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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Imac G5 Increased Fan Speed overheats

venomous BMz - May 25, 2008 - 7:14 am

Ever since I purcashed my Imac g5 in 06' as a open box from Fry's Electronics I have had nothing but problems. I do have a warranty from the store and they have looked at it several times and even sent it to apple twice. The first time they couldn't find anything wrong with it hardware wise. The second time they said the increased fan speeds and common crashes were due to a software upgrade in the os. Which made no sense to me because the only updates i installed where apples own recommended software upgrades. So on the last visit to teh electronics store they really wanted to get the problem fixed for me. So they decided for all my trouble they would give me a fresh install of leopard as well as the disc complementary. Which was great and would hopefully stop the errors that were occuring. At first everything was fine but in about the last month the fans starting doing the same thing again and now the crashes are starting to come back. Just tonight i got a new Unresolved kernel trap Error. (GREAT!) So now i just want to get down to the bottom of it so im turning to you guys I would like you to take a look at this error message and tell me if you can see anything in it that you can pinpoint my problem to.

Unresolved kernel trap(cpu 0): 0x300 - Data access DAR=0x0000000000000004 PC=0x0000000000081FB4
Latest crash info for cpu 0:
Exception state (sv=0x3520dc80)
PC=0x00081FB4; MSR=0x00009030; DAR=0x00000004; DSISR=0x42000000; LR=0x00081F90; R1=0x34A8BD70; XCP=0x0000000C (0x300 - Data access)
Backtrace:
0x00082664 0x00082BEC 0x000B05D4
Proceeding back via exception chain:
Exception state (sv=0x3520dc80)
previously dumped as "Latest" state. skipping...
Exception state (sv=0xba8280)
PC=0x00000000; MSR=0x0000D030; DAR=0x00000000; DSISR=0x00000000; LR=0x00000000; R1=0x00000000; XCP=0x00000000 (Unknown)

BSD process name corresponding to current thread: kernel_task

Mac OS version:
9C7010

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 9.2.2: Tue Mar 4 21:23:43 PST 2008; root:xnu-1228.4.31~1/RELEASE_PPC
System model name: PowerMac12,1
panic(cpu 0 caller 0xFFFF0003): 0x300 - Data access
Latest stack backtrace for cpu 0:
Backtrace:
0x0009B478 0x0009BE1C 0x00029DD4 0x000AF210 0x000B2A78
Proceeding back via exception chain:
Exception state (sv=0x3520dc80)
PC=0x00081FB4; MSR=0x00009030; DAR=0x00000004; DSISR=0x42000000; LR=0x00081F90; R1=0x34A8BD70; XCP=0x0000000C (0x300 - Data access)
Backtrace:
0x00082664 0x00082BEC 0x000B05D4
Exception state (sv=0xba8280)
PC=0x00000000; MSR=0x0000D030; DAR=0x00000000; DSISR=0x00000000; LR=0x00000000; R1=0x00000000; XCP=0x00000000 (Unknown)

BSD process name corresponding to current thread: kernel_task



So thats the error i got after my mac crashed... then i rebooted it and that was there to greet me when i logged in. Also... When my Imac crashes or temporally goes to standby mode the fans go crazy and usually shoot a bunch of dust out. I do have a Compressed air can and try to keep my mac clean its not in a cluttered area or anything so it can't be gettng to hot. I really wasn't expecting this especially after i upgraded to a gig of ram in it I thought it would run great. Anyways i hope you guys will examine my issue throughly. Thanks

Kevin Lazzarino

US Oregon.

DeltaMac - May 25, 2008 - 7:48 am

Your Mac shouldn't be 'shooting a bunch of dust out'. Sounds like you have a location that just isn't good for your Mac (too much dust), the heat sink is choked with dust, and your Mac is overheating. Or, the damage has already been done, and your logic board (where the heat sink is probably completely clogged) needs to be replaced. Maybe Frye's can help you with that, but I would take it to an Apple service center, where you might get better help.
You can't get at the heat sink to clean it, without complete disassembly of your iMac.

- Dale

venomous BMz - May 25, 2008 - 9:17 am

I figured i was going to get a response like that. Thanks for the quick reply though. I understand completely what your saying but im not in the financial condition to take it to a apple service center as they charge up the ass. If what your saying is true and the damage has already been done and my logic board/ heat-sink area is clogged with dust i might as well wait until my mac just gives out completely but with the hardware tests i ran and apple ran both say none of my hardware components are shot. (yea kind of hard for me to believe at this point) The warranty i have for it has the weirdest conditions. It states something like if I take it in to Fry's more then 4 times for a repair that then and only then will they issue a replacement model. Which i don't understand because the Open box model they sold me is obviously poorly made or i wouldn't constantly be running into these predicaments. Also during the times i was having it " repaired " they issued me a loner mac each time which where both newer intel imacs that ran 10X better then mine and i experienced no problems. I used to be a PC user but switched I still enjoy macs ten-fold even with the problems i occur. I might look into opening up my mac by myself to clear all the debris out. You guys probably wouldn't recommend it but can you refer me to any guides on self-disassembly with care. Only a thought Thx

PS: It's times like this i wish i hadn't purchased open box merchandise.

2nd EDIT: I also wanted to give you a Idea of the temperature and fan speeds that my mac is putting out
Temps: (Celsius)
CPU: 74
GPU: 80
Incoming Air: 34
HD temp: 54
Optical Drive: 45
Mem Controller: 77
GPU Ambient: 70
HD 50

Fan Speeds:
CPU: 3600rpm
OD: 1200rpm
HD: 1400rpm


- Kevin

DeltaMac - May 25, 2008 - 4:35 pm

Those 3 fans will generally run at similar speeds. Your CPU and GPU are running too warm, and the fan is working to cool down. Nothing unexpected there. You will pass a test while the system is OK. Try running that same hardware test on a loop. Launch the test, and then press your Control-L, and you will see the option to run the test in looping mode. That may allow the system to warm up during the testing, and hopefully begin to fail.
If your only warranty is with Frye's, take it back to them again. Is there a time limitation on the '4 repairs and out' that you mentioned?

BTW, Thanks for the compliment! I am an Apple-certified repair tech, and work at an Apple Specialist shop. I charge $50 for discovery/diagnostics. Most shops that I am familiar with charge similarly for diagnostics. The repair costs can be high, as the disassembly is challenging on the iSight iMacs. The logic board (probably at fault) replacement will likely run you close to iMac replacement cost. So, if you have some warranty at Fryes, use it! You will need it....
In my opinion, 2 years is too long for 'nothing but problems', so good luck with Frye's... Haven't you ever wondered why it was 'open box'?
- Dale

venomous BMz - May 26, 2008 - 6:05 pm

Yea i really ignored the fact that it was open box because the first 6 months it was running great. Then it happened. Now that I think about it there is a slight detail on the back that i just noticed.

There is a small corner looking piece of rubber? (Rubber ducting maybe?) I'm pretty sure the others don't have a random piece of rubber sticking out. So this leads me to believe at some point during assembly it was opened and not put back together correctly? Or it was just poorly assembled when first made at the apple factory. So i want your opinion on another thing... could my machine not being sealed up properly be causing corruption or irregular air flow resulting in the weird fan speeds on restarts and crashes. * stupid me never pointed it out to the mac tech's at fry's. But they would probably just put it off to the side because they surely never noticed or thought it was a cause of anything before *

Thx for the idea about looping my hardware tests I'm busy at the moment and relying on my mac to put together a good playlist of music for my sister's birthday. Heh streaming music and movies to the 360 is the best. I'll be sure and try the loop method ASAP. Otherwise the last day I haven't heard the fans of death.

Off Topic: Which or how many macs do you own?


- Kevin

Edit: Almost forgot to mention about the 2 year warranty plan from fry's which in the conditions of that it states about the 4 times of repair before replacement. And that expires AUG 12 08. 4 days before my b-day. So ya i have to get this all settled before then but i have a good time frame.

DeltaMac - May 26, 2008 - 6:37 pm

I own two Macs at the moment - a G3 iMac (about 7 years old), and a G4 titanium Powerbook, which is more than 5 years old. I have owned about 10 over time, with the oldest a Mac IIsi with 4 MB of memory, and a 40 MB hard drive. Seems like a long time back with those specs!

The piece sticking out, could be a part of the foil layer that surrounds everything inside. It would be metal foil, black on one side. Or, there's a very snug seal along the inside edge of the cover, which would be white, or some other light shade. Neither of those would affect cooling in any significant way, unless the cover wasn't completely closed. That should be easy to see.
That cover has to come off if any repairs are made. My experience is that it is never as neatly done as when it left the factory. I don't leave loose bits hanging, but tuck everything back in position as carefully as I can. Sounds like Frye's is not as fussy as I am.

venomous BMz - May 26, 2008 - 6:47 pm

Ok yea its not the metal foil it's white or a shade of white rubber. So your pretty sure that wouldn't cause any of my problems? thx for speedy response again

-Kevin

DeltaMac - May 26, 2008 - 7:00 pm

You could point out that hanging piece next time, especially if you need more repairs. If your iMac has been open several times, it's easy for various bits to come loose, but also easy to notice as you reassemble the system. Looks sloppy, but a half-inch or so won't cause any harm.

venomous BMz - May 26, 2008 - 7:28 pm

Alright thanks. Hey i have another question i don't know if your able to view or see this or not but i opened a another ticket or question to a tech here about My dvd's in toast coming out with choppy edges. It looked like someone tried to reply but i could never see there replied text. It was weird could you look at that for me or try and answer it. If you can't see it tell me the date was 12/07-12:02. And the title is: Dvds come out with choppy edges/motion! STATUS: CLOSED. Thanks again Dale

-Kevin

DeltaMac - May 26, 2008 - 9:20 pm

No, I can't even look at closed tickets, when they are closed several months ago.
But, do the burned disks work, even though they have a strange appearance?
If your media (DVD-r) is OK (did you try a different brand?), and you can't get disks to burn properly, then you likely have a bad burner, and that should be replaced.

venomous BMz - May 27, 2008 - 12:58 am

Ok sorry I didn't go more in depth with you about the matter cause i thought you would be able to see the ticket. So ill tell you more details about it. Ok this is only when using Toast and IDVD when I burn a dvd with Burn for mac it works fine. When i use toast i just throw the .avi movie file in burn it to a DVD-r. It encodes the avi burns and verifys just as should. I have tried other brands and even +R's and RW's and everytime i get the same result with toast and idvd choppy edges/motion in the video. Its nothing to do with deinterlace settings as i have a good eye for video. I can't figure out what the hell it is. Even with the loner intel I-macs i had it did this. I Tried two or three different brands of blank dvd's. The alternative program that works "Burn" Authors the avi files then Encodes the avi straight to .mpg then to DVD and verifys. And that works although i think the program takes more time to burn then toast or idvd. I tried tweaking all the encode settings and probably wasted so many blank dvd-r's just testing new settings. I even previewed the video in toast before burning and it and it looks fine. When played on my xbox360 or any of my other DVD players or on the mac dvd player it is choppy. Ive used sony, memorex, fujifilm, and some other brands none of them worked. Maybe only a certain brand of dvd-rs will work with toast when burning avi's ... Is what im lead to believe because i tried it on two completely different macs and got the same results. Although i have friends over the net that have macs and they use toast when burning avi's and get perfect results. I don't know if there it's possible that my DVD-drive is busted or anything it checks out fine on hardware checks to. Ive submitted this question on a couple forums never found a logical answer or solution yet. Maybe you can shed some light.


-Kevin

venomous BMz - May 27, 2008 - 1:02 am

Ok sorry I didn't go more in depth with you about the matter cause i thought you would be able to see the ticket. So ill tell you more details about it. Ok this is only when using Toast and IDVD when I burn a dvd with Burn for mac it works fine. When i use toast i just throw the .avi movie file in burn it to a DVD-r. It encodes the avi burns and verifys just as should. I have tried other brands and even +R's and RW's and everytime i get the same result with toast and idvd choppy edges/motion in the video. Its nothing to do with deinterlace settings as i have a good eye for video. I can't figure out what the hell it is. Even with the loner intel I-macs i had it did this. I Tried two or three different brands of blank dvd's. The alternative program that works "Burn" Authors the avi files then Encodes the avi straight to .mpg then to DVD and verifys. And that works although i think the program takes more time to burn then toast or idvd. I tried tweaking all the encode settings and probably wasted so many blank dvd-r's just testing new settings. I even previewed the video in toast before burning and it and it looks fine. When played on my xbox360 or any of my other DVD players or on the mac dvd player it is choppy. Ive used sony, memorex, fujifilm, and some other brands none of them worked. Maybe only a certain brand of dvd-rs will work with toast when burning avi's ... Is what im lead to believe because i tried it on two completely different macs and got the same results. Although i have friends over the net that have macs and they use toast when burning avi's and get perfect results. I don't know if there it's possible that my DVD-drive is busted or anything it checks out fine on hardware checks to. Ive submitted this question on a couple forums never found a logical answer or solution yet. Maybe you can shed some light.


-Kevin

DeltaMac - May 27, 2008 - 7:36 am

Do other forms of video burn OK? (other than AVI files) Maybe you are unlucky to be trying one of the crap AVI types, some of which do not process nicely on any Mac.
If you burn that AVI on another Mac, do you get better results?

If you really need this (you get paid to do it), then you should consider purchasing the authoring form of Flip4Mac.

venomous BMz - May 27, 2008 - 3:16 pm

Hmm nope it seems .mov's or .wmv won't burn correctly in toast either all resulting in that same choppy edge look. I don't know why=/? Would it be because i don't have a legit copy of flip4mac? As in i never purchased it myself.

DeltaMac - May 27, 2008 - 9:58 pm

No, Flip4Mac is available in several different forms, and one (which is just a player with plug-ins) is completely free. The other forms for creating files, and authoring, etc, are all purchased installs.

Why not use that other software that you mentioned? Use what works for you, without trying to bend some other software where you might be asking for too much
I will suggest that you post your question on the public forums here. You will get more 'looks', and more suggestions than I can offer.

venomous BMz - May 29, 2008 - 12:32 am

Ya i have no problem just using that burn for mac Application cause it works fine. It just always kinda bothered me that i never figured out how to burn succesfully in other programs. But thanks for all the tips/help ill let you know or idk tell me how i can keep in contact or can you just leave this ticket open for a certain amount of time. Id like to update you if or when i take it in. If i have to just submit another ticket or question i will then. thx

-kevin

TechSupport - Jun 1, 2008 - 12:40 am

We apologize for not being able to resolve the issue you asked of us. It is the absolute worst case scenario for us to do this. In our review of why this happens, it generally is related to either the particular issue being addressed or frequently, incomplete or incorrect information provided. We hope by moving your request to the public forums that you will be able to get a solution without leaving you empty handed.

Your ticket has been closed with our support team. Your request has just been posted to Mac OS X System & Mac Software and is available for your viewing at:

http://macosx.com/forums/showthread.php?t=300876

Again, thank you for using Macosx.com. We hope you will consider using us again in the future.