into Windows. I managed to get into safe mode and disable the video card, allowing me to boot normally now and run seemingly okay except that I can't do anything requiring the nvidia drivers (apparently this includes running at a widescreen resolution). I am 99.9% sure it is a hardware failure and already tried reinstalling the driver with no success. My system is out of warranty and I would prefer to buy a replacement card and install it myself rather than have to send the system into Dell (and presumably pay extra), but I cannot find a replacement part available on the website here. Does anybody know if there is a way to buy a replacement card, either directly through Dell or elsewhere online? Also, is it possible/cheaper to get the radeon mobile X1400 card which I believe was the other video option when I got the computer, is that card interchangeable with the 7900 gs? Thanks for any advice you can give.

ejn63 · Answer

If you're in the US, the number to call for Spare Parts is:   Dell Spare Parts 1-800-449-3355 ext 7269937

dgkpcon · Answer

You can use the ATI x1400 that would be a huge downgrade though.The Geforce go 7800,Geforce go 7900gs,are the 2 best for the system,7900gs being the best,you can call dell for a replacement card,or go to ebay and get one for $295.00-$350.00 with only a 30-90 day warranty on the card.

Since your system is out of warranty i am not sure if dell is selling them with out of warranty systems,worth a shot though.

bryanray · Answer

you can almost always find them on ebay. I just received my replacement today from an ebay vendor for about $150.....but, that was a better price than most folks on ebay are selling them for. On average, the Dell Go 7900 GS for an E1705 / 9400 system are selling for about $199 to $230. Most are working "system pulls" or refurbs from Dell. Most of the vendors give you from 5 to 30 day DOA warranties. I just changed mine out today. You can find complete directions online (with pics). Just be careful and follow the directions.

Luckily, mine worked great and I finally have my laptop back.

AlchEm1st · Answer

If your gonna take it apart anyways might as well make sure the card is dead before ordering a new one.

I had a similar issue with my e1705's 7900gs and all it needed was to be reseated. Also make sure that the heatsink on the card is clean and put some thermal paste such as artic silver 5 on the GPU and try it again.

Never hurts too check this, it could save you some money.

will321 · Answer

I had this same exact problem. Blue screens and all kinds of bull. I am not that computer savvy so ended uup sending my computer back to Dell. For $500, they replaced the motherboard and video card (as well as the keyboard and palm assembly). However, the problems didn't stop there. I just realized today that they replaced my GeForce 7900 GS with the ATI Radeon Mobility x1400 (so to answer your question, yes, it can be a replacement). However, I have learned from others that it is of far lesser quality. So, I am about to make a call and rant.

I won't ever buy a Dell again because dealing with them has been a nightmare.

If I were you, I would just replace the video card.

Good luck.

ejn63 · Answer

Although nVidia hasn't admitted problems other than with the 8400 and 8600 parts, it would appear the 7-series is affected as well. Dell and others have had failures with this chip, too - and they don't have enough nVidia parts to use as replacements.

pioterpit · Answer

Yeah! Reading all the posts throughout different forums, I wonder how many GF GO 7900 Gs failures must be encountered B4 DELL and/or NVIDIA would admit THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS STUFF TOO.

I reported my GF 7900 failure earlier today.

Locked Topics – Laptops General

Replacement go 7900 gs?

Was this post helpful?