Hot imac

[505sharonk]

I have an Imac i purchased in 2006 with 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo. I am not sure when I got it that it used to sound like there were fans working inside (however i'm not really sure that was the case). I do notice now that my mac does seem to get hot in the back. I'm pretty sure that this is not good so I shut it down when I'm not using it. What should I do now?

 

[GGJstudios]

The Intel processors used in Macs are designed to automatically shut down to prevent damage if they truly overheat (around 100C/212F - 105C/221F, depending on your processor). As long as that isn't happening, you don't have to worry about temps. iStat Pro will give you accurate readings of your temps and fan speeds, among other things. Your fans are always on when your Mac is on. They will spin faster as needed to keep temps at a safe level. If they're spinning up without increased heat, try resetting the SMC.

 

[Spike88]

.

If it feels hot, if it looks hot and if it smells hot, then guess what? It is hot. Unfortunatley, the iMacs and their small slim all-in-one box design run hot. It's a side effect of their compact design.

Any internal HDD above 60C is getting too hot. The longer it remains in the 60+ heat range, the higher risk of HDD problems. If machine doesn't auto shut down until 100C, then major problems with be forced onto its internal HDD. It would be like driving a vehicle "way past" its over heat light comes on state. Very, very bad to continue to "over heat" within its too late heat range.

Suggest installing Islayer IStats Nano (which is a free widget) and using this tool, ensure its internal fans are coming on. And, they are changing RPMs based on different heat ranges. If its internal HDD is above 60C, then its over heating. Over heating before it does an auto-shut down.

For "low cost" proactive cooling methods, remove its memory simms install cover (its under the sceen and its opening cannot be seen anyway), install a 6" "silent running" fan behind the iMac screen and install ISlayer iStats Menu 3 (and increase its fan speeds). Take a "proactive" approach in applying better cooling to your new iMac - before over heats.

If wondering, my iMac heat and fan RPM details are:
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w251/Spike99-Pictures/New iMac system/FanSpeedJune25-2011.png
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w251/Spike99-Pictures/New iMac system/InternalTemps2010-08-30.png


For more details about iStats Menu and its ability to control heat, surf:

http://www.tuaw.com/2010/04/27/a-hands-on-look-at-istat-menus-3/
http://bjango.com/mac/istatmenus/

Hope this helps in your rearch...

.

 

[accessoriesguy]

your computer has some years on it. You should consider opening it up and dusting it off. Over time computers fill up with dust. Dust causes it to heat up more. Regardless it will do your computer good, you could buy an air duster at a local staples or office depot.