14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has officially acknowledged an issue with ATI X1900 XT graphics cards that shipped with Mac Pro systems between August 2006 and January 2008, according to a Support document posted online by the Mac maker.
The company admits to the faulty hardware, saying “Apple has determined that certain ATI X1900 XT cards sold for use in Mac Pro and Mac Pro (8x) computers between approximately August 2006 and January 2008 may experience distorted video.”
It adds that, “Affected graphics cards have "V6Z" in the last 4 digits of the card's serial number.”
Should you have one of these Mac Pros, and should you be affected by distorted video, the only resolution is to “bring your computer's serial number and the graphics card itself into an Apple Authorized Service Provider or an Apple Retail Store location for verification and to exchange the affected graphics card for a new one.”
According to the Cupertino-based electronics vendor, graphics cards that have "V6Z" in the last part of the card's serial number are affected, thus they are the only ones covered by this replacement program.
Apple asks customers to note that if their Mac Pro has an ATI X1900 XT card but is not exhibiting any signs of distorted video, “you do not need to exchange it.”
The company doesn’t specifically state whether or not these users can still replace their hardware, should they observe other types of issues related to the graphics card in question.
“If you believe you have paid for repair or replacement due to this issue, contact Apple regarding a refund,” the Mac maker adds.
Apple specifically notes that “This program covers affected ATI X1900 XT video cards three years from the original date of purchase or until January 31, 2011, whichever provides longer coverage.”
“Apple will continue to evaluate the repair data and will provide further repair extensions if needed,” the Support document also reveals.
Finally, the company does not extend the computer’s standard warranty coverage under this worldwide program, the document says.