This is interesting as I am having the exact same problem.

I get this effect when I boot my computer for the first time, but if I shutdown and restart it always returns to normal.

I had a similar problem with my I7k which involved reseating the video card once in a while. I haven't had a chance to do that on this box yet, so when I get around to it, I will post my results here.

Right now I have a dual boot (literally) computer.

p.s.

Dear Dell, why are the service manuals only availible for download in Windoze only, stupid .exe zip files? How hard would it be to post a .pdf like all the other files?

-m

I perused the other Inspiron 8100 videocard threads and did some of the things recommended. I opened up my notebook, removed and reinserted the flex cable but still have monitor problems as in the image. Finally I connected my notebook to an external monitor. That monitor had the same problem so then I knew it was my videocard.

I just placed an order with Dell Spare Parts for a replacement videocard. $149. Wow, a bit pricey but I am not surprised. I should have stayed on the warranty.

Well, since I use Gentoo Linux, I think my Dell has another 2-3 years of good use to it so the money was very well spent.

I have had this notebook for over 2 years. My notebook has logged roughly 100,000 frequent flier miles believe it or not (In one week I brought it from Japan to the US and finally to Turkey). It has been banged up so am not surprised I am having this problem.

I also use Gentoo Linux which has been hard on my notebook. A couple weeks ago it took over 24 hours to compile KDE 3.2.1. No one who uses Gentoo Linux has been successful in getting the APM and ACPI to work properly on any of the Dell Inspirons. Hence, my monitor is on during the entire 24 hour compile and I think that may have been the culprit. I am thinking the videocard may have overheated. The Linux community will need to find a way to get the APM and ACPI to work properly.

I can still use it right now with no problem but the flickering comes back and forth many times, especially when I compile applications and use the Konqueror browser.

Your screen shot looks very much like the problem I'm having.  Did you figure out why your video card went bad? 

Thanks.

William

Please let me know if your problem comes back.  Thanks.

Sure thing, my new videocard arrives next week. I actually needed it yesterday but it will take Dell a week to ship it out to me.

My fans are going off as I am typing :-) Actually, I prop up my notebook on two pieces of wood to keep it off of my desk. Works real well. I have to do this since I keep my notebook on most of the day.

I just replaced my current Mobility Radeon 7500 64Mb. This notebook is no longer a game computer.

I have read that some guys did upgrade their videocard but I guess Dell Spare Parts makes it difficult.

I think overheating may be an issue too.  In fact my 8100 is only 13 months old and I haven't noticed either of the cooling fans running lately.  I suppose your fans work ok?  Did you buy the same graphics card that came with your dell or did you upgrade?  I wonder if upgrading is possible?  I have a Mobility Radeon 7500 64Mb.

The new card is working great. I checked my card and could not see anything wrong with it. I also do not understand how it would have overheated. To be honest, it looked like they put a refurbished card in my notebook when I ordered it. Part of the covering on the original card was bent. I now think I got a faulty card.

My new card said it was also refurbished so I am a bit confused on why they charged me $150. You would expect Dell to send you a new videocard instead of a refurbished one, right?

Call Dell Spare Parts and make sure you have your Service Tag number handy. It was an easy process. I had my next day aired to me for an extra $8.

Daniel:

Dell did replace my videocard for about $150.

Did you connect an external monitor to your notebook to see if the problem duplicates itself on the external monitor?

My card is working great. No problems at all.

Kevin

I'm pretty much determind to get a 64MB Quadro4 700 Go GL to replace my Radeon 7500... Dell AsiaPac aren't helpful at all with upgrades, so I'm trying other avenues.

Cheers,

Daniel

I just did a Print Screen to get my screenshot. That button is located above the F10 button.

My video card problem started immediately. At first I thought it was my monitor but to be sure, I hooked my notebook to an external monitor where the same problem was reproduced. That was when I noticed it was my videocard.

Actually, the weird scattered pixels got real worse to the point that I could not use my notebook until the new videocard came in.