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manosaurus

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Aug 22, 2006
285
0
O.K. I love my imac. It is a very nice machine. But I am tired of the fan noise. It is not too loud but it gets irritating.

There are three fans and the computer only need be running for a little while them to cause what I would call an unacceptable noise level. If I am just screwing around on the internet it takes an hour or so before the three fans excede thier idle rpm's. If I do something like garageband work, use itunes, video, etc., it takes only minutes for the fans to kick in.

Now, I have had Apple "fix" this problem twice. Once they replaced the LB. Then they replaced only the three fans. Both fixes seemed to work for a time but then the situation deteriorated soon thereafter.

Here are the worse things though. After the fans reached a high rpm, it takes soooooo long for them to get back to idle - like an hour or more of sleep! Also, when using ichat, the other end can hear my damn fans on his/her speakers!

Anyway, I know I could probably call Apple again about this and either get them to fix this machine again or replace it with a newer model but I am honestly just considering a new setup. The MacPro is way too much for me but the mini seems too weak. Perhaps I just underestimat the mini though. I am going to get MBP soon for work and other things but I would like to have a desktop system as well.

Also, it will help so I will mention that I use a machine for audio recording/editing (non-pro.)

TIA for your thoughts.
 
Have it repaired again and it's a lemon, meaning you can demand your money back (in the US). Use the cash and get a new Core2Duo iMac and be happy. :)

manosaurus said:
O.K. I love my imac. It is a very nice machine. But I am tired of the fan noise. It is not too loud but it gets irritating.

There are three fans and the computer only need be running for a little while them to cause what I would call an unacceptable noise level. If I am just screwing around on the internet it takes an hour or so before the three fans excede thier idle rpm's. If I do something like garageband work, use itunes, video, etc., it takes only minutes for the fans to kick in.

Now, I have had Apple "fix" this problem twice. Once they replaced the LB. Then they replaced only the three fans. Both fixes seemed to work for a time but then the situation deteriorated soon thereafter.

Here are the worse things though. After the fans reached a high rpm, it takes soooooo long for them to get back to idle - like an hour or more of sleep! Also, when using ichat, the other end can hear my damn fans on his/her speakers!

Anyway, I know I could probably call Apple again about this and either get them to fix this machine again or replace it with a newer model but I am honestly just considering a new setup. The MacPro is way too much for me but the mini seems too weak. Perhaps I just underestimat the mini though. I am going to get MBP soon for work and other things but I would like to have a desktop system as well.

Also, it will help so I will mention that I use a machine for audio recording/editing (non-pro.)

TIA for your thoughts.
 
You can try to return it as unacceptable and see how it goes.

That fan noise makes it impossible for you to record voice or accoustic guitar
at any acceptable level with a microphone.
( At least that's what I'd tell them.)

3 major repairs and they can "recover it" giving you either a credit or a full replacement.

If you have AppleCare just keep talking politely to Apple Customer relations.

Document EVERYTHING.
 
Appreciate the replies.

You are exactly right. Vocal and guitar recording is difficult. I use condensor microphones which, as you may or may not know, are a highly sensitive breed of mic. This further complicates things when it comes to recording.

It is such a shame. This 20" imac G5 is outstanding in every other respect.

Well anyway, it will be Tuesday before I can call Apple so it will be a while before I report back.

BTW, should I call Applecare or customer relations this time?
 
manosaurus said:
Appreciate the replies.

You are exactly right. Vocal and guitar recording is difficult. I use condensor microphones which, as you may or may not know, are a highly sensitive breed of mic. This further complicates things when it comes to recording.

It is such a shame. This 20" imac G5 is outstanding in every other respect.

Well anyway, it will be Tuesday before I can call Apple so it will be a while before I report back.

BTW, should I call Applecare or customer relations this time?

The 20" iMac Core Duos are just as nice, actually nicer. Since you are already at two repairs for the same problem, and it's happening again, you shouldn't have any trouble getting a credit towards a new machine, or even cash refund... as long as you can get them to agree it's a lemon.

I'd call AppleCare to talk about the problem first, and then move to customer relations once you have a case open.
 
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