High pitched sound on i5 CPU fixed now?

My guess is it will never be addressed. It doesn't happen on the i7 models, as far as I can tell. Most people won't hear it, and it's nothing new in the CPU world, sadly. It annoys me on several systems I own (non-Apple), but aside from running different commands to fix the C3 state of the processor, it's unlikely to ever be addressed by Apple.

Nandifix said:

Hm, that is pretty disgraceful. My old laptop with an intel CPU doesn't have any sounds at all. Using the CPU at maximum all the time creates extra heat that is simply not needed.

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I agree it's not ideal, but it's not something new. Most people just don't hear it. Unfortunately, you (and me) are among the group of people who do hear it. Pretty much all electronics emit some kind of electrical noise. I try and move those things as far away from me as possible when I'm at my desk, because that noise drives me bonkers.

All I can suggest is trying a replacement, but failing that either return the system outright if it's a real bother to you, or pay the difference for the i7 model if you absolutely have to have an iMac.

WilliamG said:

or pay the difference for the i7 model if you absolutely have to have an iMac.

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Has this been confirmed that i7 model doesn't produce any high pitched sound?

regis169 said:

Has this been confirmed that i7 model doesn't produce any high pitched sound?

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I can say 100% that my i7 doesn't have this issue, and I have numerous other Windows systems that do have the issue, so I know it well. I haven't read of any other i7 iMacs experiencing this problem on here, so take that for what it's worth.

I have a Lenovo laptop with i5 and hate the sound the CPU makes. My 2012 iMac is a 3.2GHz i5 and doesn't make that sound. It's very, very quiet.

The i7 does also have this issue

Hi, just wanted to let you know that i've experienced this on both my 2012 27" i7 iMacs. I had the first one replaced.

Huge bummer to hear the exact same thing on the new one (I recieved it a few days ago)

I called apple again and they insist on replacing it to a third one, as they say the noise should not be there... I even suggested that I may be sensitive to this noise...

I've tried different power outlets and a surge stabilizer without any luck.

My guess is it's electric circuitry related. Since iMac's PSU is pretty cheap and there's no hi-quality condensers etc. on the motherboard, trying to find an issue-free iMac is a lottery. Sad but true.
My i7 21.5 doesn't have this issue btw.