Artefacts on the screen, laptop not detecting the graphics card, freezing under load in games or rendering programmes — in gaming laptops these are usually symptoms of a graphics chip problem. This is one component that’s genuinely worth repairing, because the device itself is worth more than a typical office laptop. We’ll determine the exact cause during a free inspection in 5–15 minutes.
In short: we repair graphics cards primarily in gaming laptops — there the repair always makes more sense than in cheap office laptops, because the device itself is worth more. Depending on the nature of the damage, we either replace the graphics chip or perform reballing.
Our experience
We work with microscopes and soldering stations designed for precision work with BGA chips, which modern RTX and GTX graphics cards are. We have BIOS and KBC programmers, oscilloscopes, and controlled heating tables for the motherboard, which are essential for reballing. We record every repair in our own database — thanks to statistics for specific models and power draw, we can accurately estimate the extent of damage and repair time even at the free inspection stage.
Chip replacement or reballing — what we choose
These are two different methods for repairing the same type of problem. Reballing involves controlled heating of the chip and recreating the solder balls beneath it — it helps when the problem stems from cracks in solder joints caused by, for example, laptop overheating. Chip replacement is necessary when the graphics chip itself is physically damaged and reballing wouldn’t help. Which method we use depends on precise diagnostics — that’s why we always start with measurements, not assumptions.
When you’re looking for this repair
- Graphical artefacts appear on the screen — coloured patches, lines, image distortions.
- The laptop doesn’t detect the dedicated graphics card at all, or switches exclusively to integrated graphics.
- The system freezes or restarts under load in games, rendering, or 3D graphics work.
- The laptop previously overheated severely or had a neglected cooling system.
Symptoms worth watching
Graphics card problems rarely appear out of nowhere — they’re usually preceded by warning signs: increasingly frequent freezing during games, momentary artefacts that disappear after restart, or louder fan operation than before. The earlier you come to the service centre at this stage, the greater the chance that reballing will suffice instead of full chip replacement.
In gaming laptops, graphics card repair almost always pays off — the device itself is too valuable to replace with a new one just because of one damaged chip.
Apenfix technician
What happens if you delay
Graphics chip damage tends to worsen, especially if the laptop continues running under load despite visible artefacts. What could initially be fixed with reballing may later require a complete chip replacement — and in extreme cases, the damage can spread to other components on the motherboard.
How the repair works at our service centre
1. Current draw measurement
A 19 V lab power supply shows whether the problem actually involves the graphics card.
2. Microscope diagnostics
We examine the chip and its surroundings under a microscope, looking for visible damage.
3. Reballing or chip replacement
Depending on the diagnosis, we perform controlled reballing or a complete graphics chip replacement.
4. Stress test
We test the graphics card’s stability under load before the laptop is returned to the customer.
The initial inspection is always free. Extended diagnostics (1–3 working days) is free if you proceed with the repair, and charged only if you decline — we quote the price upfront.
Graphics card repair — we serve all of Warsaw
We accept gaming laptops with graphics card issues from customers across every district of Warsaw — Śródmieście, Wola, Mokotów, Ochota, Żoliborz, Bemowo, Bielany, Ursynów, Praga-Południe, Praga-Północ, Targówek, Białołęka, Wawer, Włochy, Ursus, Wilanów, Rembertów and Wesoła — as well as from the surrounding areas.
We have more than one location in convenient parts of Warsaw, so getting to us is quick and easy wherever you live or work. Our current service point addresses are listed further down this page.
Why Apenfix
Frequently asked questions
Is graphics card repair worth it?
In gaming laptops, that’s usually the case — the hardware itself is valuable enough that repair makes economic sense far more often than with cheap office models.
What’s the difference between reballing and chip replacement?
Reballing restores the solder connections under the existing chip, replacement fits a new one — the choice depends on the nature of the damage.
Do artefacts on the screen always mean a damaged graphics card?
Usually yes, but it’s worth confirming with diagnostics — sometimes a damaged screen can cause similar symptoms.
Could the laptop overheating have caused this damage?
Yes, it’s one of the most common causes of cracks in the solder connections under the graphics chip.
The exact repair cost depends on whether reballing is enough or chip replacement is needed. Current rates are in the price list.
Two service points in Warsaw
Visit whichever of our two locations is more convenient for you.
Location 1 — Wolska
Wolska 50A/Lokal 26
01-187 Warszawa
Location 2 — al. Szucha
al. Jana Chrystiana Szucha 1
00-580 Warszawa
See also
- Blue screen (BSOD) — hardware or system
- BIOS configuration
- Lenovo laptop diagnostics
- MSI laptop diagnostics
