http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
So Imac users should always keep an eye on the back of the display to make sure their machine isnt overheating....

I guess that they could just put an iShot (or iCam, or iEye or whatever the hell it is called) behind the iMac and use iChat to keep an eye on the LEDs.
]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
In any case, if the iMac can't handle heavy use without overheating, then the design is defective and should never have shipped.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
apple is good for design, but leave DELL to build the hardware.

what about mac mini?]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
Jeff, your P4 laptop should be hot as hell, unless you put it into the lowest performance mode. or unless it carries the latest gen of P4 mobile. G4 is much cooler.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
Sure it gets hot, but it hasn't melted. Always in max performance mode. Serves as my "desktop" at work. Dell's heat pipe cooling works really well.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/

Take into account this guy completely disassembled the iMac BEFORE this happened. (The Engadget post doesn't mention that) He could have bumped something/loosened something.

I'm with you though, most likely isolated due to dust/environment or maybe just within the 98.4% quality control.

Parts stock is NO indicator of wide scale problems - it may also be a sign that Apple is selling so many - it can't even keep up with service parts. This is how the Mac Mini currently is and how the original release of ALL major revisions of the iMac have been (initial 1997 release, 1999 slot load release, 2002 LCD release, 2004 LCD release)
]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/imac-mini... 20 watts.
Average PC..160 watts.

Number of fans in apple G3(egg shape) Imac... ZERO.

enuf said.
http://www6.tomshardware.com/howto/20050216/apple-mac-mini-computer-06.html]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/I purchased a 20" iMac G5 in October and had the famous fan noise issue. My computer sounded like a hair dryer. Apple did nothing to solve the problem. Quite a few people had to exchange the midplane assembly several times and still no solution. Apple had even recommended setting the CPU to reduced power. Why buy a computer with a G5 processor if you have to reduce the power. Many complaints were posted on this issue and most of them were deleted by Apple. As of now there still is no solution from Apple. With the overheating problem and fan noise immagine what will happen when they put the G5 into the Powerbook. I sold my G5 and am very happy with a VAIO laptop]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/imac-mini... 20 watts.
Average PC..160 watts."

A high-end P4 system might use that much under maximum load, but that's hardly representative of an "average PC" (nor of AMD-based systems). It will also be vastly more powerful than the Mac Mini.

At any rate, the power consumption of a Mac Mini (nor the number of fans in the ancient G3 iMac) has any bearing on whether the new iMac has an overheating problem.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
Like it matters when your mac is melting in front of you.

Btw, I am writing this on a G5. I am not a mac hater, I just hate how Apple releases products that are either 1) Not perfected/Faulty, or 2)Going to be replaced by a newer generation, better version in less than a year.
]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/Apple machines have been rated highest by Consumer Reports, along with their service few years running.

So one blew, and ?]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
But yeah look at consumer reports, Apple is one of the highest rated companies in the world. Seems like this is a somewhat isolated case... I'm sur eif G5 imacs were blowing up we'd be hearing about it.

Recently I had a super drive go on my G5 Power mac. Called Apple, & without hardly any haggling, they had one in the mail (which I recieved at 8:00 the next morning) fixing the problem in less than 24 hours...amazing. I'd like to see anyone get service like that from Dell, HP, Sony, crap...any company!]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
Jeff, your P4 laptop should be hot as hell, unless you put it into the lowest performance mode. or unless it carries the latest gen of P4 mobile. G4 is much cooler."

Two things. Yeah you SHOULD clean out the dust, but how often does the average PC/Mac user ever actually do it? That's a major flaw if it burns up just because of a little dust.

As for G4 laptop temp, you're way off there too. My 12" Powerbook (the model right before the newest ones) is one of the hottest running notebooks I've ever owned. I can't use it on my lap for over 30 minutes without it being unbearable. My Centrino based laptop on the other hand is always nice and cool.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
or do you mean a 12" powerbook G4 1,33 (which is really the model right before the newest ones)?

if so, I cannot agree on that, just because I own the same powerbook 12". the hdd (which resides above the battery) is what keeps my left hand warm, but it never burned me.
I have to admit that the CPU itself produces almost no heat at all.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
---http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86815

About the iMac G5 diagnostic LEDs
Learn about the diagnostic capabilities of your iMac G5.

The iMac G5 has built-in diagnostic LEDs on the main logic board that can help you to troubleshoot your computer.

To access these LEDs, remove the back cover of the computer:

1. Turn your computer off (choose Shut Down from the Apple menu). If you can't shut it down that way, you can turn the computer off by pressing the power button for five seconds.

2. After the computer is off, disconnect all cables and the power cord from your computer.

3. Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or surface. Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay it down so the screen is flat against the surface and the bottom is toward you.

4. Raise the foot and use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to loosen the three screws at the bottom of the computer by turning them completely counter-clockwise. These are "captive screws," which means they're not supposed to come all the way out.

5. As you hold the metal foot, tilt the back cover up and lift it away from the computer. The back cover with the foot attached should come off easily. If it doesn't, make sure the screws are turned completely counter-clockwise, but not too far.

6. To protect the computer from electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by touching a metal surface inside the computer. Warning: Always discharge static electricity before you touch any parts or install any components inside the computer. Don't walk around the room in socks or bare feet, for example, until after you've finished these steps.

7. Reconnect the power cord to the back of the computer.

8. Locate the large white arrow in the middle of the computer.

Above this arrow, you'll see four LEDs:

* LED 1 indicates that trickle voltage from the power supply has been detected. This LED will be ON when the computer is turned off and your power supply is working correctly.

* LED 2 indicates that the main logic board has detected proper power from the power supply when the computer is turned on. This LED will be ON when the computer is turned on and the power supply is working correctly.

* LED 3 indicates that the computer and the LCD display are communicating. This LED will be ON when the computer is turned on and video signal is being generated.

* LED 4 lights only if the computer detects an over-temperature condition. This LED will be OFF when the computer is turned on and running at the correct temperature.

These diagnostic LEDs can be used to help you troubleshoot your computer.

If you're having trouble with your computer, you can use the troubleshooting assistant for help figuring it out.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
i think a company as large as apple is sure to have its share of upset customers and fried mobos, but their products are still very ready to be on the market and shipping.
and dont forget, dell just recently had a recall on some flaming power adapters. no company or product is perfect.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
That's odd. I have a 12" 1.2 GHz ibook and is the coolest laptop I have ever used. The fan barely turns on it either. Conversely, I have a HP laptop 2.8 GHz Celeron, and it is VERY hot to the touch. The fan on that one runs almost full time.

]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
I would have rather not have that happen at all, of course.

But this iMac G5 is still the best computer purchase I've made. Even if it does smell like Robot Farts occasionally.

]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
I looooooove this computer, btw.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
http://www.spymac.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=160624

]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
Take it out back, give it the old " iShot " and put it out of it's misery.

*sniffle**sniffle* "Well old girl, the pain is over. You will NEVER overheat again..."

I can just see the said look on Saint Job's face when he has to admit such a young model into iHeaven...


Heehee! All in good fun!

Even I, a relatively devout PC user can look at this with bit of objectivity and stack this up against the thousands of PC's that have gone up in flames (perhaps not literally) ever since the Pentium first came out.

I swear this buddy of mine musta lost 10 lbs running back and forth to his room to make sure his P120 wasn't self imolating when he thought he smelled smoke/ozone every 15 minutes...

Then again, PC design, construction and quality varys greatly between individual machines. Apple should either be able to field their much more homogenous products in a stable form to begin with, or be able to solve any one design flaw relatively quickly. And if the 98.4% quality stat is accurate...they do...

The image of a Mac busting into iFlames is amusing though...

"Wow...so that's what they mean by 'Firewire'"
]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
(1) the G5 runs hot. In max performance mode with high processor loads my chip temp runs about 165 degrees. Hot, but I don't think too hot, for a desktop. The chip isn't going to scorch the interior. However, there certainly won't be a PowerBook G5 until a low power/low temp version of the chip is available.

(2) some of the power supplies are malfunctioning. This is not an isolated incident, but it is unclear how widespread it is. The burning smell and scorching have been, as far as I can tell, due to the power supplies frying. If this has happened, and the service center suggests a midplane replacement is indicated, its likely -- based on reports of others who've had this experience -- that the midplane replacement will not fix the problem. There will just be further waiting for the new power supply that will fix the problem. Further aggravating the problem is the fact that both midplane and power supply seem to be back-ordered.

I wonder if an external brick would have been a better option.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
HP's service is great. I had a notebook sent in for repair and it was returned 48 hours later with a new mainboard installed. Cost $0]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/I bought My G5 20 inch in late Dec about 3 weeks ago the the midplane board went I brought to a local apple service center, whom claimed would be fixed in less than 10 days, When i called they told me the part was Out of Stock that Apple was more concerned with NEW machines than taking care of those who spent nearly $2000. for theres. I call 1800 Apple bull shit line to get a Line of Bull shit The repair parts are not the same as the new parts ( sounds like the K of C Parts are parts line). After a 1/2 hour on the phone with a jerk of a customer service rep who sugar coated the whole issue I was assured that my part would be ordered from A country wide search Whoopie I had to push for a part for my own In warrenty machine and said they could take up to 48 hours to find it.
Guess what 47.5 hours later the part arrives now 20 days later I am all set WRONG now they find out that the Powre supply BURNT up and now we need another Nation wide search for another 48 hours.Oh ya
Apple Customer Service called again to sugar coat never admiting that there is a problem with my $2000. purchase.
Am I happy with Apple HELL NO I now have a 3 month old in service for almost 1 month with all "new" defective parts makes me feel safe in my apartment when will it blow UP again and next time will i Be here to PUT the fire Out
]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
I hope I won't get any more problems with this computer because I like it alot. It's just annoying having to deal with this.

Since the iMac G5 first came out, the main problems I've heard is fans making alot of noise, graphic problems (midplane related) and sleep mode problems (not going to sleep, not waking up...), it's actually the first time I hear something about overheating, so i hope this problem won't add to those previously mentioned.

One thing I found intolerable is Apple removing posts about complaints and problems reports, Apple has to assume their errors.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/G5 iMac 20” 2Gig RAM 250Gig HD, Ver 10.3.8.

Defective heat buildup is not an isolated problem and will definitely cause early HD failure. G5 iMac owners who don’t think they have this problem should invest in Hardware Monitor or similar app to see for themselves how sustained multiprocessing drives up the internal temperature beyond safe levels.

These are recent sustained temps measured inside my iMac which I never would have suspected had I not installed HM.

CPU Temperature 75.0ºC /167ºF
Hard Drive 53.5ºC/128.3ºF

Don’t care what Apple or anyone says, these are harmful heat levels and the fans are NOT doing the job they're supposed to do. I am quite frustrated about this as I anticipate early HD / CPU failure and don’t know what can be done about it.

You want a laugh? Concerned about the heat buildup, I posed the following specific question to Apple:

“What is the *maximum* temperature the fans should allow the iMac's HD and CPU to reach?”

The answer was... Heat specs are confidential, Apple doesn’t give out proprietary information!]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
I'm working on a 20" iMac G5 right now, and so far, so good. I purchased it during the first week it shipped, and at this point, the only problems I've had so far are trivial (for example, it did not shut down once when I told it to shut down, so I had to manually flip the switch). I totally love it, and OSX.3. I shut down my computer every night, but do Photoshop illustration during the day, sometimes working with some large files (although not films). Sometimes it does feel pretty hot back there under the iSight, but the heat has not hurt or hampered the functionality.

I'll keep you all posted, though. Thanks for the warnings.
]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
My fiancee does some fairly heavy graphics work with Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and some other fandangled programs I have no clue about, all running simultaneously. Never any problems according to her - aside from being a tad bit slow due to RAM issues that we'll hopefully be able to fix soon - and the computer stays on from about 9am until midnight, then is shut off for the remainder. We also have the sleep mode set to kick in every fifteen minutes of discontinued use with the LCD shutting off after one minute. Even still, the computer gets warm, but not sensitively hot. This is my first Mac experience (fiancee has obviously worked with them for years, being a graphic designer), so I do have some calamities about the machine. It looks completely sexy, but reading about the overheating issues found by others persists to bother me despite not having any issues myself.

Anyways, just wanted to share my experience so far with the iMac G5.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
You misread the max temp. It is 85C. 62.5C is normal.

Cheers]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
I spoke with Apple concerning the issue, and only one of three agents with whom I spoke acknowledged the problem. One of the three actually hung up on me because I asked too many questions about a possible recall.

Parts are on back order for mine at this moment, and Apple cannot advise a possible ship date. This case is widely documented across the web. Don't believe Apple's hype. This iMac does have problems. I've been in contact with far too many others who've experienced the same for it to be an isolated case.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
The interesting thing about the repair was that eventhough the the Apple Store technician couldn't power it up to make a diagnosis when I first brought the computer in for repairs — and subsequently told me he didn't know what the problem was — he wrote up the work order to show that it needed a logic board. ("Board, logic, 1.8GHz, w/ SuperDrive, iMac G5 20" - a $732 replacement part, covered under warrantee, for a less-than-six-month-old $2000 machine.) And yet no one seemed surprised. Hmmmm.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
The interesting thing about the repair was that eventhough the the Apple Store technician couldn't power it up to make a diagnosis when I first brought the computer in for repairs — and subsequently told me he didn't know what the problem was — he wrote up the work order to show that it needed a logic board. ("Board, logic, 1.8GHz, w/ SuperDrive, iMac G5 20" - a $732 replacement part, covered under warrantee, for a less-than-six-month-old $2000 machine.) And yet no one seemed surprised. Hmmmm.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
I've had to replace and repair my PowerBook G4 twice in the six months i've owned it.

I've also had to replace two iPods because of faulty batteries.

This is crappy manufacturing, and even worse customer service. Inexcusable.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/04/imac-g5-overheating-problems/
I have had nothing but troubles with HP! I bought a printer and after reading the useless instructions I had to call them for help. After an hour on the phone, and after he had me print out the same self-test page 50 times he came to the conclusion that I needed to return it, but if I returned it, HP would send me back a refurbished printer (do I really want a used one when I payed for a new one?). Anyways, I hung up and starting looking around through the internet. Turns out he was having me press the wrong buttons, as soon as I pressed the correct ones it worked immediatly. I haven't had any problems since, no thanks to him.

As for the iMac G5, I am a proud owner of one, after just tossing my Windows and switching to Mac. You can hear the fans working but they are not any louder than if I were to put my Tower right near my screen. Haven't had any over heating problems, but I do know others who have. I belive it isn't a heat problem, but rather the power supplies are defective.

Also, people that complain about the PowerBooks being hot, well, of course they are, but no more than any other laptop only you get much better performance with a Powerbooks than those laptops with "Centrino." With those all they did was clock the Processors way down, and I'd rather have a faster-hotter computer, rather than a slow-cool one.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM