iMac Heating Up

[WillNicholls]

This has happened for a while and researching it online suggests that its the heat sync that causes iMac's to be so hot at the top.

But I am sure it is getting hot quicker recently. I can now hear the fans going and the top is pretty hot to touch. Just short of burning I would say.

The bottom is cool and I can feel air going in.


Is this a problem?

 

[Fieldsy]

Take it your local AASP; they'll be able to blow it through (i.e. clean it internally) and check for any faults. We do this (in Watford) for about £40.

 

[WillNicholls]

Take it your local AASP; they'll be able to blow it through (i.e. clean it internally) and check for any faults. We do this (in Watford) for about £40.

AASP?

 

[neil_g]

im assuming he meant asap. although its not really urgent unless its doing a thermal shutdown.

but yes, most likely dust build up.

 

[Fieldsy]

Apple Authorised Service Provider. Search on the Apple site for "Service Providers" in your area. You could go to an Apple Store, but they tend to be a bit more "Disney" than an independent.

 

[WillNicholls]

im assuming he meant asap. although its not really urgent unless its doing a thermal shutdown.

but yes, most likely dust build up.

Is it possible to do this myself? We live out in the sticks and taking a 27 inch iMac to Newcastle eldon square is less than ideal!

 

[neil_g]

depends how technical you are.. just search for the teardown of your specific year/model..

for example - http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+EMC+2309+and+2374+Teardown/1236/1

 

[srichards]

Clear dust off underside and also the grid shaped one of there is one where the stand joins the body. If the latter becomes blocked then airflow is massively restricted.

Then check temps.

In the warmer weather the fans will run more than normal. Also check for rogue processes and memory hoggers as that will also put more pressure on memory/swap space and CPU time which can all increase internal temps.

If none of the above makes any difference then take it off to an apple place to check over.

 

[WillNicholls]

Thanks for advice guys. I've actually ended up ringing apple care to ask whether or not it was worth taking it in. And because I used some key phrase or something the case is now in the hands of senior management. Had to answer a load of questions and now checking with engineers.

I actually remembered on the phone that it sparks when putting a USB in. Does anyone else have that?

 

[srichards]

Thanks for advice guys. I've actually ended up ringing apple care to ask whether or not it was worth taking it in. And because I used some key phrase or something the case is now in the hands of senior management. Had to answer a load of questions and now checking with engineers.

I actually remembered on the phone that it sparks when putting a USB in. Does anyone else have that?

No..... I'd be backing it up and shutting it down and keeping well away if mine were doing that!

 

[WillNicholls]

No..... I'd be backing it up and shutting it down and keeping well away if mine were doing that!

It's been doing it ever since I bought it two years ago, not been electrocuted yet!

EDIT: Having said that I've just tried it again now and no sparks. Must have fixed itself.

 

[neil_g]

sparking from a USB? err yeah thats not good..

 

[MarcM]

Get the overheating checked out, but the sparking (arching) is quite common and is unlikely to be anything to worry about. It is often caused by static electricity. If in sound though, do get an electrician to check it out!

As for the overheating, what is your CPU activity like when the fans are going? Does your machine slow down and become unresponsive?

Open activity monitor and have a look, as it could even be a rouge, crashed or just a badly behaved process causing the CPU to run at 100% and heat up.