Recent 27" iMacs are NOT silent

[RAWvJPG]

In my experience it goes like this (from completely silent to noisiest at idle): 2017 21.5" < iMP << 2017 27" <= 2019 27"

Basically the iMP Pro stays at idle noise level even under load. The 27" models get noisy under load, worst of them being the 27" 2017 i7.

You can see the 2017 i7 model in action here:

Running Cinebench for a few seconds already makes it go full blast. It's acutally hilarious how noisy this machine is. Problem with that one is that it can also happen doing light tasks, like using Skype oder reopening a bunch of tabs in your browser.

 

[mj_]

Keep in mind that you can lower the idle fan speed on 2017 and 2019 models, which should reduce sound pressure levels as well. Apparently, this can no longer be achieved on the 2020 iMac.

 

[mikehalloran]

Thank you for this thread, fellow fan noise haters! I work pro audio at very low volumes so I need a new silent iMac. My 2015 top-tier i7 was SILENT for for 2-3 years (except for brief bursts when rendering audio) but even though I had the fans cleaned twice recently, they come on more often under low and medium loads and get loud.

I am disappointed (but not surprised) that reports of the 2020's are not good. Reading this thread I see the 2017's are quiet and some say the iMac Pro's are quiet. I hate to think I need to pay $2000+ MORE to avoid fan noise, and I would love to hear people's opinions about which iMac Pro to look into (or to wait for an update this fall?) and IS IT REALLY SILENT? or do I need to find a new 2017 iMac?

If you're doing pro audio, why didn't you check out the iMac Pro? It's a truck. If you need a truck, you should get one.

Without having any idea what you really mean by Pro Audio, no one will be able to make anything other than a guess.

Pro Audio, AV, Heavy graphics are not gaming. Geekbench and other, non-app specific scores are fairly useless for pro users. Logic, VEP, FCPx, Maya Rendering, Photoshop etc. Those are the comparisons we want to see.

You can buy $150,000 Maya Box workstations running Win 10 as used by film and animation studios. If you need one of those, the iMP is a waste of money — but a $43,000 Mac Pro 7.1 is not (that's the target for the high end 7.1, by the way).

I determined that my needs would be met by a 10 Core with 64GB RAM and 2TB storage onboard — then I found a 14 Core/128GB 2TB for the same price. Now with all these Zoom videos I am making, I realize that I needed 4TB onboard for the work I do. 14Core/128GB RAM is probably overkill for what I do but the Vega 64 is not. Didn't realize that I'd be doing so much video when I purchased.

I've run a test project with a thousand instances of VIs in Logic, each with a convo-reverb and another plugin. The fans rose slightly above idle when I did.

Last week, there were base model iMPs in the Refurb Store for $3,800 (a $449 price drop). Right now, $4,419 gets you:

27-inch (diagonal) Retina 5K display; 5120-by-2880 resolution with support for one billion colors
32GB of 2666MHz DDR4 ECC memory
1TB SSD storage
1080p FaceTime HD camera
Radeon Pro Vega 64X graphics processor with 16GB of HBM2 memory

OTOH, $8,747 gets you

27-inch (diagonal) Retina 5K display; 5120-by-2880 resolution with support for one billion colors
128GB of 2666MHz DDR4 ECC memory
4TB SSD storage
1080p FaceTime HD camera
Radeon Pro Vega 64X graphics processor with 16GB of HBM2 memory


When you see something there you like, you need to pounce. Once in your cart, you have 15 minutes to complete the sale or someone can snatch it away.

Certified Refurbished Products

Every Apple Certified Refurbished product includes savings up to 15%, and comes with a one-year warranty and full functional testing. Shop & save now.

www.apple.com

Remember, Apple offers a 14 day return policy.

 

[mikehalloran]

Keep in mind that you can lower the idle fan speed on 2017 and 2019 models, which should reduce sound pressure levels as well.
Apparently, this can no longer be achieved on the 2020 iMac.

Probably not a good idea to do this while under warranty. If Apple disabled this ability, that would be the reason.

 

[creativityrules]

I'm beginning to wonder if iMac20,1 (5300, 5500XT) units have different cooling system vs iMac20,2 (5700, 5700XT). The OWC teardown and iFixit teardown only show the iMac20,1 configuration. Could it be a reason why we're getting mixed reviews regarding acceptable sound levels?

The sound levels published by Apple is for the iMac20,1 config: "Configuration tested: 3.8GHz 8-core Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB memory, 512GB storage, Radeon Pro 5500 XT Graphics." (source: https://support.apple.com/kb/SP821?locale=en_US)

 

[CheesePuff]

I'm beginning to wonder if iMac20,1 (5300, 5500XT) units have different cooling system vs iMac20,2 (5700, 5700XT). The OWC teardown and iFixit teardown only show the iMac20,1 configuration. Could it be a reason why we're getting mixed reviews regarding acceptable sound levels?

The sound levels published by Apple is for the iMac20,1 config: "Configuration tested: 3.8GHz 8-core Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB memory, 512GB storage, Radeon Pro 5500 XT Graphics." (source: https://support.apple.com/kb/SP821?locale=en_US)

https://support.apple.com/kb/SP790?locale=en_US which allows shows 3 db lower then the 2019 model

 

[mj_]

Probably not a good idea to do this while under warranty. If Apple disabled this ability, that would be the reason.

There's really no reason not to. It's not reboot safe, meaning that once you reboot your OS it goes back to 1,200 rpm, and there is no way to tell. More importantly, you don't void your warranty by temporarily modifying your SMC.

Apple simply chose a sweet spot of 1,200rpm, which is still quiet enough to satisfy most users but at the same time fast enough to provide proper cooling to keep the fan running on low speeds much longer than if they would have opted for, say, turning it off completely. It is also much better for the longevity of your fan's bearings if the fan itself operates at a fixed and constant speed most of the time instead of stopping and starting all the time or pulsing constantly with changing load.

 

[Lankyman]

Wow! I can't believe I stumbled upon this thread. I just unboxed my 2020 27 inch iMac with in store top tier i7 and I could immediately noticed that the fan was louder and more "course" sounding somewhat like an old notebook hard disk very, very quietly reading data off its platter if I come to within 15 inches of the screen. My 2017 27 inch i5 BTO with SSD is quieter by a decent margin and sounded more "refined" WITHOUT the noise characteristic I mentioned above.

I have very sensitive hearing and my computers are placed side by side in the same room about 15 inches from the wall. I checked the fan noise by listening from the front, sides and back. The 2017 is definitely quieter than the 2020. I have no idea if the fans have changed or if the internals have changed to account for the noise difference.

I have 14 days to decide if I want to return or exchange it. I am somewhat relieved that I wasn't imagining the increase noise despite what Apple is publishing regarding their new 2020s being quieter.

You have solved this alleged issue already. Keep 16 inches away from the screen, job done. 🤣

 

[costica1234]

I'm beginning to wonder if iMac20,1 (5300, 5500XT) units have different cooling system vs iMac20,2 (5700, 5700XT). The OWC teardown and iFixit teardown only show the iMac20,1 configuration. Could it be a reason why we're getting mixed reviews regarding acceptable sound levels?

The sound levels published by Apple is for the iMac20,1 config: "Configuration tested: 3.8GHz 8-core Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB memory, 512GB storage, Radeon Pro 5500 XT Graphics." (source: https://support.apple.com/kb/SP821?locale=en_US)

You have a great point here! I would love to see a teardown of a 2020 iMac with either a 5700 or 5700 XT GPU.

 

[yellow_lupine]

Take a look at my post here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/cooling-in-the-new-2020-27-imac.2248609/post-28793421

 

[SWolfe]

Guys I found and early video of APPLE testing the fans on these units and they seem extremly LOUD.

 

[edib]

The new 2020 iMac i7 at idle (25C CPU and 1200 rpm) I just got is somehow louder than a 2017 i5 I had, however it seems like the noise is manageable. More in the link below [Updated (initially I said the new is definitive louder) ]

Cooling in the new 2020 27" iMac?

Ok, just connected the new iMac. The true tone display is absolutely gorgeous ! The ambient room temperature is about 19C, the case was cold when I got it out of the box (9C) outside. CPU cores about 26C, fan at 1200rpm, quiet room 29dB or so. Not sure what they have changed as compared with...

forums.macrumors.com

PS. My apologies for repeating the same information here, however it seems like this is more suitable thread for it.

 

[mikehalloran]

Guys I found and early video of APPLE testing the fans on these units and they seem extremly LOUD. …

Ha! You can’t fool me. Having once owned a G4 Mirror door, I know exactly what they’re testing.

 

[edib]

I have just noticed a static noise (similar to coil whine) inside my 2020 i7 iMac. It is definitivly coming from the fan as when it ramps up I can clearly hear the same sound for a second, but louder. To hear well I need to get very close to the back/right side of the computer. I can't hear it from the sitting position Has anyone experienced something similar?

 

[Nismo73]

I would be curious to know the make of the fan in the current one vs older ones...I can’t imagine it’s exactly the same manufacturer or version of the fan after all this time. My 2012 is relatively silent at idle but it seems like some of the people here are saying their 2020 is some what more audible.

 

[dsc888]

I have just noticed a static noise (similar to coil whine) inside my 2020 i7 iMac. It is definitivly coming from the fan as when it ramps up I can clearly hear the same sound for a second, but louder. To hear well I need to get very close to the back/right side of the computer. I can't hear it from the sitting position Has anyone experienced something similar?

Do you notice it also when the fan is at idle at 1200 RPM? I am returning mine because the fan also sounds like an old spinning platter hard disk while it is reading or writing to the platters, but very quietly. I only hear gentle air movement in my 2017 i5. I don't know if it is the bearings in the fan. But I can tell you that the noise can only be heard if I listen from the back of the machine or when I bring my head o within 12 inch of the front PARTICULARLY to the RIGHT speak area. It's almost like the fan is rattling a little. Weird.

 

[edib]

Do you notice it also when the fan is at idle at 1200 RPM? I am returning mine because the fan also sounds like an old spinning platter hard disk while it is reading or writing to the platters, but very quietly. I only hear gentle air movement in my 2017 i5. I don't know if it is the bearings in the fan. But I can tell you that the noise can only be heard if I listen from the back of the machine or when I bring my head o within 12 inch of the front PARTICULARLY to the RIGHT speak area. It's almost like the fan is rattling a little. Weird.

The rattling noise I hear is more subtle than yours, as I have to bring my ear very close to the back of the enclosure, right side. It sounds exactly like an old spinning platter hard disk. I can't hear the same noise from my sitting distance, just the noise generated by the moving air through the vents. My old 2017 i5 was quiet in that regard, both at 1200 rpm.

 

[Gmouse]

Guys I found and early video of APPLE testing the fans on these units and they seem extremly LOUD.

I STILL have that large B&W poster of this on my office wall!!!!

 

[dsc888]

The rattling noise I hear is more subtle than yours, as I have to bring my ear very close to the back of the enclosure, right side. It sounds exactly like an old spinning platter hard disk. I can't hear the same noise from my sitting distance, just the noise generated by the moving air through the vents. My old 2017 i5 was quiet in that regard, both at 1200 rpm.

Thank you for your feedback. It appears that we are both hearing the same noise. There is likely to be some amount of manufacturing variance and our hearing and tolerance for noise will vary from person to person.

The fact that you too can hear it behind the iMac AND on the right side AND that it sounds like an old spinning hard disk means that this design is inherently noisy. My guess is that people either don't hear it or their tolerance for noise is higher than ours. Or maybe the use theirs in environments that have a higher noise floor to mask the sound of the fan.

 

[edib]

Thank you for your feedback. It appears that we are both hearing the same noise. There is likely to be some amount of manufacturing variance and our hearing and tolerance for noise will vary from person to person.

The fact that you too can hear it behind the iMac AND on the right side AND that it sounds like an old spinning hard disk means that this design is inherently noisy. My guess is that people either don't hear it or their tolerance for noise is higher than ours. Or maybe the use theirs in environments that have a higher noise floor to mask the sound of the fan.

I have spoken today with Apple in regards to the noise and a kernel panic I had this morning. They offered a replacement and said that I can keep the one I have until the new one arrives. I have agreed to do it, however I am not sure if this will solve anything as the new one will be assembled in the same factory a week later than the one I have.

Very happy with support from Apple. This is one of the reasons I keep buying their products.

 

[RAWvJPG]

Very happy with support from Apple. This is one of the reasons I keep buying their products.

You will be be disappointed when you see that the replacement unit has the same or slightly different issue. Apple might generously offer replacements, but they don't really fix issues.

 

[Lankyman]

I'm loving this thread, it's more entertaining than TV. I have a radical solution - stop listening and start using.

 

[dsc888]

I have spoken today with Apple in regards to the noise and a kernel panic I had this morning. They offered a replacement and said that I can keep the one I have until the new one arrives. I have agreed to do it, however I am not sure if this will solve anything as the new one will be assembled in the same factory a week later than the one I have.

Very happy with support from Apple. This is one of the reasons I keep buying their products.

Please keep us all posted! I am unfortunately in the camp of people who think that the new unit might have the same fan noise. The fans are mass produced and any inherent fault or characteristic is likely to be evident in most units unless your truly got a faulty one with bad bearings or fan blades. I do have higher hope that the kernel panic issue might get resolved as the T2 chip is likely the cause. Good luck!

 

[1229175]

I have spoken today with Apple in regards to the noise and a kernel panic I had this morning. They offered a replacement and said that I can keep the one I have until the new one arrives. I have agreed to do it, however I am not sure if this will solve anything as the new one will be assembled in the same factory a week later than the one I have.

Very happy with support from Apple. This is one of the reasons I keep buying their products.

I started experiencing kernel panics and forced reboots on my 2020 27" iMac today. Unfortunately, I don't believe your replacement will solve the issue because there seems to be some fundamental flaws with this new iMac. I would suspect it's related to the thermal management system being insufficient for these incredibly hot 10th Gen Intel Core CPUs, but I don't particularly have the patience to continue to investigate this.

I'll be packing my iMac up and returning it to Apple. I'm picking out components now for a PC build for video editing and rendering that won't be getting even remotely close to 100º C, like this iMac seems to enjoy doing.

 

[dsc888]

I started experiencing kernel panics and forced reboots on my 2020 27" iMac today. Unfortunately, I don't believe your replacement will solve the issue because there seems to be some fundamental flaws with this new iMac. I would suspect it's related to the thermal management system being insufficient for these incredibly hot 10th Gen Intel Core CPUs, but I don't particularly have the patience to continue to investigate this.

I'll be packing my iMac up and returning it to Apple. I'm picking out components now for a PC build for video editing and rendering that won't be getting even remotely close to 100º C, like this iMac seems to enjoy doing.

What configuration is your iMac?