Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Dead Pixels on MacBook G4

Jul 31, 2012 7:23AM PDT

We have several vertical lines from top to bottom on a Macbook G4 screen. I assume these are dead pixels.
Is there any way to get this fixed? All I could get out of the 'genius' at the Apple Store was 'we don't support that computer anymore'.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Clarification Request
A common problem with the G4 line of Macbooks
Jul 31, 2012 9:59PM PDT

which is "mostly" caused by a bad solder joint around the Graphics chip.

You might find that if you press on the left side of the wrist rest, the lines go away.

Sometimes not and eventually the MacBook fails to boot correctly.

You may find somewhere that can reflow the solder around that joint but, as you have already found out, Apple does not do any work on those machines.

Best bet is an Apple Authorized Service Provider, not the Apple Store.

P

- Collapse -
That was the iBook G4
Aug 1, 2012 12:33AM PDT

That was the iBook G4, not the PowerBook G4... Which I'm guessing is what the OP has since it's the closest sounding to MacBook. Though I suppose we would need the OP to confirm either way. Is this a white iBook or a silver/gray PowerBook?

Also, the GPU solder joint issue on the iBook tended to cause the entire screen to flash solid colors, not just vertical lines like a typical LCD failure.

- Collapse -
Correction
Aug 1, 2012 11:40PM PDT

Yes, I meant to say PowerBook G4, not MacBook. I have a new MacBook Pro as well, and mixed up the terms.

- Collapse -
Answer
There are a few parts.
Jul 31, 2012 7:51AM PDT

1. The LCD.
2. The cables.
3. The mainboard.

I'd get prices on all 3 and decide if the 1 or two cheapest parts are worth replacing. The new tech might thing it's the OS.
Bob

- Collapse -
Comments about solder, solder joints, reflow.
Aug 1, 2012 12:21AM PDT

The reliability of solder joints went down as Pb was removed from the solder. It's up for debate if the removal and subsequent higher failure rate resulted in more e-waste. With that out of the way...

The authorized shops tend to swap boards. You may have to use craigslist or ebay to find someone that does chip reflowing since the authorized shops have some rules about this. You may also be demanding it get fixed so they have to do it right to avoid a complaint to Apple and lose their status with Apple.
Bob