It is always something

[mgap]

Started having trouble with my desktop computer in January.  I would get a black screen, that made it hard to use.  So I took it in, and it malfunctions during the countertop quick test, they took it in, it sat for two weeks before they got to it and then found no problems, Ha.
Well, 2 days ago on March one it did it again.  So, off to the repair shop I go(70 miles) the quick diagnosis was bad video card.  The part price was 600-800 dollars.  Ouch! 
I am now using a laptop, and shopping for a new desk top.  I would much rather spend that money(if I had to spend it) by putting it towards a K-14.

[jjrpilot-admin]

Ya a completely black screen is hard to triage.  If your screen either on a laptop or desktop start to flicker or act crazy you can always check your drivers.  Many times screen issues are simply a driver issue that can be updated manually.

[zeebow]

that’s a common flaw in HP laptops, and the crappy part is, you can’t even drive out through an external display when the video card dies

[mgap]

Ya a completely black screen is hard to triage.  If your screen either on a laptop or desktop start to flicker or act crazy you can always check your drivers.  Many times screen issues are simply a driver issue that can be updated manually.

Ok JJ, but how do you do it if you can't get past the black screen.  The repairman who makes his money from repairs just simply said "no can do, you must buy a new card".  should I try a different repair shop? Then again on the resale market, it is worth about 500. bucks.  So I said to myself goodbye old friend it has been nice tapping on you for all these years, you have served me well.