I just received the following success story from Mark Blake; Dell replaced his motherboard for free even though it wasn't the GPU that failed (and the extended warranty for GPU failure expired 6 months ago).

Here's the timeline he sent:

To/From Anzxps_AP@dell.com
Enquiry lodged using online technical support web form for XPS M1210.

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The motherboard on my Dell XPS M1210 Has failed, it just powers on and fails to Boot or Post. I have verified this by conducting a POST Test and the LED diagnostic codes report "CPU Error" (Flashing, On, On) I have replaced the CPU with a new one and the same error is reported.

Dell has extended a limited warranty on models including the XPS M1210, due to a known fault with the NVidia GPU on those models, relating to overheating.

Nvidia has recognised this fault by offering to cover half of Dell and HP's repair costs.

See:

http://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2008/08/18/nvidia-gpu-update-dell-to-offer-warranty-enhancement-to-all-affected-customers-worldwide.aspx?PageIndex=1

... for details.

Whilst the error is not a GPU failure, this motherboard has a very high incident of failures and Dell has been replacing them outside of warranty which is commendable, That is why I buy and recommend Dell products as you are a reliable brand.

I simply seek compensation that you will replace this motherboard with a working one, and also replace the heatsink with the later version which is known to dissipate the heat more efficiently.

Note that I would rather the motherboard be replaced with the Intel video version, as the Nvidia GPU board does not appear to have had its issues resolved, with the exception of a Bios update to increase the fan speed thresholds. Thank you.

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Based on your email, I understand that your system has failed. I also understand that you are getting the lock LED codes - Flashing-On-On. Please confirm this code as I am unable to find any mention of that sort of code within our database.

Regarding the warranty issue, please understand that the limited warranty that you have brought up is effective only for certain problems related the the Nvidia GPU. If we are able to replace your motherboard for you, we would not be able to change your order as our replacement parts would have to follow the Order Details as agreed by you during purchase.

Please confirm whether after powering on, you are able to see the Dell logo. Please confirm as well whether your AC Adapter is emitting a solid green or blue light.

Please email me the lock LED codes again after checking it a second time as I am unable to find the code that you have given in our database. I await your reply!

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The flashing - on -on code I identified from the Step by Step Troubleshooting wizard. The Journal number for your3 reference is 09239HG4XL, and it says "Decision Tree Choice Selected - The lock LEDs display a FLASHING-ON-ON CPU error code"

To answer your other questions.
- After powering on, there is no Dell logo, there is no computer activity at all.
- The Power adaptor emits a solid green light
- the problem is the same whether using Battery power or AC Adaptor.

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From the result, we can indentify that the motherboard is faulty and need replacement.

Since that the motherobard has an extra 1 year warranty, we can do the replacement for motherboard.

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Could I ask for replacement of the Heatsink? I have heard that Dell
has a newer version that is slightly different which dissipates the
heat better - model A03. The M1210 runs very hot which i understand
is the root cause of these failures, and the newer heatsink might help
avoid this in future.

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As promised by the company and all the policy which comes with the system, I will send over a technician to replace the motherboard for your system. As for the heatsink, I am afraid there is nothing we can do about it as your system's warranty has expired. Also, after the motherboard replacement, I do not think any further issue will occur as the motherboard replaced is of a different version and it should work just fine.

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Epilogue.
Support request lodged on Thursday, Repair completed Monday.
Motherboard part was refurbished model R055P
The only difference is that the technician said he could tell it was a new GPU from the soldering, and the marking on the GPU is; G07400T-N-A3 the difference is the old one didnt have the T.

Thumbs up for Dell.