How should a new Mac sound?

[JBat]

Hey all,

I just received my first Mac last night, a white 24" iMac, and have spent the last day or so trying to get acclimated to it. I have to admit the transition has been a bit choppy, as I've been using Windows for so long, but I'll get there. It's a very cool machine.

One question: While the computer is very quiet in general compared to my old PC, I do get an occasional, very soft "skritching" noise from the HDD as it's reading. It doesn't happen all the time and, like I said, it's very soft and not overly noticeable at all and the computer runs great.

Is this normal?

 

[Sdashiki]

I do get an occasional, very soft "skritching" noise from the HDD as it's reading. It doesn't happen all the time and, like I said, it's very soft and not overly noticeable at all and the computer runs great.

Is this normal?

all HDDs make noise. unless its a clicking/ticking noise, its all ok.

Your last machine was either placed where you couldnt hear it, as the iMac is right next to your head, or your last machine made louder fan noises to block the HDD access noise.

 

[tsd]

Yeah, there's nothing different about a Mac's hard drive than any other computer's.
Or video card, sound card, etc. Just the outside, the OS, and the fact that it was all put together by the same company.

 

[bluedoggiant]

Hey all,

I just received my first Mac last night, a white 24" iMac, and have spent the last day or so trying to get acclimated to it. I have to admit the transition has been a bit choppy, as I've been using Windows for so long, but I'll get there. It's a very cool machine.

One question: While the computer is very quiet in general compared to my old PC, I do get an occasional, very soft "skritching" noise from the HDD as it's reading. It doesn't happen all the time and, like I said, it's very soft and not overly noticeable at all and the computer runs great.

Is this normal?

why did u get the old imac?

 

[JBat]

why did u get the old imac?

Mostly because my primary use for it is to manage and edit digtital photos. IMO, the matte screen of the white iMacs is better suited for this. I checked out the new ones at the Apple Store and I loved the way they looked, but the glossy screen was distracting for me. If the Al iMacs were offered in a matte screen, I'd have one now.

But, I do love this one!

 

[JBat]

all HDDs make noise. unless its a clicking/ticking noise, its all ok.

Your last machine was either placed where you couldnt hear it, as the iMac is right next to your head, or your last machine made louder fan noises to block the HDD access noise.

Great, thanks for the reply. I take it this clicking noise would be pretty prominent and loud if it were present?

 

[ClassicBean]

I don't have a clicking noise but I have a faint low-pitch hum. It's noticeable when you put your ear up the screen, but even without doing that you can still hear it (especially now that my ear is used to that frequency and looks for it).

Anyone else have the same?

 

[AlexisV]

In a deathly quiet room you should only be able to hear a faint hum and a dull, soft scratching noise whenever the hard rive is being accessed.

In a room with a small amount of background noise the computer will sound almost silent.

 

[ClassicBean]

In a deathly quiet room you should only be able to hear a faint hum and a dull, soft scratching noise whenever the hard rive is being accessed.

In a room with a small amount of background noise the computer will sound almost silent.

Glad to learn that the faint hum is normal. I was worried for a second.

 

[JBat]

In a deathly quiet room you should only be able to hear a faint hum and a dull, soft scratching noise whenever the hard drive is being accessed.

In a room with a small amount of background noise the computer will sound almost silent.

That is exactly what I'm hearing, Thanks for clarifying.