Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Mid 2011 iMac start-up grey screen...

Mar 18, 2018 9:02AM PDT

Hello - I've been all over the internet reading the history about the problem folks have had with the 2011 iMac booting up 50% and then going grey-screen.

I'm writing this new question to see if I can get more up-to-date info and to ask a few specific questions in regard to the specific attempts and results of the fixes I've tried to make...to no avail.

The iMac in question is: 27-inch Mid-2011. It's got: 3.4 GHz Intel Core i7, 16GB memory 1333 MHz DDR3, AMD Radeon HD 6970M 2048MB graphics card.

Here's what I've done so far: When I was able to get the computer to boot all the way I wiped the HD completely clean and reinstalled the OS and software. The machine worked for a while and then, while video editing (it's part of what I do for a living) the screen went blank again. No response. I tried to restart...it boots halfway the then the screen goes grey.

I've done all the methods of checking the machine on restart: holding "shift" holding "D", holding "Option+command+P+R", the whole she-bang. Hardware test - both the short and extended test, turn up nothing. The machine starts or doesn't in some crazy unpredictable madness.

You get the idea. So....I'm looking for recommendations on what to do.

Sorry for the long length of this message.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Clarification Request
The clue to me is the wipe and reinstall fixed it once.
Mar 18, 2018 9:42AM PDT

Did* you do that again? Could point to drive or memory issues. This is repeated in many web pages about the grey screen startup issues.

Also, is there some USB hub in use for such. Read https://www.lifewire.com/fix-mac-that-stall-on-gray-screen-at-startup-2260831 where this and more is covered.

There are some owners that get upset when you bring up the machine's age. It's well beyond the years I expect these to last. So while I would try what's in the article I linked to, it may be time.

*Note: Edited this word for grammar.

Post was last edited on March 18, 2018 11:59 AM PDT

- Collapse -
Mid-2011 iMac Start-up grey screen...
Mar 18, 2018 10:44AM PDT

Thank you for your quick response and for the excellent, informative info you put in it! I took a quick read over the info linked and will read it/follow it more deeply later tonight.

I should clarify the history I initially typed out. I realized that the question I was posing was turning into a book so I condensed the timeline to try to be more brief. In regard to wiping the HD clean and reinstalling the OS. I did that only recently, after following all the other suggested ways to remedy the grey screen issue. There have been times that the computer would all of a sudden boot up like normal and then work normally for a few start-up cycles only to go back to it's grey screen bad behavior.

After trying all the methods that I found suggested on-line I resorted to wiping the HD and reloading the OS. Again, every time I ran the hardware test the results came back without finding fault so...I thought the only thing that could be wrong was a software problem.

I know the machine is now six-to-seven years old and, as with most things today it's built to be disposable. In other words, it's not meant to last forever. The reason why I'm trying to hang on and fix it is because I have software that I still use that will not run on a brand new machine due to the advancement of the OS. The other thing is, my iMac was very expensive and when I ordered it I spec'd it out with the most advanced hardware that was available. To junk the machine and then spend a big chunk of money again for something that's built with a five year max life span is....well....what makes me upset.

Finally - the most recent info I've read (before yours) suggests the graphics card is the problem. I know I should address this to the Apple Store folks but, seeing as the machine is old, will they still replace the card if it is indeed the culprit? I walk into Apple Stores and don't come away with a high degree of confidence that they can do fixes like this and that they'd rather tell me the machine can't be fixed so that they can sell me a new one.

Thoughts?

- Collapse -
Much of what is known is in that link but my thoughts.
Mar 18, 2018 12:07PM PDT

Let me share what I would do if this was mine. We know that APPLE DOES NOT MAKE HARD DRIVES and other parts. They integrate a fine machine and at over five years you are getting into the end of the usual good times and into the end of times. These machines and the parts are not designed for decade plus life. If so, you could not afford them at all. This can be upsetting and I hope we can move past that issue for a moment.

Remember I take it you already tested without USB hubs and any non-essential devices. A printer is NOT ESSENTIAL when we are working this issue. Be brutal here.

IF THIS WAS MINE I think I'd swap in another HDD or better yet a SSD. Reinstall and see if it's cured.

The flakiness could be that old drive syndrome which I've run into. The drive runs along and works after a reload.

-> That said, I would find a way to get a look at the SMART VALUES OF THIS DRIVE.
Ideas at https://www.google.com/search?q=apple+os+report+smart+drive+values

What I want to read is a FLAWLESS report. No read retries. No reallocated sectors. In other words, a perfect drive. Now some may disagree but at this age and the cost of troubleshooting so high I don't accept a drive with any issues today. A new 500GB laptop size HDD is now under 60USD so the hour of testing is over 100 so this is CHEAP. ANOTHER NOD to the SSD drive as that gives the machine a new lease on life as we added speed all around to the machine.

Hope this helps and you understand my views here.