Normal To Hear A Few Clicks and Crackles? (EDIT: Might Be Breaking)

[BenEndeem]

I'm not sure whether it is because the room has got quieter or whether my iMac has got louder, but is it normal to hear a few brief static-like clicks come from an alu iMac? It doesn't happen often, but every so often a single click sound comes from any particular part of the computer, usually the lower left or upper right corner.

I ask because if it is something much worse; such as tiny electric components slowly failing then I'd like to get something done about it before it is too late.

Thanks for any answers.

 

[Eidorian]

I've noticed this more so on the white, plastic iMac and Macbook. My guess is temperature changes cause some cracking or popping noises from the gaps in the case as the chassis expands and contracts ever so slightly.

 

[BenEndeem]

On trying some CPU intensive applications, such as X-Plane, I'm now noticing a 'glass ting' sound. Don't say this iMacs going to be less durable than the Packard Bell that made me switch in the first place .

 

[patricem]

On trying some CPU intensive applications, such as X-Plane, I'm now noticing a 'glass ting' sound. Don't say this iMacs going to be less durable than the Packard Bell that made me switch in the first place .

Is this a new machine? Can you call Apple and ask them? Don't worry Apple will make things right.

 

[BenEndeem]

It's about three months old and I will call Apple in the morning, I bought the full three years of Apple Care, but the problem is I'm two hours from the nearest store and I have no time to waste making that journey anywhere in the foreseeable future. I'm not far from a KRCS branch, but their turnaround can be pretty damn slow. A replacement top cover when my MacBook's palm rest cracked (last week) took until yesterday and apparently I was lucky; it could have been April...

So if this is something complex then heck knows how long it might take.

 

[patricem]

It's about three months old and I will call Apple in the morning, I bought the full three years of Apple Care, but the problem is I'm two hours from the nearest store and I have no time to waste making that journey anywhere in the foreseeable future. I'm not far from a KRCS branch, but their turnaround can be pretty damn slow. A replacement top cover when my MacBook's palm rest cracked (last week) took until yesterday and apparently I was lucky; it could have been April...

So if this is something complex then heck knows how long it might take.

That is a big huge fat bummer. Have you tried turning it off for a while ? Theres a recent thread here on how to check your fans and how hot things are getting. Maybe try diagnostics? Maybe it's something easy to fix and you won't have to take it in. I know it must be really upsetting. I wonder why it's making that noise. Have you checked Apples online forum for advice?

 

[patricem]

It's about three months old and I will call Apple in the morning, I bought the full three years of Apple Care, but the problem is I'm two hours from the nearest store and I have no time to waste making that journey anywhere in the foreseeable future. I'm not far from a KRCS branch, but their turnaround can be pretty damn slow. A replacement top cover when my MacBook's palm rest cracked (last week) took until yesterday and apparently I was lucky; it could have been April...

So if this is something complex then heck knows how long it might take.

Possibly something with the speakers?
Found this: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/antipop-cures-portable-macs-snap-crackle-pop-syndrome/

 

[patricem]

Possibly something with the speakers?
Found this: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/antipop-cures-portable-macs-snap-crackle-pop-syndrome/

Google 'imac crackling noise'
Seems you are far from alone with this

 

[BenEndeem]

It makes the noises even when shutdown or on standby. Perhaps it is the plastic behind the screen contracting under the heat as Eidorian mentioned? But then again when the CPU gets eaten up it makes the noise more and I doubt the additional heat would come to play so quickly. No replies on the Apple forum.

 

[patricem]

It makes the noises even when shutdown or on standby. Perhaps it is the plastic behind the screen contracting under the heat as Eidorian mentioned? But then again when the CPU gets eaten up it makes the noise more and I doubt the additional heat would come to play so quickly. No replies on the Apple forum.

It does it even when it's turned off?? Wow thats strange. Have you unplugged it? Plugged it into different outlet? Can you call an Apple store? Not sure what time it might be where you are.

 

[Eidorian]

It makes the noises even when shutdown or on standby. Perhaps it is the plastic behind the screen contracting under the heat as Eidorian mentioned? But then again when the CPU gets eaten up it makes the noise more and I doubt the additional heat would come to play so quickly. No replies on the Apple forum.

Specifically in this situation.

 

[BenEndeem]

Gone 11PM unfortunately.

It sounds somewhat similar to the static cracks my Samsung LCD TV makes and that makes static sounds out of the blue, while powered down even if it has been off for days.

The concern really is that it is the CPU/HD/Fan or something. Hopefully not, but I'll see what Apple have to say tomorrow morning.

 

[patricem]

It does it even when it's turned off?? Wow thats strange. Have you unplugged it? Plugged it into different outlet? Can you call an Apple store? Not sure what time it might be where you are.

Maybe power converter?
This from 2006 Imac

"I also have a kind of "crackling" sound when the iMac is sleeping, or if I turn it off (but keep the power cord plugged in).

I looked at some photos of a disassembled iMac and it seems to me there is some kind of power converter close to the harddrive and that the sound comes from that one. At least in my machine it is more of a crackling sound than the sound of a motor."

http://forums.appleinsider.com/archive/index.php/t-67579.html

 

[patricem]

I'm not sure whether it is because the room has got quieter or whether my iMac has got louder, but is it normal to hear a few brief static-like clicks come from an alu iMac? It doesn't happen often, but every so often a single click sound comes from any particular part of the computer, usually the lower left or upper right corner.

I ask because if it is something much worse; such as tiny electric components slowly failing then I'd like to get something done about it before it is too late.

Thanks for any answers.

WHAT DID YOU FIND OUT?