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Intel 24" Imac - Screen Problems
I have an Intel Intel Imac 24" (first ed), that has leaves screen artifacts behind and lines. I run software tests that tell me the video memory is fine and my memory is fine. The computer at random draws random lines through the screen and some times parts of windows stick when moved.
I’m ANGRY!
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Inappropriate?I've read a post that something to do with 10.5.5 upgrade that may be causing this problem, IF it's the same thing I have. I called Apple and they diagnosed it needing a new graphic card, which they replaced last week. It's still doing it, and I did get some info that it may be related to10.5.5, but unconfirmed by Apple.. I'm sure we'll be hearing more about it. I have to call Apple again on Monday.
Links to a sample of my problem are:
http://www.artwindows.com/clients/Des...
and here's another one.
http://www.artwindows.com/clients/Ric...
If it's the same thing, let me know..
I’m not judging them yet.. I'm sure they'll find a cure.
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I've got that exact same problem and it only came when I updated to 10.5.5. If anyone finds a solution please contact me or post it on this page thank you -
Inappropriate?I'm going on 24 hours without a video glitch after upping the fan speed with http://www.derman.com/Download/Specia... Couldn't go 1/2 hour before, I have my fingers crossed.
Make sure you go to sytem preference and chandge the fan speed to 2000 once you down load the extension... Michele
1 person says
this solves the problem
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This solves the problem
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Ive already got SMC fan control would that work?, also there are 3 fans in the iMac, which one do I change to 2000RPM? now that ive changed the speed, ive tried ODD@4800RPM HDD@5900RPM and CPU @3600RPM and I can now hear my iMac from the next room lol, but it seems to reduce the number of graphical glitches though, but i still get it only when using Expose
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Inappropriate?Slowest CPU fan speed 2100 rpm
Slowest HD fan speed 2200 rpm
Sowest DVD fan speed 1800 rpm -
Inappropriate?I just left the Apple store in Raleigh, NC telling them I had the same problem. They told me that it was the logic board and I would have to replace my whole logic board and it would be $765 for the board and 125 to 150 for labor. I have the 21inch iMac (intel based) and the tech says that this model's board is fully integrated which means I just can't replace the video card etc... Heck, that's more than I paid for the computer new.
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Inappropriate?the people that work at the apple store dont know anything about the macs they sell! dont bother with their advice, the problem only came with the 10.5.5 update there was never this issue in Tiger 10.4.11 or any other leopard version, i think by 10.5.6 we may get a fix
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Inappropriate?Okay, I'll wait and see what happens. That's interesting I don't remember having any problems before the upgrade but I never would have thought that because I have 3 other Macs but they are all laptops. Any idea on the next version release?
Also: Is it possible to re-install the original version or go back to a version prior to 10.5.5 just to test the theory?1 Comment Add a comment
This solves the problem
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It seems to be an iMac 24" ATI issue, as i've got a MacBook (white) and it doesnt have this issue. However my iMac only acts up when i hit f3 for expose nothing else. I'll wait till 10.5.6.
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This reply was removed on 11/19/08.
see the change log -
Inappropriate?So far the fan program worked well NO PROBLEMS!! Turned a $2000 white brick into a working computer again!
I’m thankful
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Inappropriate?Ricklebee"s Screen shots are exactly what my son was experiencing on his 5 month old 24" iMac. After reading this thread, I took his operating system back to version 10.5.4. Surprise, Surprise No more problems. I have to concure, the problem does seem to be in 10.5.5.
I’m very happy
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Inappropriate?I had this problem prior to 10.5.5
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Inappropriate?Turning the iMac off and letting it sit for an hour cured the problem, so I thinks that it's caused by overheating and will be installing the fan control to let me keep the machine cooler. iMac model is FA878LL/A (early 2008)
I’m thankful
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Inappropriate?Just got a new iMac 24", went through all the software updates to current 10.5.5. Now am experiencing the screen artifacts problem (noted above) intermittently after logging-in and right when the desktop background displays. When I hit the Dashboard button on the mouse, the artifacts/color noise disappears completely. Also getting the noise intermittently upon log-out. This is only occurring thus far under my account log-in.
I’m confused
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Inappropriate?I've got the same problem. And it came with 10.5.5. When my iMac 20 alu comes out of sleep, the colored noise might appear.
Does anyone know if it's solved with 10.5.6. ?
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I guess no. This problem has to do with the display card.
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Inappropriate?Im having the same problem! I have an imac from '05, pre-Intel. Just replaced the Hard drive, running 10.5.6. Just got it back from the "shop" and was told the video card/mother board could be going bad. $700 to replace. Any other suggestions? Will this start to cause other problems, or is it just a visual thing?
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your problem actually looks a bit different from the problem i've been experiencing, however 10.5.6 completely fixed all the problems on my Aluminum iMac 24".I suggest you use the restore discs for your macintosh, and if the problem persists, then you may as well purchase a new iMac as $700(£400) isnt too far off from the price of a new macintosh. Also get a mac with a nvidia gpu or intel gpu as I noticed that neither my white intel gpu macbook or my nvidia unibody macbook pro have any issues with any updates.
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Inappropriate?The problem IS still there with 1.5.6. There is now a class action case coming up regarding this.
I’m REALLY ANGRY
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Inappropriate?Wow, finally found a thread where people are having the same unique problem. I've been scouring the web for a while on this one...
I can confirm this problem too on my iMac 24" 2.16 (white) running the latest release of Tiger (10.4.11). I've noticed it tends to pop up after an hour of fairly heavy use - I use my iMac music production, which is pretty processor-heavy. This would seem to give credibility to the excessive heat theory.
I've been on the phone with AppleCare (I still have a few months left of my extended coverage) twice, during which I performed the diagnostic test of memory, video, mainboard, etc - all showing no errors. Their suggestion was that it is software-related, but it seems that it is not localized to one program entirely (I initially noticed it happening when using Logic Pro), but all applications and even the desktop itself.
The only recourse I have at this point, according to Apple support, is to physically take my iMac into a local authorized Apple repair center and let them have a look at it. Unfortunately, I don't really have a prolonged chunk of time in which to do this. However, as the issue seems to be getting worse, I don't think I really have any other choice.
Again, this is a 2.5 year old iMac. I haven't tried upping the fan speed, nor do I want to, as I use this computer for music production/recording; noise == bad. If it didn't void the warranty, I would have opened the thing up and blown it out with compressed air by now, since it's probably a simple and common matter of dust buildup impeding the cooling process.
If anyone else makes some headway, I'd be very interested to hear how it turns out.
I’m mildly perturbed
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Inappropriate?well i tryed the fan thing and my mac was so freakin hot i lowered the heat and now it runs a little louder but a lot cooler thx for it hope the heat didnt destroy it
I’m realy realy happy
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Inappropriate?Paul, I've the same model iMac...
Try the SMC fan control, a small increase in the fan speed may be all you need. I've set my default speeds only slightly higher than normal and can only just hear the difference, but it make a big difference to the iMac.
Now, if someone could work out which one of the three fan's make the biggest difference, we could just 'tweek' that one.
I'm running the speeds at ODD 600, HDD 1100, CPU 1504 (I keep trying for 1500, but just can't get there !). This is fine for Web, office and Photoshop work, but nowhere enough for the odd game...
I’m somewhat peeved
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Inappropriate?Well. We have a similar problem on an early white plastic Intel 20" core duo. Started about six weeks ago. Currently running 10.5.7. Occasional lines through windows, offset windows and ghost windows. Shows up in various programs, as well as the desktop. I've performed an archive and install to no avail, and finally did a clean install, which didn't fix it either. Tech Tools Pro does not detect any hardware problems i.e. memory, video card check out okay.
I was thinking that perhaps there was a crack in the video card. This would be consistent with the heat theory and might only show up when hot.
So I'll try the upping the fan and see if that fixes it. -
Inappropriate?Well my problem is solved! MY VIDEO CARD FINALLY went OUT! Computer in the garbage! New imac 24" on my desk ... from bad .... lots of good!
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This solves the problem
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I've got an aluminum iMac 24" 2.8 Ghz with an ATI Radeon HD 2600 that has the same issue. However, I just recently got an additional iMac 24" 2.93Ghz with a GeForce GT120 and it doesn't have the same problems, so this has led me to believe it's an issue with ATI gpus.
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Umm.. Sorry brentbtrini, but the original white 24" iMacs (including mine) have mainly the NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT.
The ATI card was an extra (and in the UK Apple stores didn't carry these you had to order them mail order) so I can't agree it's just an ATI problem. -
We may or may not be discussing the same graphics problem, the graphics problem I was experiencing was completely fixed when 10.5.6 came out. So it' may not necessarily a hardware problem. Meanwhile, I'm not sure whether the problem you faced was the same as mines, do you see what I mean?
BTW what do you mean by you had to order these mail order? Do you mean like those macs where you have to wait a couple weeks when ordering from the online store because it was custom configured? -
OK, the problem as I see it effects all the intel iMac's be it 1st gen. white or the latest ones, and it's not just a ATI or NVIDIA card problem. Forums all over the place show the problem has been around since at least 10.5.2 and is still there on 10.5.7 (I know since I almost finished a reply an hour ago when my iMac froze).
It seems like the GPU diode is getting too hot causing everything from the 'minor glitches' as shown in the screen shots above to major outage and then the iMac being unresponsive.
Taking this to the n'th degree and all the comments on all the forums, one would say that the 'older' the iMac the more likely the problem or in the case of a couple of guys in Australia it's the dry climate. I'm going with the widely held belief it's something to do with the lack of heat transfer between GPU diode and heatsink, and that there is a breakdown in maybe the thermal bond between these - hence more old iMacs have the issue (cheap/defective thermal paste maybe).
Reason being if I look at iStat now I can see:-
Ambient temp: 21C
CPU 26C
GPU 30C
GPU diode 40C
GPU Heatsink 29C
All I have open is mail, and safari, and I run SMC fan with CPU fan set to min. 2000 - cpu and gpu share the same fan :( .
I tried the Derman fan controller, but it set's the CPU fan speed from the CPU temp probe. What we seem to need here is to set CPU fan speed from GPU diode.
I've been sent a 24" iMac service guide (all be it a Aug. 2007 model not 2006), but I'm thinking of stripping mine down and seeing if I can separate the GPU and heat sink then reattach with new thermal paste. After all mine is no longer under warranty. If not I'll see if I can order a replacement (BUT UK Apple stores don't like supplying Apple parts!).
To clarify, over here in the UK, most (if not all) the Apple Stores only supplied NVIDIA based 24" iMacs from stock, and the only in-store upgrade they would do at the time was more RAM. ATI cards and bigger hard disks all needed on-line order from Apple as custom orders (mail order).
I know of 3 Aussies who want to buy 24" iMacs but haven't due to these ongoing problems. Their hope is when/if the iMac gets the LED backlight on the display in place of the current inverter, this whole issue will be fixed then, BUT LEDs have a tendency to generate heat, which maybe why Apple haven't done the replacement yet. -
Inappropriate?CPU HEATSINK = 32F/ 0C ?!?!
I just installed the Derman fan controller, per Michelle's post (2nd from the top).
The fan controller pane reports the CPU heat sink temp as 32 F (or 0 C). Is this an artifact of this fan controller software, or does this indicate that the temp sensor on the CPU heatsink is not working? I'd appreciate it if people using the Derman fan controller would take a look at the pane and report their heatsink readings here. -
Inappropriate?Folks, last night I stripped down my iMac, and removed the graphics card.
This is not for the faint hearted....
Anyway, I found the heat sink should be attached to the graphics card by 4 screws... In the case of mine this actually meant 1 done up, 2 finger tight, and 1 not done up at all....
When removed, it revealed the main graphics chip with the remains of some grey thermal paste, and 2 pairs of 2 chips round the side, with white paste/greese on them.
I cleaned off the old thermal paste, and then applied new to all five chips. Reattached the heat sink (doing up all four screws this time), and then rebuilt the iMac.
After initial panic, doh! forgot to reconnect the power switch; everything is working fine.
I tried various games etc, and well it's an improvement. Yes, it still keels over in the end, even with all the fans max.ed out.
But, normal usage this morning and no sign of the 'minor' glitches with stuck pixels when scrolling documents, etc.
Checking the internal heat with iStat this morning shows
Ambient 24C
CPU 31C
GPU 36C
GPU Diode 40C
GPU Heat sink 34C
Which is interesting, in that the figures, are not much different from before hand, only with less range between GPU and GPU diode.
Setting all the fans to maximum speed in SMC fan control seems to make little difference in 'normal/light' use now, and able to run without SMC fan control.
I can only think monitoring this during a game would yield more light now, but I'm at a loss on getting the same details as iStats when I can't access dashboard during a game. Anyone know of a remote monitor? or I'll have to resort to SNMP traps etc....
I’m frustrated
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Inappropriate?I have been trying to figure out this problem for over a year now. I think we're on to the solution. I have been suspicious of the cooling of the graphics card and the recent special repair program for certain macbooks with nvidia chips kind of reinforces things. Neil your post inspired me to buy some thermal grease today after work. I plann to take apart my iMac soon and check out the video card heatpipes and reapply thermal grease. I will try to document and post the stuff somewhere.
I’m excited
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Inappropriate?Folks,
Looks like heat, but not the actual GPU/GPU diode.....
The folks who produce iStat, now do a server version, and a little app which sits on an iPhone to display the heat sensors etc. So, I installed the server bit on my iMac and the iPhone app so I could monitor the GPU and GPU diode whilst playing a game.
The result was 'interesting', the actual GPU diode didn't peak above 44C before I started getting problems.
So thinking about this I reduced the resolution on the game and it lasted much better. I increased the detail/shader which should be gpu intensive and it was OK, only when I increased the resolution did I have problems again. Reducing the detail, turning off shaders/advanced lighting still had no effect and the game fell over with the higher resolution display setting.
So, this makes me think it's a heat problem with the memory on the graphics card. Thinking back to when I removed the card, and reapplied thermal paste, I remember that there were 4 chips with large amounts of grease on them. As anyone will know, thermal paste/grease only works well in very thin layers, in large amounts it can act almost like an insulator.
Thus, IF this is the memory on the card and all the above reasoning is correct, I will suggest it's the actually the memory on the graphics card failing/overheating (I remember in the '80s people crashing servers/computers by applying heat to memory chips to produce bit's flipping and corrupting the memory). Which would mean this is due to the design on the graphics card/heat sink, as the memory is not in contact with the heat sink.
One could also reason with the thickness of the chip set being slightly different on some cards the effect this may explain why some people have a bigger problem on their machines than others.
If I was really brave/rich/stupid this could be tested further by grinding down the GPU's housing to allow better contact between the GPU and memory chips with the heat sink.....
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Inappropriate?After months of trying to find the problem with heating and lines across my screen I have found the problem. I posted the message to add the fan extension and the upping the fan speed did help. But as always lines and freezes still were occurring. I noticed when doing a safe boot my problems went away. I knew it had to do with something in the system folder since I had created a clean user folder and the same problems were happening. I browsed the web and found this solution off of http://www.offshootinc.com/blog
You CAN boot into safe mode with the login screen and everything and have working graphics, then login and go to this folder:/System/Library/Extensions/move all files that start with “GeForce” (I got 6 of them) out of this folder to a save place (Admin password required) – if you can’t, copy them somewhere else and then delete them from the Extensions folder. After that, reboot normally.
All along it was the GPU card causing the screen malfunctions and heating issue. I am running perfect now and on OS 10.5.8. So no 3D games will work or most screen savers but I am not a game player anyway I use my iMAC for work. I will have to take my computer in for a new GPU Graphics card eventually “thank goodness I have Applecare until December” but hopefully it will be one that does not have a history of this over heating problems... Michele www.vintage-instyle.com
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1 person says
this solves the problem
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Inappropriate?All I can say it worked regarding the screen lines, freezing and heat problems that my iMac 2.16 GHz intel duo was having.My husband is taking my computer in today for a new GPU board. My Applecare runs out in December. I also faxed Applecare letting them know I am not pleased with this heat problem that thousands of these computers are having. Does the new NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT replacement eliminate the issue or will the problems eventually start all over again? Does the new generation iMac's have the problem of over heating solved? Looks like a class action suit might take place!
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Inappropriate?My mac is doing this too, I had to install a fan control app but its just a crutch as my mac slowly dies. I've heard rumors of a class action suit, and I hope it happens, I just want my iMac to work
I’m frustrated
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Inappropriate?Originally my white 24" iMac had an issue where there was dust behind the screen. The dust created a cloudy mess at the edges of the screen and I finally took it in when the dust started showing up in the center. They replaced the screen and the logic board? right before my apple care expired. Once the new screen was in that's when my problems worsened. I had stuck pixels, lines of archived graphics, frozen chunks of windows on top of windows, etc. I was able to ignore it for a while but yesterday it was so terrible that I ended up punching my screen. Currently the computer still functions but half of the screen looks like broken bits of a fractal maze. I plan on shooting it with a shotgun at close range to finish it off.
I've got a new 24"aluminum on the way. Good luck everybody. -
Inappropriate?Thanks to Michele's reply about dumping the extensions for the graphics card I've spent the last few days experimenting....
I remember having 'less' issues with the original OS X 10.5.0, so I dug out my family pack DVD, installed it on an old G4 powerbook, then copied the extensions onto my iMac. Yep, this did indeed have 'less' problems. Not great but better. So this go me thinking about Snow Leopard.... (exit stage right to trip to Apple dealer).
So, I've now upgraded to Snow Leopard on my iMac. First off, CHECK YOUR SOFTWARE... Sorry to shout, but in my rush to upgrade, I just installed it without checking first, and it didn't like a couple of things - Server tools, it just deleted, and a few other bits it seems it's not too happy with. MS Office took several minutes to load the first time I ran Word 2008, but seems OK now. Growl, APE, Sailling Clicker, MenuMeters don't work - OK the last two have betas for 10.6 but beware.....
BUT, on the up side..... My screen is much better now. OK, it still won't let me play the odd game, but 'normal' use with Office, email, web and Adobe CS2, it's a lot better than under 10.5.x. I've even been able to disable SMC fan for 'normal' use. I had forgotten how quiet my iMac could be!
Don't get me wrong, it's not 100% perfect and it's not a solution if you're running software which will not work under 10.6, but I would have to say it is much improved over 10.5.x. -
Inappropriate?Would Apple even take a look at the machine if it is out of warranty?1 Comment Add a comment
This solves the problem
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I am really not sure. Apple is aware of this problem and I feel they should fix the computers that have this over heating problem. Contact Apple and see... GOOD LUCK!
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Inappropriate?My iMac intel has a problem with vertical lines and horizontal scan-lines, for about 1/2 hour after initial start. Or wake from sleep.
I solved the problem by not letting the computer sleep, and when I shut it down, I take out the 220V plug from the wall. Then when I start it up, it runs just fine.
I’m happy enough
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Inappropriate?Hi Michele, did you get your video card replaced yet? I spoke with a "product specialist" last night but the problem I described did not match what he was looking for so he opened a case # and told me to take the machine into a local Apple store and have a genius look at the issue. I'll print out this and the 38 pages on the same topic on the Apple's discussion board to show them and hope for the best!1 Comment Add a comment
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Yes, I had the board replaced last week and so far everything has been working the way to should be. I have an Applecare that will expire in December so I am keeping my fingers crossed all the bad issues have been repaired.
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Inappropriate?I've also had 24 hours luck with a 17" Intel White iMac after installing Snow Leopard - screen was so bad before that I had to use a second Mac and put the iMac in Target Disk Mode to get an install!! I also removed the Logic board and re-seated / re-pasted the heatsink onto the video chip (ATI 1600) - which was loose at one end as some others have reported. I've so far been running SMC at about 2200-2500RPM on all fans, played an entire DVD with heaps of apps running in the background and max was 35 degrees c. I'm now about to turn down fans and retest.
I'm also considering asking the customer to think about letting me drill some neat holes in the back case right over the GPU area. It's definitely a heat issue and a few holes in the back, if neatly done, is far preferable to a $1000 repair bill or a new computer for most people. Apple clearly just rushed a little with these first Intel iMacs
I've seen repeated examples of the LCD failure issue on these models and it's not that, I've also repaired loads of white iMacs (mostly G5s) with the bad capacitor issue and it sure ain't that. The Graphics chip is obviously not actually damaged (yet) as this machine would fire up and run endlessly in Safe Mode without video artefacts, no matter what was running, apps-wise - I think there's a combination of things - 10.6 might have better fan management, the machine was really dusty inside around the RAM / intake / GPU area and I blew the whole thing out.
To those who've solved their issues I'd advise keeping your iMac in a well vented area of your room, regularly vacuuming out through the air intakes on the bottom of the unit (while turned off, naturally) and refraining from moving / jarring the unit as this might knock the heatsink out of place.
Thanks for all the good advice folks - I'll post back if it craps out again!
I’m thankful
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Inappropriate?My problems started with 24" iMac 2,16Ghz after 1 year of usage. Local dealer Varimport in Finland reported that some "bad pixels" are ok, and we left it as it is. Problem was bigger after some years... but now after replacing thermal paste it works much better (I used drying type paste to memory chips, silver paste to CPU and GPU), only some lines when I slow down the fans, stress (create heat) and test really to get the lines. My idea is to solder/put some pieces of copper to heatsink for to create closer surfaces for memory chips, then these would finally get normal cooling, I hope. White greasy paste, which was used to cool memory chips, that is the reason to this problem. I have found similar grease from my Powerbook G4 12" GPU.
I have tested my iMac also with linux, and without fan controlling it creates dots and lines to screen. It means that filling with thermal paste this gap, is only temporary solution.
These type of memory chip does not allow any pressure as it may crack easily, so it is the reason for original thermal greasepads.
As it is possible also to replace GPU, I am just wondering where I could buy new one by cheap price...
I am not saying that everybody who has this problems should do what I do, I have only experience of server hardware mostly, but have built some computers also from consumer level parts, fixed laptops etc...
I’m happy
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Inappropriate?Same issues here with horizontal lines of pixels of various colors, freezing with fading to white or vertical multicolored lines. I live in Australia and Apple Australia have shown no interest whatsoever, denying any knowledge of the problem. I have SMC fan control installed but lately it has made no difference.
I’m disgusted
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Inappropriate?Yesterday I was able to create 2" hole to iMac's plastic cover. Ii is not normally seen when using on desktop. Plan is to place passive cooling element to GPU to help keeping it cool. Still searching little piece of copper sheet for memory chips. I think that this "feature" is fixed in new aluminium models, as cover takes care of excessive heating...
Even the hole (without a cooler brick to GPU) helped 1-2 celsius degrees to GPU element and GPU does not go over 50 degrees.
Some lines anyway after real stress. I think that some features may stay even with good cooling as it has been in high temp so long...
Anyway this gives iMac some months more life and I get some months to collect € for new iMac 27".
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Inappropriate?The horizontal lines are there more often than not now. I had them straight on startup this morning and the computer froze twice. After throwing my pen and rubber pen holder across the room and cursing a lot I had an idea. I turned my screen resolution down from 1680x1050 to 1280x800 and I have had no lines or freezes for the rest of the day! Btw, the graphic glitches never appear when I run Windoze under Boot Camp. I have the 20" 2.16GHz white iMac with the ATI X1600 card running 10.5.8.
I’m not holding my breath.
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Inappropriate?I spoke to soon. Problems also on 1280x800 res.
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Inappropriate?my screen comes on then half goes off and stays off I have video of it !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmVNZm...
I’m frustrated
