Best Configuration for Silence

[sjclarkey]

Hi

I have just bought the following iMac config:

3.2GHz Processor
1TB Storage

• 3.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor
• Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz
• 8GB (two 4GB) memory, configurable up to 32GB
• 1TB Fusion Drive1
• AMD Radeon R9 M390 with 2GB video memory
• Retina 5K 5120x2880 P3 display

However, the noise coming from it is really bugging me. I also have a MacBook Pro with a SDD which is silent until the fans pump up when needed but this new iMac is constantly making a whooshing sound which is audible when sitting at my desk with no sound in the room. I was told by the Apple salesman that they run silent so I am very disappointed. The fans are running at 1200rpm and I have tried playing around with fan apps to see if it is the fan noise but am guessing it is the HD spinning. Would getting a SSD be quieter or a different config improve the noise? I expected to hear a little noise if I put my ear right up to the screen but not as much as I am getting. Does the HD constantly spin?

 

[BrianBaughn]

Quick answer is the HD is spinning and the head is moving. It's also putting out more heat than an SSD would and raising the average fan speed.

 

[maflynn]

yeah, I'd vote for an SSD, if you're looking for a dead silent iMac.

 

[jgo78]

yes, if u wanted silent, you made a mistake by not getting SSD

 

[maflynn]

All things being equal, though, I do find my iMac (with a 2TB Fusion drive) very quiet. I barely hear anything but as as I mentioned dead silent, a SSD is your answer

 

[garyleecn]

If you don't need much performance, your best bet is (preferably 2nd gen) MacBook + large display. That's the only complete silent Mac ever. No moving parts at all

If you need a lot of performance. Mac Pro is in general much quieter than iMac


If you want iMac. Yeah ssd reduces some noise