July 03, 2008
Nvidia reports problem with laptop chips
Nvidia is releasing a software driver that will cause laptop fans to start operating sooner and thereby reduce the thermal stress on the chips
Recommend ThisNvidia has uncovered a problem with some older graphics chips that shipped in "significant quantities" of laptop PCs, the company said Wednesday.
Nvidia hasn't determined the exact cause of the problem but said it relates to a packaging material used with some of its chips, as well as the thermal design of some laptops. Modern processors generate considerable amounts of heat.
[ Keep up on the latest tech news headlines at InfoWorld News, or subscribe to the Today's Headlines newsletter. ]
To tackle the problem, the company is releasing a software driver that will cause system fans to start operating sooner and reduce the "thermal stress" on the chips. The driver has been provided to laptop makers directly, said Derek Perez, an Nvidia spokesman.
Nvidia will take a charge against second-quarter earnings of $150 million to $200 million to cover the expected cost of repairing and replacing the products, which include graphics processing units and media and communications processors. It didn't say specifically which of its products were affected.
The products have been failing in the field at "higher than normal rates," Nvidia said. In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, it said it was talking to its supply chain about getting reimbursed for some of the costs.
The company also had other bad news on Wednesday. It said it was lowering its revenue forecast for the second quarter due to pricing pressure and delayed product ramps. The company now expects revenue to be between $875 million and $950 million.
White Paper
D2D Virtual Tape Library Replication Primer
This whitepaper explains the terminology and concepts behind Data Replication technologies and establishes some sizing rules through worked examples. Learn the new paradigm in disaster tolerance—protect data anywhere.
Download now »
White Paper
An Alternative to Virtualization for Datacenter Cost Savings
Server virtualization is a popular option for dealing with mounting datacenter costs. Another equally promising approach is the use of an Application Delivery Controller. Citrix NetScaler provides a low-cost way for organizations to reduce their server count and accrue cost savings from a reduction in space, cooling, power and personnel.
Download now »
White Paper
Why Your Firewall, VPN, and IEEE 802.11i Aren't Enough to Protect Your Network
The emergence of WLANs has created a new breed of security threats to enterprise networks.
Included in HP ProCurve WLAN solutions is security technology that alleviates threats from WLANs through:
* Monitoring wireless activity inside and out of the enterprise
* Classifying WLAN transmissions into harmful and harmless
* Preventing transmissions that pose a security threat to the enterprise network
* Locating participating devices for physical remediation
White Paper
Bringing the Edge to the Data Center
Effectively address data protection challenges, implementing solutions that help store and protect business–critical data while cutting costs and improving efficiency and reliability.
Download now »
- Tackling the Top Five Network Access Control Challenges | White Paper
- Opportunities and Challenges with the Convergence of Data Center Networks | White Paper
- Network Operating System Evolution | White Paper
- How Operating Systems Create Network Efficiency | White Paper
- Data Center Survival Guide | White Paper
Sign up to receive Hardware Resource Alerts
Return on Information: Google Enterprise Search pays you back. Get the facts.Analytics: Use your data to drive insights that enable better decisions.See how AT&T can help protect your network. Make IT Work As One at novell.comHP ProLiant G6 Servers. Perform like a superstar, Save like an accountant.HP ProLiant G6 Servers. Perform like a superstar, Save like an accountant.Unified Communications: Thoughts, Strategies and Predictions. Join the discussion.Increase UPS efficiency without sacrificing protectionIn less than 45 minutes, Palisade Systems protects your dataA smarter approach to IT is needed. That smarter approach is IBM CloudBurst.
Complimentary Energy Efficiency Kit - Cut Energy Costs NowRestrict internet access with GFI WebMonitor™. Now 30% Off! www.gfi.com/web-filterToday’s IT means business. New eBook shows you how to align your IT investments.A new level of interoperability. Make IT Work As One at novell.comLimited-time offer: Save up to $100 on Polycom phones. 64-page prescriptive guide to security, compliance, and IT operations.Learn about Foundations of Green IT, from CTO Marty Poniatowski802.11n Drives an Architectural EvolutionSee IBM CloudBurst's self-service user interface in actionVideo: Simplifying the IT environment for better productivity with IBM
