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iMac G5 (#5): "Clicking" noise

iMac G5 (#5): "Clicking" noise

CNET staff
2 min read

Several users are reporting a minor issue with their newly arrived iMac G5s: a distinct clicking noise emanating from the machine's power supply.

MacFixIt reader N.C. Granby writes "I have a new 17" iMac G5 and it makes a 'clicking' sound, which changes intensity as the workload changes. The fans are very quiet."

Another reader Antony Gerrish, writes "My new iMac G5 arrived on Tuesday and I immediately noticed a strange clicking noise. The rate of the clicking goes up and down when you adjust the screen brightness, and also when the iMac is processing."

Readers report several of triggers for the issue, including varying screen brightness and performing some processor-intensive tasks.

Some posters to Apple's Discussion Boards are reporting that Apple is replacing affected power supplies with a "click-free" model:

"Bug" writes "I have contacted apple with regards to this issue on my iMac, and they are going to send me a new power supply to install myself. Apparently, apple uses two different types of power supply in its new iMacs, one of which is adequate and yields no problems, however one of which which is a little temperamental to say the least, and appears to be throwing up all these fan noise and crackling issues."

As noted last Friday, a note from AppleCare to Apple Authorized Service Providers indicate the faulty power adapters -- 'AC-Bel' branded power supplies -- and claim there is a noise only when the power supplies are plugged in 220v outlets.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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