How loud is the iMac G4?

[2aw]

I read that the G5's (the successor to the G4's) ran hot and as a result the fans were loud (some models even had liquid cooling!), which was unacceptable to me, as I prefer really quiet computers. Like the current level of quiet from modern MacBook Pro laptops.

So this question would have an answer that is hard to describe: what is the noise level of the iMac G4?

There was a single fan inside a cramped space.

And if it was audible during use, can it easily be replaced with a near silent fan (without overheating)?

 

[theMarble]

I have the 20" model with an SSD in it.

The fan only ever spins at a low RPM, I've never heard it ramp up like my G5 and Intel machines do. However, there is a very audible low-pitched hum, and mine also has coil whine.

So not loud fan noise, but noise definitely comes out of it.

From when I was taking it apart to replace the stock spinner with an SSD, I did notice that the fan is a standard 120mm fan with either a 3-pin or 4-pin, which to my knowledge PC fans (like Noctuas) use as well. Don't know whether it uses DC or PWM though, someone else may be able to chip in with that.

 

[za9ra22]

My G4 iMac (17-inch) had an original HD, which was much louder than the fan. I replaced that with an SSD, and the fan is now the only noise. It's constant, as a quiet but distinct hum.

The fan is at the top of the dome, so motor noise is right by the vents.

 

[tech8mate]

iMac G4 is not known for being particularly loud, as it uses a low-power G4 processor and was designed with a quiet fan system. However, like any computer, it may produce some noise when performing intensive tasks such as rendering video or running multiple applications simultaneously.