Addressing what is obviously an all too common flaw with older Nvidia chipsets, Apple has extended the special repair warranty on certain laptop models from two to three years. The issue was first acknowledged by Apple last October and is believed to be an inherent defect in all GeForce 8400M and 8600M graphics processors, based on Nvidia’s choice of non-eutectic contact material in the graphics chips, which leads to overheating and eventually presents itself in the form of distorted or a total lack of visuals.

Potentially affected machines include those with Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT processors, including 15 and 17-inch MacBook Pros manufactured between May 2007 and September 2008. Additionally, AppleInsider notes that the GeForce 9600M found in newer unibody MacBook Pro laptops may share the same material that led to the failures, but such claims have so far been denied by Nvidia. If you own one of these potentially affected machines, here’s some more info that might come in handy.

Meanwhile, Nvidia is facing a securities lawsuit for allegedly concealing the existence of a serious thermal defect in its graphics chip line, as well as one from purchasers of laptops with faulty graphics.