How to: Replace your broken (8600M GT) graphics card (in the [I]FL90)

[Dr.Colossos]

No idea, really. You might try flashing the vBIOS to one of a 3650 DDR2 ... but I do no know if that breaks it totally ...

Sorry that I can't be of more help ...

[piphansdk]

but how can i flash bios or vbios with a black screen??

[Dr.Colossos]

there a guides around - just search for "blind flash vbios".

Basically, you create a bootable medium (USB drive) with a tool on it, and the vBIOS you want. The tools takes care of all itself - obviously, as you do not see any output, this method is inherently "dangerous" - do it at your own risk.

[niffcreature]

so i just bought a ati fireGL v5700, that is using the 86m and completly the same as 3650. But, when i turn on the pc, there is black screen, no back light, and the fan spins slowly up to maximum, just like if you try to start without a gfx. is this v5700 or (v700 in description) not compatible?
Here is the ebay-item

Some of these do not have an EEPROM, so there is NO way to put a BIOS on them (at least I am pretty sure).
But I think I can see the eeprom in the listing you showed.
My advice would be to make sure and compare the card you received to the picture and exchange it if its missing some chips. Then at least you know that it is possible to flash the vBIOS.

Make sure to get a ddr3 vBIOS when you flash, ddr2 probably is not a good idea.

[Dr.Colossos]

Got a ATI 3470 working in the FL90.

Cheap replacement, no upgrade for sure.

I still have problems botting Windos 7 normally - I get only black screen, but I didn't test much yet. Maybe drivers, I don't know. Any clues?

Windows loading screen works, do does POST etc. Only when entering Windows login phase, the screen tursn black just before that.

Safe mode works without problems, 640 x 480 has some problem as above.

Maybe someone can comment on this - I will do furthr tests and repost, but not befefore 'after-weekend'.

Cheers

[bigmaster]

Hello, everyone I'm about to change my broken 8600GT:/. Can anyone tell me with offer is best for my compal fl90:

HD3650 MXM-II items - Get great deals on Computers Networking items on eBay.com!

thanks in advance.

[Dr.Colossos]

The one from the seller mokkin worked for me, that's all I can tell you - but as he's the cheapest, I would go ahead and buy from him.

I was lucky enough to get mine for a bit over 50€ four month ago - since then, prices went up like crazy - don't know why.

Good luck!

[columbus]

Hello all,

I've encountered a problem with my IFL90. After the original gpu failed, I baked it successfully and it worked for about a month until it failed again. I ordered a new HD 3650 ddr3 from ebay and after 6 weeks of waiting, I got it and installed the card. When I assembled everything back up and booted, the screen was black and the fan/cd drive starts up. I'm at a loss of what to do now, do you think it is the card or did I do something wrong while installing it?

[Dr.Colossos]

niffcreature is into the DDR3 3650s. Maybe PM him or hope he posts here soon enough.

It maybe a vBIOS incompatibility. Got it from china thru ebay?

I'd resell it, and get one from here.

Worked for me.

Where do you live, if I may ask ..?

[columbus]

niffcreature is into the DDR3 3650s. Maybe PM him or hope he posts here soon enough.

It maybe a vBIOS incompatibility. Got it from china thru ebay?

I'd resell it, and get one from here.

Worked for me.

Where do you live, if I may ask ..?

I did buy the card off of ebay- from a seller called Original Source. I have no clue about how to fix the vbios problem, is it even fixable?