The "hot" Imac

<p>Processing photos makes an Intel Imac hot - really hot. For that matter, surfing the Wed makes an Imac hot. They tell me this is normal and not to worry. I came across a free program called SMC Fan Control. Anyone try it or something similar? Or, should I just leave things alone.</p>

<p>well, the body acts as a heatsink and the chassis is very compact so the heat has to go somewhere. </p>

<p>You might want to get a program (I use the old v2 of iStats Menu) to show internal temperatures and fan speeds.</p>

<p>It's often a trade-off especially with these attractive but less functional cases; a quiet computer or a cool computer. Fortunately modern CPU/GPU's will throttle back rather than burn up, the rest however...</p>

<p>In the days of the early original form Macs, we used to buy small fans that blew air over/into the slots on the computer. My mini doesn't heat up, but my USB harddrives get fairly warm.</p>

<p>powerful processors = lots of heat.. it's normal, not a big deal.</p>

<p>I used SMC Fan Control on my macbook pro for years, mainly to keep it from burning my legs when I couldn't put it on a desk.. but it kills you fans faster (they still last a long time) since it forces them to run more.</p>

<p>I'd just trust the design and parameters Apple designed, a hot case is ok.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>If the iMac G5 computer detects a system temperature that is too high, due to high ambient temperatures or other factors, it will automatically reduce the processor and bus speed regardless of the selected setting. If the temperature continues to be too high, the operating system will cause the system to enter sleep mode.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>That is an excerpt found by scrolling down to this page's:</p>

<p>http://developer.apple.com/legacy/mac/library/documentation/Hardware/Developer_Notes/Macintosh_CPUs-G5/iMacG5_May05/01_Overview/q45CD_overview.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40002046-CH205-BBCJCHCH</p>

<p>...<strong>Power Management</strong> section for my 2004 G5 iMac whose processor ramps up from an average 140º to 170º F at an ambient room temp of around 82º F when playing YouTube video or any Flash driven video. The high temps worried me the same as you, but this info gave me piece of mind that since they already know about the heat issues with my old model and smart about dealing with it in this manner, I really don't have anything to worry about as you shouldn't either with your newer model.</p>

<p>Cleaning the dust caused by the fan's intake should be of more concern because that can eventually block the vents and accumulate on the heat sink grill over the processor if yours has this which will really drive up temps. I actually tripped my iMac's thermal protection circuitry a while back when I blocked these vents absentmindedly playing a fast paced YouTube video testing when the fans ramp up at which point the iMac just shut completely off. That's some pretty smart engineering.</p>

<p>I'ld suggest you look up your model on the same site and see what they say about heat issues which I'm pretty sure Apple already knows about and has implemented some kind of similar protection circuitry and software to deal with it.</p>

<p>Scroll down to this page's System Management Unit section to read more on how they dealt with my G5's iMac heat:</p>

<p>http://developer.apple.com/legacy/mac/library/documentation/Hardware/Developer_Notes/Macintosh_CPUs-G5/iMacG5_May05/02_Architecture/q45CD_archi.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40002046-CH206-BBCGCJCF</p>

<p>I guess I shouldn't be concerned but this latest Iphone debacle has proved what I've always believed about Apple - they place style above substance. A good computer but not nearly as perfect as they would have us believe. </p>

<p>Sanford, I think you're over reacting. Nobody's perfect.</p>

<p>I don't own an iPhone, but if all they needed to do is put a rubber bumper around it to improve reception for the wrap around antennae, I'ld still give them my benefit of a doubt.</p>

<p>But then on the computer side of things you wouldn't believe what I had to go through to find the exact power supply replacement for my 2004 G5 iMac which I replaced myself saving me about $100.</p>

<p>It seems Apple has a recycle parts model number ID system that's pretty strict and confusing at the same time when trying to buy used/cheaper or refurbished to like new Apple parts from third party vendors online.</p>

<p>I finally figured it out and confirmed I got the right part even though the model number wasn't the same as the Apple number on the original PS being replaced.</p>

<p>My old iMac works with no problems.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>1 *minor* antenna problem doestn make Apple suddendly a bad computer constructor.. Vista didtn make Microsoft a bad software cie either...</p>

<p>Its normal to have a heat in a computer, specialy one that doestn have a fan or a place to have wind circulation.. the Imac you describe seem to be the older White one, as the new Metal shinny one have a better heat disperstion due to there aluminum casing. Yes i have use SMC fan control and temperature control or something to see how hot it will come, then just remove it because the little icon just told me what i know.. that white Imac is hot when i use the processor extensively.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I use an Intel iMac at work (graphic design) and all day every day it's put through the paces and I can't say that I've ever noticed it being exceptionally hot. It's not cool to the touch on the back of the case, but it's nothing that I'm worried about. It performs well, and it's a workhorse.</p>

<p>Is is sooo typical of Apple aficionados to defend their product with near religious fervor. I started to lose faith about the time my video card failed and had to be replaced under warranty. Then they reassembled the computer incorrectly and a DVD got stuck! They accused me of inserting it backwards and when they found out this wasn't the case they still refused to take responsibility saying their repair of the video card didn't "go near" that part of the computer. Every day I never know if the wireless keyboard will be recognized. If it isn't I have to turn off the computer and unplug everything and wait a minute or so. There are many many other issues with this computer that are a constant source of frustration. What I really can't stand above everything else is the attitude of Apple users and employes that steadfastly refuse to admit fault and take responsibility. Even the faulty video was excused by them stating "it wasn't made by Apple"! Maybe it is the best computer out there but you should never believe that it is anywhere near approaching the claimed perfection, and yes, I firmly believe Apple places style above substance in every product they produce. First and foremost it must "look cool". The Iphone debacle is inexcusable and is a major problem, not a minor one.</p>

<p>Ok Sanford, you dont like your mac, youre against Apple thinking and way of doing things and you wont buy a Iphone... what can whe / i do here at that moment as a PN user to help you appreciate your computer or to understand / fix your problem?</p>

<p>did i used SMC fan? yes.</p>

<p>does that give you infos? yes</p>

<p>helpfull? well it depend, i know that my Apple is running at a certain heat when i work, and it seem that im in the range.. other than that i can simply put my hand on it and say the same ; )</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Sanford's experience was similar to mine with my Mac Pro desktop, only mine was far worse. I've detailed it in the past so I won't rehash it again. My personal experience with Apple support, both on the phone and at the so-called Genius Bar, has been less than stellar.</p>

<p>The arrogance that I experienced when attempting to deal with the issues my machine developed was exemplified by Job's press conference last week. There is a distinct attitude at Apple that their s..t doesn't stink, they can do no wrong.</p>

<p>I am not sure that the heat generated by the new IMacs and Macbooks is no big deal, nor would I trust Apple's design specs (the current iPad has a serious issue with overheating, for instance). The recent Macbook I have used got hot enough to make tea on the bottom. At the very least, I would make it a point to back up your data frequently.<br>

I like Macs, but their heat management leaves a lot to be desired. </p>

<p>It's going to be hit or miss with any computer you buy be it a PC or Mac.</p>

<p>That's why I always buy used Macs online. When this 2004 G5 craps out, I'll go and buy another used model that runs my current apps on the current OS I'm using because getting new means I'll have to pay for upgrades that'll cost even more.</p>

<p>That's the way it is with any computer. If you don't like Macs, get a PC. Doesn't matter to me. Don't waist your time trying to fix any computer that's giving you trouble. Ditch it and find one that works. Buying used with a warrantee from a reputable online vendor that's been in business at least ten years is a good bet you'll get a computer that's working and will stay that way for a long time.</p>

<p>This 2004 G5 is the second used Mac I've bought, the first one was a 2000 G3 Pismo Powerbook which still works as well. Why am I not having trouble like the rest here? Is it just luck?</p>

<p>I've never been to a Genius Bar in the 12 years I've bought and used Macs. Never saw the need and where I live makes it impossible to get to one.</p>

<p>Too much time and $ invested to think about changing back now. Besides, thankfully, I bought the extended warranty which I highly recommend.</p>

<p>As someone who builds custom pcs as a hobby, and uses macs as well, I know heat is always an issue. It's the price we pay for the performance. Today's machines are very clever in protecting themselves with heat issues. And you would be shocked what temperatures are considered normal nowadays.<br>

As some other people have suggested, look for a program to monitor temps of your components. Your processor is happy to run at nearly 80 deg c. And the other components are not far off that. Modern high performance graphics cards will run up to 90 deg c. I'll monitor this thread so if you are still worried about it, just post what temps you are getting.</p>

<p>I'd have to agree with the person who says either Mac or PC is hit or miss. They both have issues, but I've always stayed with PCs because it is what I know. I also tend to think Apple puts style above all else, and the style they choose is seldom one I would choose. The only way you will know if a computer is too hot for its design specifications is if it fails due to a heat related issue. My last HP laptop ran hot, but it was a fairly powerful machine for the time. Unfortunately, some of the heat was from the nVidia graphics chip and it ended up dying because of the heat. HP knew it was an issue and extended the warranties for AMD based computers with this chip, but not Intel based computers. Of course mine was Intel, so it was either pay $400 for a new motherboard that would probably fail too, or get a new computer. Long story short, Apple is arrogant and try way too hard to be cool, and if the iPod touch wasn't a better organizer for my uses than a Palm Pilot could ever hope to be I'd never own anything they've made so far. The thing is, other companies are arrogant too, and unless I need a printer HP lost a loyal customer last year because of similar arrogance.</p>

<p>Here our old 3000 buck plus Photoshop dream machine only draws 8 watts; today in old age it is used to print UPS labels. It has the same hard drive as new ; about 850 megs . it is from the win3.1/3.11 era; it has win98se now. Its Microsoft canned imaging program is so old it is not Kodak it is Apple, software from 1993; computer was built Fall of 1994; a 75 Mhz Pentium. It came with 8 megs of ram; to bump it up to the max of 72 megs cost about 1200 bucks.</p>

<p>The Imac 20" duo here runs hot if one runs a batch file; you can just use a fan on the back and plug it in the USB port.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>Apple is arrogant and try way too hard to be cool</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Why did you have to go and do that? What hidden jealousy or envy made you interject that? For shame, this is not and was not a Mac vs. PC thread. Avast wi' ye, ye lubber.</p>

<p>I've had 2 Imacs. The first (a white one) ran for almost 2 years and then got more and more erratic, rebooted itself, put itself to sleep, etc. Turned out it was overheating because the innards of the machine were packed with dust. I've built several Windows PC's, but I wasn't comfortable dismantling the Imac; took it the the Apple store, had it cleaned, problem fixed.</p>

<p>This was in my home, which is not an especially dusty environment.</p>

<p>On my new, silver Imac, I have taped a piece of air conditioner filter foam over the air intake. This packs up with dust every few months; I remove and replace it with a new piece. The dirt that's in the filter would have been in the machine otherwise.</p>

<p>At the very least, it's important to keep the air intake clean and unplugged.</p>

 

<p>Scott, great tip on using the foam filter. Never thought to do that on my old iMac. </p>

<p>It does get dusty in there. I can practically take the entire innards out myself except the one intake vent going directly to the processor heat shield grill assembly. That requires nearly a complete tear down to get to.</p>

<p>Cleaned all the dust everywhere else but could only attach a vacuum cleaner to the intake port where the fan resides. I just get this feeling I still didn't get it all.</p>

<p>I used to be that guy who hated macs, because I was trying to be cool and arrogant. Then I actually sat down and used one. The minor features of expose and the idea of an .app package alone made me say, holy crap that is so much better. When PC MAG released the article that the best windows laptop was a MBP during my purchase process during the time, it sealed my confidence. <br>

I love my mac, it was a great purchase, and I hate the blind mac fanatics and much as I hate the anti-mac fanatics. If you don't see the point in investing in a product that will last you and would rather constantly buy cheaper gear go for it. But you're gonna spend a lot if you want good gear regardless of mac or pc, you're gonna have to pay the price.<br>

Apple makes great products, bottom line. There's a reason the iPod and iPhone are succesful. The "latest debacle" is quite funny. Considering regulations that cause new phones to be designed a certain way, and that many of the newer competitors of the iPhone have the exact same issue, one should be made at the idiots who caused the reform. (the power a handset produces compared to what a cell tower produces is ridiculously small) Also, less than 1% of the iPhone 4's have this issue, which was shown to be less than people with similar attenuation problems on the 3G and 3GS.</p>

<p>And one of the prices often not factored in a computer purchase is the time it takes to figure out how to fix it when something goes wrong.</p>

<p>I like knowing I can go to a central communication and knowledge base exchange such as Apple discussion forum among others on the web for finding relatively quick answers to issues with specific Mac models, OS combinations and other Apple peripherals and components.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>I like knowing I can go to a central communication and knowledge base exchange such as Apple discussion forum among others on the web for finding relatively quick answers to issues with specific Mac models, OS combinations and other Apple peripherals and components.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>And, like that is Mac specific?</p>

<p>These same forums also have many threads on the growing "debacles". Flickering 27" iMac monitors. Breaking MBP hinges. nVidia grahics card. Batteries. Mac Air. There's a Mac "debacle" every 8 months now and yet all preventable before being released. It's beyond me why they can't give their new products to 100 people and have them use it for a month before shipping to the public.</p>

<p>The few pro's that I know that still use Mac's can't stand the alienation of Mac, of being on the phone for hours to India, and often, not having their computer for weeks. They have expressed a few times how deep down, their largest anxiety with Mac is the possibility of their computer breaking; the weakest link in their lively-hood.</p>

<p>I was a teen when I owned the Commodore 64. When I started my college and working career, Mac's were the only thing out there when I slogged it out with photo journalism. Then "graphic design" was born on a monitor and anyone could be an art director. Mac's everywhere and I loved them as well. Today though, I'm no longer in favor on closed proprietary systems that provide little or no choice.</p>

<p>It's a different Steve today. Hat's off to him though. I've never known a company so good at marketing that can actually make their target market feel so wonderful about being second best.</p>