Did my iMac just die?

[Laton]

I own a 2011 iMac and was hoping that I can hold out until next year for a hopefully major redesign of the iMac.

But a few minutes ago my trusty old iMac suddenly flickered in black and white. I was so surprised I can’t even say if it shut down itself or if I did it.

After the restart there were artifacts on the screen. And after login the screen suddenly went completely dark. The Mac shut down itself as far as I can say.

Since then I didn’t try to restart. Maybe it will work again after cooling down.

So, did my Mac just have a fatal hardware error?

 

[Laton]

After waiting a few hours I tried to start my Mac again.

Now I have an orange start screen worth a grey apple symbol on white background. Then the monitor changes to grey.
The first time a restart happened after a few seconds without my interference.
Once again first orange start screen, then grey. And then nothing.

After waiting one or two minutes without any sound that something happened I shut my iMac down manually.


Does anybody have an advice what I should do now?
Many thanks in advance!

 

[MattA]

The Radeon cards in the 2011 iMac were notorious for flaking out exactly when you didn't need them to. You might be the victim of one of them deciding to give up the ghost. They can be replaced, but if you have it done it would be worth just getting a new machine, considering 2011 iMacs aren't supported anymore.

 

[Fishrrman]

I agree with Matt (above).
Graphics failure.
I wouldn't expect any "re-design" of the iMac next year -- at least nothing radically changed from how it is now.
Time to start shopping for a replacement.

 

[Laton]

Thanks for the feedback. I was hoping for a little wonder but obviously not today. 😅

Do you have an advice how I can be sure that my time capsule made a complete backup? Sometimes I have problems.

Also I need to delete my data on the Mac if I use trade in or dispose of it.
What should I do in this case?

We do have a second Mac in the family but on another floor, so probably only access through our network link.

 

[jborko]

Check this topic > https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2011-imac-graphics-card-upgrade.1596614/
I wouldn't give up on the 2011 model.

 

[Laton]

I know. 😅 I already thought about it.
But currently I don‘t have the time and the space for this.
I hope a friend of mine will take care of my old iMac (after I erased the disc).