iMac 2010 display turns off but computer still on?

[ShizumiAoki]

Hello,

I’ve been having issues with my 2010 27” iMac, where after a couple of minutes being on. (a can sometimes take longer) the display will turn off (go black) but the computer will still be on and if a video is playing you can still hear the audio.

You can not turn on the display with either the keyboard or mouse and if you turn off then on the computer again you will here the start up sound but everything will still be black.

You will then have to wait a bit before you can turn the computer back on and for the display to work again.

Any clue what the reason behind this and anyway to fix it?

 

[Jumme_Cph]

Its presumely a faulty GPU (graphics card).

If so, theres a long thread in this forum about how to swap it out with a newer one. Just google “imac 2011 graphics card upgrade”.

You could also bake the present one at 200° C for 8-10 minutes, which can revive your present card for anywhere between 2 weeks - 6 months,... if it works.
Google “bake imac”. Initiate at own risk.

 

[chscag]

OP: Before you take apart your iMac, I suggest attaching an external monitor to it to see if the same symptoms show up. If an external monitor displays okay, then your graphics card is not defective. Also, the display going off like that could be due to defective backlight circuitry.

 

[mj_]

Its presumely a faulty GPU (graphics card).

If so, theres a long thread in this forum about how to swap it out with a newer one. Just google “imac 2011 graphics card upgrade”.

As the subject line of this thread clearly states op has a 2010 iMac, not a 2011 iMac. I don't believe the faulty GPU issue extends to the 2010 model as well.

 

[Jumme_Cph]

As the subject line of this thread clearly states op has a 2010 iMac, not a 2011 iMac. I don't believe the faulty GPU issue extends to the 2010 model as well.

It extends to the full line of 2009-2011 AMD gpu’s, as I have personally baked a total of 7 iMac’s where only one was a 2011 model.

As I suggested, a google “bake iMac” would show you the same result.

 

[rcoden]

If you connect an external monitor and it works, then I had the same exact issue you had. If it is the same issue you need a, "iMac 27" Backlight Board, Mid 2010", SKU number GS107006. It's $28.00 dollars.

URL is: http://www.powerbookmedic.com/xcart1/_search.php?is_hc=Y&mode=search&q=GS107006

You will also want something like this kit from iFixit.com, iMac Intel 27" (Mid 2010) Dual Hard Drive Kit

URL is: https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Mac/iMac-Intel-27-Inch-Mid-2010-Dual-Hard-Drive-Kit/IF174-004?o=3

Use this URL from iFixit.com on how to replace the backlight board.

URL is: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+EMC+2390+LED+Driver+Board+Replacement/9264

 

[ShizumiAoki]

Update: When I plug an external monitor up to the computer, the external one worked perfectly.

Tho since this was a second computer use for iTune Media and it had a number of other issues I decided to put this computer to rest and upgrade it to a Mac Mini.

 

[Jumme_Cph]

Update: When I plug an external monitor up to the computer, the external one worked perfectly.

Tho since this was a second computer use for iTune Media and it had a number of other issues I decided to put this computer to rest and upgrade it to a Mac Mini.

Good for you.

I can strongly recommend selling the imac for parts on eg. EBay, as several parts would be worth the total of the maschine. Good luck.