There is Hope for iMac 27" Display - Black Spots/Smudges/Dust in the display fixed!

[self]

Makes me wonder if this is also an issue with the new Sandy Bridge iMacs.

I'd like to know this too.

 

[CRP]

Dangerous!

I tried this on an iMac with a 21.5" screen (late 2009). The whole procedure is very similar, remove screws, slip out display assembly, remove more screws, remove tape, separate lcd from backlight.
Everything seemed cool, until I put it back together. Now when I turn it on, the display appears like this in the attached photos. Anyone have any ideas on what I might do now, save taking the make back to Apple service?

 

[DarwinOSX]

It could also be solved for buyers by replacing the defective parts if they are in warranty or not as this is a known issue.

The issues concerning the imac can only be solve through management, where it all started within several suppliers also. This would take a complete redesign of many hardware components and that will take some time.

----------

The problem is Windows is crap.
You forget a defragmenter, several types of anti-malware software, a registry cleaner, application uninstaller and a reinstall disk for you Windows PC.

I've dumped the idea of an iMac totally because of this design flaw

No more 'cute' designed computers for me !!!
I will use my MBP 15 with an ACD 27 and then build my own monster PC with state of the art parts and Win 7 Ultimate (no more wait for Sandy Bridge and total control of GPU and SSD drives)
i7 2600k 3.4 Ghz SandyBridge CPU
Asus Maximus DeLuxe motherboard
16 GB DDR3 1600 MHz Corsair Dominator RAM
OCZ Revodrive X2 100 GB PCI Express SSD (750-850 true mb/sec read and write speed) for WIN 7
OCZ Vertex 3 240 GB SSD for programs
OCZ Vertex 3 120 GB SSD for docs, spreadsheet and database files
WD Green Caviar 3 TB SATA 3 HDD for music and movies
Sapphire Radeon 6970 2 GB GPU
Apple Cinema Display 27"
Logitech DiNovo keyboard
Logitech MX Performance mouse
Harmon Kardon Soundsticks III
Lian Li PC X1000 LOW NOISE Alu chassis silver
Noctua NH 14 CPU cooler
Arctic Silver 5
Corsair 1000 watt gold plated PSU

This system will be faster than even a $6,000 Mac Pro system !!
I love a lot about Mac OSx and Apple design and the imac might look nice, but it has a serious design flaw - a 1" chassis thickness and a 2" fan outtake covered by the stand

 

[heliocentric]

The problem is Windows is crap.
You forget a defragmenter, several types of anti-malware software, a registry cleaner, application uninstaller and a reinstall disk for you Windows PC.

yeah, I wonder how 90% of the world manage to do anything on their computers...They must leave their defragmenter on a constant loop

Windows isnt that bad! What can you do on a mac you can't do on a windows machine?

I like both platforms.

 

[CRP]

Further investigations brought me to the conclusion that the film tabs that connect the LCD itself to the display's logic board (which are connected with a technology called TAB, Tape Automated Bonding) were damaged.
This is apparently not fixable, so the whole display must be replaced. The lesson is that, if you absolutely want to try this procedure, be _very_ careful when you lift the LCD glass to separate it from the led backlight. The film tabs are on the bottom side, and the less the two panels are separated, the less stress is placed upon the tabs.
I went the whole way and actually separated the two by unscrewing the metal sheet that covers the logic board, so I guess that is when the damage was done.

 

[Snollygoster]

I managed to do it as well on a 27" i5 iMac.

Took me more than an hour, I had a hard time prying the panel off, I am not even sure how to do it again in case it is needed.


When put everything back together and switched it on half the monitor had funky colors (rainbow colors) thought I damaged some connector but after 15-20 seconds it gradually came back to normal.

Now I have a super clean iMac display. Thanks so much for the guides.

 

[Oggy]

Further investigations brought me to the conclusion that the film tabs that connect the LCD itself to the display's logic board (which are connected with a technology called TAB, Tape Automated Bonding) were damaged.
This is apparently not fixable, so the whole display must be replaced. The lesson is that, if you absolutely want to try this procedure, be _very_ careful when you lift the LCD glass to separate it from the led backlight. The film tabs are on the bottom side, and the less the two panels are separated, the less stress is placed upon the tabs.
I went the whole way and actually separated the two by unscrewing the metal sheet that covers the logic board, so I guess that is when the damage was done.

I'm very sorry that it happened to you

I mentioned somewhere in the guide that this connectors are very very very sensitive and should not be touched....

I wonder if Apple managed to solve this problem for the last version of iMac?

 

[HenrikS]

My 27 iMac was bought in August 2010, and despite having noticed the blemishes well before warranty expired, I never took the Mac in because I always thought that the machine just needed a good wipe...and then forgot about it again. When I finally realised that this was not a simple cleaning task, I took the iMac to the Apple Store (now two months out of warranty), where they refused to do anything for me other than a courtesy clean (I assume behind the glass), which did not do anything...

Is there anything else I can do with Apple to convince them to do a courtesy repair 15 months post-purchase...I did not buy Apple Care because thought that this was a quality product :-(

I guess there are no repair services that would do this cleaning exercise for you - I do not think I am talented enough with this kind of thing to get this done without damaging anything, there is so much talk about fragile connectors...

 

[Omek]

I'm having the the same smudge mark/condensation problem in the upper right hand corner. I'm going to try taking off the first pane of glass and cleaning the second, but it seems to be on the physical matte screen itself behind the second pane of glass. I can't really tell.

So quick question. I have the Late 2009 27" iMac. If I get Applecare, will it extend from 2011 to 2014, or does it only cover 2009 to 2012? And does anyone here think Apple will cover the cost of replacing the screen? I can take a pic if you'd like to see.

 

[jsolares]

I'm having the the same smudge mark/condensation problem in the upper right hand corner. I'm going to try taking off the first pane of glass and cleaning the second, but it seems to be on the physical matte screen itself behind the second pane of glass. I can't really tell.

So quick question. I have the Late 2009 27" iMac. If I get Applecare, will it extend from 2011 to 2014, or does it only cover 2009 to 2012? And does anyone here think Apple will cover the cost of replacing the screen? I can take a pic if you'd like to see.

can you even get apple care on the machine? once the first year is up you can't get it.

i got apple care a week before the 1st year of warranty ran out, and it gives you 2 extra years.

i also got the display replaced, hopefully they've fixed the problem and i won't have to take it back to get replaced in a year or so.

 

[HenrikS]

I am getting more and more annoyed with my screen...how difficult is this really for a newbie? My main concerns having read the instructions over and over again:
- risk of damages when taking the LCD and frame out of the iMac (how easy is it to disconnect the cables, how many are there?)
- risk of damages when removing and cutting the tape
- risk of damages when prying the LCD from the frame (which seems to be the hardest part!)
- risk of damages when lifting the LCD glass (see the above comment on the connectors that can easily be destroyed)

Perhaps I am overestimating the difficulty, perhaps not, I would just like to get a feel how experienced you have to be. I have swapped hard drives and RAM in the past, that is about as much as i have gotten into any computer...

By the way, if I do go for it, is it easy to swap the hard drive for a larger one while you have the panel removed? Are there size/brand etc. restrictions, and could you just reinstall from a time machine back-up?

Thanks, Henrik

 

[Omek]

can you even get apple care on the machine? once the first year is up you can't get it.

i got apple care a week before the 1st year of warranty ran out, and it gives you 2 extra years.

i also got the display replaced, hopefully they've fixed the problem and i won't have to take it back to get replaced in a year or so.

Well, that sucks. The smudge on mine seems to go away as soon as the computer is cooled down overnight.

I'm thinking I'm just going to sell this machine. I recently inherited two 30" Cinema Displays, so I think I'll just trade my iMac in for a Macbook Pro instead and hook it up to one of my new monitors. This model of iMac has been the worst product I've ever purchased from Apple. First it was the yellow tinge on the lower the 1/3rd of the display, then my hard drive failed within one week of buying it, and now the display is having condensation issues.

 

[doktordoris]

What an alarming problem. It sounds to me like a lack of "fitness for purpose" problem and as such warrants a replacement irrespective of the warranty status, in blighty at least.

 

[Saryon61]

Hi,

Thanks for such detailed information...but...

I have been gone through that thread and I am surprised that I may have to dismantle myself my iMac to solve the grey dust problem it has in the LCD screen.

I am in contact with Apple Express Lane Service for one month now and I am still waiting for a response from them concerning my out of warranty iMac.

Meanwhile, I have visited an Apple Store that admitted they have iMac that have the same problem in their "laboratory"!

I will keep you inform about the progress.

honestly and considering the number of people concerned I am advising anyone at least to have a look at these websites:

American website:
http://chn.ge/vM0BwA
French site:
http://lesindignes-dapple.dyndns.bi...hes_grises_sur_lecran_de_liMac/Bienvenue.html

 

[iSayuSay]

I'm very sorry that it happened to you

I mentioned somewhere in the guide that this connectors are very very very sensitive and should not be touched....

I wonder if Apple managed to solve this problem for the last version of iMac?

Just want to report, I have a 2011 iMac w/3.4GHz i7 and 6970M (purchased in July 1st, 2011), and after about 3 months of usage, I have this very same problem. Only 3 months!!

And this smudge is slowly developing bigger and bigger, specifically on upper right side of the screen.
I don't know what's wrong with the screen. Is this some kind of defective design, or display.

But the Apple technician told me it may caused by heat coming from GPU heatsink (which totally make sense since upper right corner is where the heatsink located). And yes, he could do nothing but replace the whole panel. What if it comes back? Well, he'll replace the panel again, as long as I have AppleCare, it's going to be free. But I hate bringing it regularly like it's a sick baby.

And yes, I do quite a lot of gaming with this iMac, why not? I picked one with 6970M, so why I don't game with this?

Long story short, Apple replaced my display (about 1,5months ago) but I can see the problem starts coming back, I can see another faint smudge on the same location as the first. Well, I'll wait 3 4 months until it becomes annoying, and take back my iMac again. Oh gosh, was this a heavy unit, huh?

If this is dust, I don't see why it attacks my screen on the exact same location? So how about your iMac, Oggy? Does the smudge returns?
I really hate to see this happens as I don't have problem with the iMac itself, only the friggin display developing smudge overtime, like a virus. Damn I hate it.

 

[Laststop]

Does this happen even on the latest imacs? Dust getting on the inside of the inner screen i mean.

ok I guess this is a yes. After I read all the posts.

Well then screw getting an imac. Looks like I'll just go with a close to base model mac pro tower, maybe upgrade a couple options that's it and just use my 32" sony LCD tv as my monitor until I can afford a new 27" ACD LED or even better if I can find a 30" ACD for sale. But the 32 inch sony should be fine for now its full 1920 x 1080 and has hdmi.

 

[iSayuSay]

Does this happen even on the latest imacs? Dust getting on the inside of the inner screen i mean.

Read my post before yours, it's still happens with 2011 iMac, at least mine

 

[spcdust]

Just want to report, I have a 2011 iMac w/3.4GHz i7 and 6970M (purchased in July 1st, 2011), and after about 3 months of usage, I have this very same problem. Only 3 months!!

And this smudge is slowly developing bigger and bigger, specifically on upper right side of the screen.
I don't know what's wrong with the screen. Is this some kind of defective design, or display.

But the Apple technician told me it may caused by heat coming from GPU heatsink (which totally make sense since upper right corner is where the heatsink located). And yes, he could do nothing but replace the whole panel. What if it comes back? Well, he'll replace the panel again, as long as I have AppleCare, it's going to be free. But I hate bringing it regularly like it's a sick baby.

And yes, I do quite a lot of gaming with this iMac, why not? I picked one with 6970M, so why I don't game with this?

Long story short, Apple replaced my display (about 1,5months ago) but I can see the problem starts coming back, I can see another faint smudge on the same location as the first. Well, I'll wait 3 4 months until it becomes annoying, and take back my iMac again. Oh gosh, was this a heavy unit, huh?

If this is dust, I don't see why it attacks my screen on the exact same location? So how about your iMac, Oggy? Does the smudge returns?
I really hate to see this happens as I don't have problem with the iMac itself, only the friggin display developing smudge overtime, like a virus. Damn I hate it.

I've always thought is was heat generated by the GPU that was the culprit. I had a 2009 iMac and the same thing happened to mine in the exact same position - Apple replaced the screen and I've since sold the iMac and bought the 2011 model. I also do quite a bit of gaming in the PC side of things and on both iMacs used SMC fan control to keep the temperatures lower compared to what they would be if I was not using this handy App. My view is this is an inherent design flaw-everything gets a bit toasty inside the thin chassis and the screen is not sufficiently isolated from the heat generated by the GPU when doing graphics intensive tasks i.e. modern gaming.

My current iMac (Which I have had since June 2011) hasn't yet suffered from the smudges - for reference I generally never let the GPU go over 70-75 Degrees Celsius (well within it's operating parameters).

 

[Laststop]

It's a damn shame. I really liked the small lil complete package this computer was. Quality 27" 2560x1440 displays arent cheap. The dell one is 750 and its not led backlit. The apple one is 1000. Once you factor out the price of the screen you realize the price on the imacs is a pretty good deal.

I kinda wanted to get a mac pro tower anyways. When I buy a comp i like to get high end components because I will keep the same computer for 5+ years easily. Current comp is 7 years old and goin strong. Even plays starcraft 2 pretty great and runs 1080p video no problem. Not even sure whats in it now but I know it was top of the line model. Thats why I like high end models, so it lasts me for a long time.

 

[iSayuSay]

I've always thought is was heat generated by the GPU that was the culprit. I had a 2009 iMac and the same thing happened to mine in the exact same position - Apple replaced the screen and I've since sold the iMac and bought the 2011 model. I also do quite a bit of gaming in the PC side of things and on both iMacs used SMC fan control to keep the temperatures lower compared to what they would be if I was not using this handy App. My view is this is an inherent design flaw-everything gets a bit toasty inside the thin chassis and the screen is not sufficiently isolated from the heat generated by the GPU when doing graphics intensive tasks i.e. modern gaming.

My current iMac (Which I have had since June 2011) hasn't yet suffered from the smudges - for reference I generally never let the GPU go over 70-75 Degrees Celsius (well within it's operating parameters).

Yes, if you want to play it safe you just simply keep the GPU cool, don't do any GPU intensive task and I'm 99% sure the display would be okay. But really, why would I pick hi-end iMac if I don't do anything intensive with it? If I only allowed to do some light typing, browsing, music or mere Angry Birds, I might just get an iPad or MBA for that, right man?

Hi-end iMac is quite a powerhouse on paper, and it really would, if only this smudge problem wasn't there .. if MacPro has this very same spec & price (w/27" display included) over iMac, I'd get one without hesitation.

Yes, you knew it, the smudge never appeared on another area, like in my case it's always started on upper right corner of the screen, and then spreading overtime .. that's the painful part, it's SPREADING like cancer or virus

How many hours of gaming do you have with your iMac? Averagely? 5 - 10 hrs/week maybe?

 

[spcdust]

Yes, if you want to play it safe you just simply keep the GPU cool, don't do any GPU intensive task and I'm 99% sure the display would be okay. But really, why would I pick hi-end iMac if I don't do anything intensive with it? If I only allowed to do some light typing, browsing, music or mere Angry Birds, I might just get an iPad or MBA for that, right man?

Hi-end iMac is quite a powerhouse on paper, and it really would, if only this smudge problem wasn't there .. if MacPro has this very same spec & price (w/27" display included) over iMac, I'd get one without hesitation.

Yes, you knew it, the smudge never appeared on another area, like in my case it's always started on upper right corner of the screen, and then spreading overtime .. that's the painful part, it's SPREADING like cancer or virus

How many hours of gaming do you have with your iMac? Averagely? 5 - 10 hrs/week maybe?

I probably get an average of 5 hours of gaming in a week.

Totally agree with you - if Apple put the components in the iMac then they need to consider the iMac "infrastructure/design" to ensure that heat is dissipated away from sensitive parts. I have read some posters comments in the past with sentiments along the lines of "Don't play GPU intensive games" - that would be like buying a high performance sports cars but restricting your use to second gear only.

 

[killer666]

I have my third Imac 27 , all of them had the problem of the dust , I have changed 4 screens until now, on the Imac that I have right now my apple care plan expired for some time, and as usual I have the dust problem (and my flat is really clean) , I was thinking of doing the suggested cleaning from above but I'm not sure of the % of success in this operation, my friend that works in that apple service suggested not to try it because most surely I will destroy the screen completely , did anybody else tried this at home ??? a more detailed procedure would help us all Imac users without warranty

 

[doktordoris]

if you are in england just take it back. for electronic articles the sale of goods act SPECIFIES the product must be "sufficiently durable" to last for 6 years, without being mistreated. that means all english bought electrical goods have a six year warranty, irrespective of what a shop of company says.

just go back, with a copy of the act in your hand and tell the manager you are not leaving till he fixes it. don't be pushed around by a twerp in a t-shirt. They aren't real geniuses you know.

 

[spcdust]

....don't be pushed around by a twerp in a t-shirt. They aren't real geniuses you know.

Here Here to that.

My friends brother works at a prominent Apple Store and the standing joke is, if in doubt, tell the customer "It needs a new Motherboard". Tell me how many times Apple customers, who are out of warranty, have heard that line?

 

[sgi02]

Imac dust stains

Okay, I have followed all the advice posted and decided to try cleaning my 27 inch imac myself.

Taking the glass off and removing the actual screen was pretty easy!

Prying the frame from the LED screen was pretty hard work with a lot of cracking noises. This took the best part of an hour!

Once the frame was off, it was easy to lift the screen off and clean in between the 2 layers.

I cleaned carefully using an apple cleaning cloth.


Unfortunately, after I put the whole thing back together I was convinced I had broken it! But once i heard the apple chime and saw the grey start up screen I was happy!

BUT

The dust stain was still there! All my cleaning didn't even move the dust!

I don't think I can try it again, way too stressful!

The weird thing about my dust stains is that the only really show up on flat colors like green/blue or grey. If I set my desktop background to solid white you cannot see the dust stain!

I don't really want to buy a new Imac because it seems this problem will just keep happening.

A replacement imac screen is about $1000!

Sorry for the upside down blurry photos! My stupid iphone never takes a photo the right way up!