iMac g5 - how much noise is too much?

[memphismac]

Just got a new stock 17" superdrive iMac Tuesday night, and I notice a slight hum/buz during general operation. But I don't know if I notice it because it's abnormal, or because I've read so much about it.

I'm planning on ordering another 512 RAM, but I want to make sure I have the noise issue (or non-issue resolved).

How much noise is too much (and worthy of a repair attempt)?

 

[andrewfee]

I've just had mine back from having the same issue, and have been told that it's perfectly normal.

The thing with the iMac isn't necessarily the noise it makes; it's quite quiet, but it's the pitch of th fans that are annoying.

 

[mrgreen4242]

I just got a new iMac 17", and it's quite loud as well. I just got off the phone with AppleCare and they basically told me they know about the problem, don't have a fix for it, and don't care. They offered to do nothing at all about it.

I'm going to wait untill next week and see if they release a new iMac (who knows, right?) and if they do I am going to take it back, ask for a full refund and use it to get a new iMac. Otherwise, I'm not sure if I will keep it or if I will return it and maybe try something else.

This computer is definately not whisper quiet, and I am certain it is louder than the demo models in the store, yet after talking to a customer care rep and then a 'product specialist' they offered to do absolutely nothing. Really kind of frustrating.

Rob

 

[Scottyk9]

I don't know what to make of this topic. Are some iMacs loud & annoying, or is it just that a computer that is normally under your desk or behind a screen is now right in front of your face?

My iMac G5 is way quieter than any PC I have used (ok that is not saying much), quieter than my dual 2.5 at work, although not as quiet as the powerbook. Although I haven't measured it, it probably is "whisper quiet" by decibel ratings. However, I can hear it, it is not absolutely silent.

All I can say is that I am either thankful I have a quiet machine (with a low pitch), or that I am not that sensitive to the sound it makes.
Based on what I've read, I think the quiet hum you're describing probably would not be amenable to being fixed (nor would Apple try).