iMac with Failing Graphics Chip

iMac display with failing graphics chip

This 2009 iMac model A1312 came to us with a suspected graphics chip issue, the computer booted to a screen with a gray box and no desktop, and the client was unable to launch finder or any programs. When we turned the computer on, we were greeted by a unusual display error–green and pink and yellow speckles or dots all over the screen. It’s difficult to photograph, but the screen almost looks like an Easter egg! This pretty, and weird color pattern is unfortunately a sign of a bad video card or GPU chip. Replacement cards are hard to find for a Mac this old, and need to be special ordered. If your computer is displaying a similar strange speckled pattern on the monitor, it might be time for a trip to the repair shop, or a good excuse to buy a new machine!