Odd cracking type noise occasionally coming from new 24" iMac

[docprego]

I have a cracking type noise coming from my iMac occasionally. It is not constant at all and when it occurs it only lasts for a split second. I hear it about once every 15-30 minutes and it has been occurring less frequently tonight as I have the machine running longer. Is it just some sort of settling of the components because the machine is new? It seems to be coming from the rear of the machine, thought it is hard to tell. When I hear the sound the machine does not act differently in any way.

The computer works flawlessly and is silent otherwise but I am wondering if it is anything to be concerned about.

Thanks.

 

[docprego]

I have a cracking type noise coming from my iMac occasionally. It is not constant at all and when it occurs it only lasts for a split second. I hear it about once every 15-30 minutes and it has been occurring less frequently tonight as I have the machine running longer. Is it just some sort of settling of the components because the machine is new? It seems to be coming from the rear of the machine, thought it is hard to tell. When I hear the sound the machine does not act differently in any way.

The computer works flawlessly and is silent otherwise but I am wondering if it is anything to be concerned about.

Thanks.

The noise is definitely happening on a less frequent basis now. I heard it one time over a 4 hour period last night.

I could not turn the machine off last night, it was so much fun to use.

 

[docprego]

Last night I reached around and pressed my fingers on the rear of the iMac case from the upper left to the upper right. When I pressed down I was able to reproduce the sound, though it didn't seem quite as loud. I tried this on the sides and lower parts of the rear but they did not cause the sound. I have to conclude that the heat is somehow affecting the rear plastic enclosure and producing this sound. When I hear it the sound does seem to come from the upper rear of the computer.

I wish someone would say their iMac does it too and its normal, I'm tired of worrying about it. Then again I do have Applecare so I am trying to ignore it but the perfectionist in me is making it difficult.

 

[Alloye]

I wish someone would say their iMac does it too and its normal, I'm tired of worrying about it. Then again I do have Applecare so I am trying to ignore it but the perfectionist in me is making it difficult.

I've heard it once or twice on mine. I think it's due to expansion as the machine warms up. As a matter of fact, my 20" iMac CD does it once in a while as well, and my old 20" iMac G4 did it alot.

 

[docprego]

I've heard it once or twice on mine. I think it's due to expansion as the machine warms up. As a matter of fact, my 20" iMac CD does it once in a while as well, and my old 20" iMac G4 did it alot.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! I am so in love with this machine-I am so relieved to hear that.

Didi you mean you have a new aluminum iMac you have heard it on as well as you previous white CD and G4 iMac's?

Thanks again.

 

[Alloye]

Didi you mean you have a new aluminum iMac you have heard it on as well as you previous white CD and G4 iMac's?

Yes, with the iMac G4 being the worst of the bunch! That thing popped several times an hour as the display warmed up, then settled down during use, then popped a bunch more when the display was shut down or went to sleep. It drove me crazy for a while, but I eventually learned to just ignore it.

My CD and aluminum iMacs, on the other hand, only seem to do it occasionally as they warm up and once or twice as they cool down. It doesn't really bother me and I think it's normal. Almost all of my plastic-encased electronics that generate any significant heat seem to do it.

 

[docprego]

Yes, with the iMac G4 being the worst of the bunch! That thing popped several times an hour as the display warmed up, then settled down during use, then popped a bunch more when the display was shut down or went to sleep. It drove me crazy for a while, but I eventually learned to just ignore it.

My CD and aluminum iMacs, on the other hand, only seem to do it occasionally as they warm up and once or twice as they cool down. It doesn't really bother me and I think it's normal. Almost all of my plastic-encased electronics that generate any significant heat seem to do it.

Once again I thank you very much for giving me a bit of sanity back..