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Brendan
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Flickering Screen, horizontal lines, varies in degree of severity

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I have noticed in the last week that my screen has flickering horizontal lines that appear on the screen. When using the web, the problem becomes worse and often turns the whole screen dark gray / black.

Is there a fix for this that I can do myself? Possibly a loss video cable or something? As for having it repaired, it may not be worth the cost.

thanks

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lemerise
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You say <<When using the web, the problem becomes worse and often turns the whole screen dark gray / black.>>

This symptom looks like a failing GPU (heat generated by streaming video on web). I would connect the PB to an external monitor and check if the video is normal on the external. If yes then the GPU is OK and the LVDS cable may be bad.

+ a distinct possibility

mayer,

To test the GPU, plug into an external monitor, if the screen on the monitor starts doing the same thing at the same time as the Book, that will confirm it.

mayer,

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mayer
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The most likely villain in this is the Display Data Cable (LVDS cable). Try moving the screen up and down and watch for greater activity of the lines while doing so. If it acts up then you need to replace the cable.

Here's the part: http://www.ifixit.com/PowerBook-Parts/G4...

Here's how to do it: Installing PowerBook G4 Aluminum 12" 1-1.5 GHz Display Data Cable

Edited by: mayer ( )

+ comprehesive answer

remacberlin,

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beaniesteadman
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I am trying to fix my mum's laptop which currently has the same problem. My Dad thinks it is the ribbon connector. Do you know where I could buy one of these and/or how much it will cost me? Thanks.

Also if anyone has had this problem fixed them please let me know!

G.

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