iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020) Order Thread

[echeck]

Just got my CTO iMac 27"! i7, 1TB SSD, and 5700XT.

Aaaaaaaand it won't power on. Totally DOA. Reset SMC, verified power outlet works, used a different power cable.

Totally dead. I've been an Apple user for 20 years and this is the first CTO machine I've ever purchased. Might be the last. Ha ha

 

[iMi]

Just got my CTO iMac 27"! i7, 1TB SSD, and 5700XT.

Aaaaaaaand it won't power on. Totally DOA. Reset SMC, verified power outlet works, used a different power cable.

Totally dead. I've been an Apple user for 20 years and this is the first CTO machine I've ever purchased. Might be the last. Ha ha

Oh, that is terrible. So sorry. Did you replace the memory by any chance? I’ve seen some people say the compatibility is finicky on those new macs.

 

[echeck]

Oh, that is terrible. So sorry. Did you replace the memory by any chance? I’ve seen some people say the compatibility is finicky on those new macs.

I ordered memory, but never installed it. Wanted to make sure everything worked properly before installing the additional memory...

The frustrating part is that I worked for Apple for five years and know my way around the inside of these Macs like the back of my hand. I want to open it up and start troubleshooting. Who knows, maybe it’s as simple as the power button cable coming off... but I’d have to order replacement VHB just to do an exchange. Seems like too much trouble.

 

[iMi]

I ordered memory, but never installed it. Wanted to make sure everything worked properly before installing the additional memory...

The frustrating part is that I worked for Apple for five years and know my way around the inside of these Macs like the back of my hand. I want to open it up and start troubleshooting. Who knows, maybe it’s as simple as the power button cable coming off... but I’d have to order replacement VHB just to do an exchange. Seems like too much trouble.

Man, that’s awful. I’m sorry. Hopefully this is a one-time thing.

 

[Mike Fisher]

Just got my CTO iMac 27"! i7, 1TB SSD, and 5700XT.

Aaaaaaaand it won't power on. Totally DOA. Reset SMC, verified power outlet works, used a different power cable.

Totally dead. I've been an Apple user for 20 years and this is the first CTO machine I've ever purchased. Might be the last. Ha ha

this is not good. Seeing more DOA than normal. Probably because stores are closed and most are ordering online.

was there any damage to the outer shipping box? And where was the iMac assembled? Ireland or China?

 

[jasonefmonk]

Just got my CTO iMac 27"! i7, 1TB SSD, and 5700XT.

Aaaaaaaand it won't power on. Totally DOA. Reset SMC, verified power outlet works, used a different power cable.

Totally dead. I've been an Apple user for 20 years and this is the first CTO machine I've ever purchased. Might be the last. Ha ha

Welcome to the club! I received my lemon in the same condition! It did make fan noise, but no other signs of life.

[…]
ORDERED
2020-08-27

SHIPPED
2020-09-01

DELIVERED
2020-09-09
[…]
iMac is DOA, ugh.

Returned the DOA and re-ordered a few minutes before midnight 2020-09-09. […]

Hopefully you have better luck than me, @echeck…

I received my second order today, 2020-09-22, in horrendous condition from UPS:



Once I opened this travesty up, there were holes through to the inside of the retail packaging, water damage all along that edge, and a handful of sand and small stones. There were loose stones found inside on the computer and the black foam (below the styrofoam supports) was still damp.

Incredibly, this unit turned on and hasn’t blown up yet. I’ve recorded the 5700 XT flashing white line glitch, it appeared multiple times before the setup assistant was done.

There is no way I’m keeping this unit, the box damage alone is unacceptable, and it will hinder safely transporting the computer and eventually my resale ability. Of course a mitt-full of gravel and a half-cup of water could have made it’s way in to the vents and I’m having no part of that.

I’m frustrated at this point! I guess I will order the next unit and try to receive it before I return this one, I’m tired of not having an iMac. Don’t be eager to sell your current machine, folks!

 

[iMi]

Welcome to the club! I received my lemon in the same condition! It did make fan noise, but no other signs of life.


Hopefully you have better luck than me, @echeck…

I received my second order today, 2020-09-22, in horrendous condition from UPS:

View attachment 957770

Once I opened this travesty up, there were holes through to the inside of the retail packaging, water damage all along that edge, and a handful of sand and small stones. There were loose stones found inside the computer and the black foam (below the styrofoam supports) was still damp.

Incredibly, this unit turned on and hasn’t blown up yet. I’ve recorded the 5700 XT flashing white line glitch, it appeared multiple times before the setup assistant was done.

There is no way I’m keeping this unit, the box damage alone is unacceptable, and it will hinder safely transporting the computer and eventually my resale ability. Of course a mitt-full of gravel and a half-cup of water could have made it’s way in to the vents and I’m having no part of that.

I’m frustrated at this point! I guess I will order the next unit and try to receive it before I return this one, I’m tired of not having an iMac. Don’t be eager to sell your current machine, folks!

What in the world... Did Ace Ventura deliver this package? This is unacceptable. I agree. Maybe order the replacement for store pick up? I hear some do pick ups by appointments.

 

[Mike Fisher]

Welcome to the club! I received my lemon in the same condition! It did make fan noise, but no other signs of life.


Hopefully you have better luck than me, @echeck…

I received my second order today, 2020-09-22, in horrendous condition from UPS:

View attachment 957770

Once I opened this travesty up, there were holes through to the inside of the retail packaging, water damage all along that edge, and a handful of sand and small stones. There were loose stones found inside the computer and the black foam (below the styrofoam supports) was still damp.

Incredibly, this unit turned on and hasn’t blown up yet. I’ve recorded the 5700 XT flashing white line glitch, it appeared multiple times before the setup assistant was done.

There is no way I’m keeping this unit, the box damage alone is unacceptable, and it will hinder safely transporting the computer and eventually my resale ability. Of course a mitt-full of gravel and a half-cup of water could have made it’s way in to the vents and I’m having no part of that.

I’m frustrated at this point! I guess I will order the next unit and try to receive it before I return this one, I’m tired of not having an iMac. Don’t be eager to sell your current machine, folks!

Thats frustrating, clearly damaged on purpose. I’m awaiting my shipment from Ireland by UPS. If it arrives like this I have no choice but to build my own PC. None of the stores are open in my area and nobody has them in stock other than the base.

 

[jasonefmonk]

What in the world... Did Ace Ventura deliver this package? This is unacceptable. I agree. Maybe order the replacement for store pick up? I hear some do pick ups by appointments.

Thank-you for the suggestion and concern! Unfortunately I’m a 90 minute drive from the nearest Apple Store here in southern Ontario. I’m going to try to get Apple Support managers to cough up a make-good, or expedite the shipping, or get a different courier. Something!

 

[iMi]

Thats frustrating, clearly damaged on purpose. I’m awaiting my shipment from Ireland by UPS. If it arrives like this I have no choice but to build my own PC. None of the stores are open in my area and nobody has them in stock other than the base.

I hope all works out with the Mac, but if you decide on a PC let me know. I plan on selling my custom loop 3900X/2080 Super. If that’s something you might be interested in hearing more about.

 

[echeck]

this is not good. Seeing more DOA than normal. Probably because stores are closed and most are ordering online.

was there any damage to the outer shipping box? And where was the iMac assembled? Ireland or China?

Assembled in China. There were fingerprints and scuffs all over the rear housing as well.

I’m frustrated at this point! I guess I will order the next unit and try to receive it before I return this one, I’m tired of not having an iMac. Don’t be eager to sell your current machine, folks!

Ha ha! I did the same thing. Sold my 2015 27” a week and a half ago. I’m returning this piece of trash tomorrow.

I’m frustrated enough with this experience that I’m debating not even ordering another CTO. Especially with all of the reported issues. So irritating.

 

[jasonefmonk]

Ha ha! I did the same thing. Sold my 2015 27” a week and a half ago. I’m returning this piece of trash tomorrow.

I’m frustrated enough with this experience that I’m debating not even ordering another CTO. Especially with all of the reported issues. So irritating.

Mine was a 27-inch 2015 too! Max spec, zero-problem machine.

I wouldn’t lay the DOA at the feet of the BTO system. I’ve had many fine-working BTO Macs, and the “good-better-best” configs are so often lacking.

I’m still considering an endless cycle of returns and purchases until Apple resolved the graphical errors. I really am set on an Intel Mac with a high-DPI display, and I can’t justify a Mac Pro for my uses! I want the high-end GPU, too. If this goes on I may try to buy a high-spec 2019 refurb or through private sale.

 

[neuralengine]

Is it possible Apple switched to a different supplier for these iMacs?

The amount of DOAs and cosmetic issues with these machines seems a little… high? I feel like, even adjusting for the fact that people with successful outcomes won’t necessarily seek out a forum to post on there seems to be a lot of issues.

Mine thankfully isn’t that bad but it also definitely doesn’t feel 100% right either. Weird little things, scuffs and fit & finish issues.

 

[iMi]

I am honestly shocked and now closely watching this thread. I’ve had at least a dozen Apple computers, including at least 4 iMacs and have never seen one arrive DOA or with fingerprints on the enclosure or glass. That is definitely concerning...

 

[NLLV]

I ordered memory, but never installed it. Wanted to make sure everything worked properly before installing the additional memory...

The frustrating part is that I worked for Apple for five years and know my way around the inside of these Macs like the back of my hand. I want to open it up and start troubleshooting. Who knows, maybe it’s as simple as the power button cable coming off... but I’d have to order replacement VHB just to do an exchange. Seems like too much trouble.

A brand new machine is covered by a warranty. Opening it seems like an extreme sort of thing to do if you had no warranty, yes?

 

[echeck]

A brand new machine is covered by a warranty. Opening it seems like an extreme sort of thing to do if you had no warranty, yes?

I wouldn’t say extreme, but rather unnecessary. I worked for Apple and have opened and repaired hundreds of iMacs over the years. I’m quite comfortable with them.

But you’re right. It’s not necessary to open it myself. Although if I had the display VHB handy I would have opened it up immediately after determining it didn’t power on. I seriously feel like it’s just a cable that’s not connected. 😂

But instead I’ve made my appointment at an Apple Store to return it. Tomorrow we’ll start the next installment of the shipping waiting game... 🙄

 

[jasonefmonk]

Order number three after one DOA unit and one UPS damaged unit.

1st ordered 2020-08-27, shipped 2020-09-01, delivered 2020-09-09: 14 days.

2nd ordered 2020-09-09, shipped 2020-09-15, delivered 2020-09-22: 14 days.

3rd ordered 2020-09-22…

 

[NLLV]

Thats frustrating, clearly damaged on purpose. I’m awaiting my shipment from Ireland by UPS. If it arrives like this I have no choice but to build my own PC. None of the stores are open in my area and nobody has them in stock other than the base.

I am in the same boat as you.
I have mine just clearing US customs today and apparently coming tomorrow.

If it looks like this I am screwed, waiting for a new custom build a second time from Apple with no way to get to a store (all stores are 100% closed where I live)

 

[hakr100]

Just got a shipping notice from Apple, telling me the box arrives 1 October. It's being shipped from Ireland. Do you suppose a bottle of Macallan Old Sherry Oak Whiskey is tucked into the box?


Minor update on mine, which I ordered 17 September. Was in manufacture, I suppose, for six days until this morning, and it is now preparing for shipment. Of course, I have not a clue as to where it is being shipped from nor any idea when it will actually get here. The order page says sometime between 2 and 9 October.

This will be my third iMac. Got the one I have now in 2013, and I'm trading it in. The other two arrived in perfect shape via the shipper. Hope this one does, too. I'd sure rather have picked up the new unit at an Apple store, but that option wasn't available.

 

[echeck]

Order number three after one DOA unit and one UPS damaged unit.

1st ordered 2020-08-27, shipped 2020-09-01, delivered 2020-09-09: 14 days.

2nd ordered 2020-09-09, shipped 2020-09-15, delivered 2020-09-22: 14 days.

3rd ordered 2020-09-22…

I’m curious how you’ve been returning your iMacs. Have you been returning them to a Store, or have you shipped them back?

 

[jasonefmonk]

I’m curious how you’ve been returning your iMacs. Have you been returning them to a Store, or have you shipped them back?

I don't have any Apple Stores nearby, so I use the return by mail option. You can just go in to your Order Details on web or in app and start a return, they give you a printable waybill for UPS, UPS can pick it up from your door or you can use a drop point. For me the returns only go to Toronto area (not Shanghai) and refunds are issued pretty quickly.

 

[echeck]

I don't have any Apple Stores nearby, so I use the return by mail option. You can just go in to your Order Details on web or in app and start a return, they give you a printable waybill for UPS, UPS can pick it up from your door or you can use a drop point. For me the returns only go to Toronto area (not Shanghai) and refunds are issued pretty quickly.

Ahh. That makes sense.

I took mine to a Store. The Lead Genius wanted to check it out, so he took it out of the box, plugged it in, and the stupid thing powered right on!!

I was happy and irritated at the same time. But just as I pulled the keyboard towards me to start the setup process it powered off. So it’s highly likely to be a failed logic board. Knowing what the issue is does make me feel a little better.

So I returned it and will order the same model later today.

 

[slicktromboner]

DOA, no POST, lines in the display...these things went out the door half baked. Apple is clearly looking down the road to their own silicon at this point and if their milquetoast reaction to the 5700XT issues is any indication, the support for these iMacs isn't going to get better as time goes on.

I'm glad I took advantage of that generous 14-day return policy to return the $3600 lemon and now I am looking to build up a base model 2019 with a replacement NVMe SSD because I already bought 64GB of RAM for the 2020 iMac.

 

[Mike Fisher]

DOA, no POST, lines in the display...these things went out the door half baked. Apple is clearly looking down the road to their own silicon at this point and if their milquetoast reaction to the 5700XT issues is any indication, the support for these iMacs isn't going to get better as time goes on.

I'm glad I took advantage of that generous 14-day return policy to return the $3600 lemon and now I am looking to build up a base model 2019 with a replacement NVMe SSD because I already bought 64GB of RAM for the 2020 iMac.

Yikes another DOA. Did you power up with original ram? With new Ram takes a min or two on first power up.

 

[miguelcoma]

Ordered 9/18 from NYC with an original estimated delivery of Sep 30 - Oct 7

Now UPS is saying Friday 9/25 estimated delivery so maybe I'm in luck? The iMac is currently in Ireland and judging by other replies here, it could be in Germany by tonight and arrive in the US sometime tomorrow. Can't wait. Worried about that 5700XT glitch though.

Update: iMac got delayed in Germany for a full day, which has set back delivery to Monday 9/28 per UPS. This was Apple's original estimate when the UPS label was created anyway, so maybe UPS just got overconfident with their Friday projection. I'll have to wait until next week for my machine *cries in graphic glitch*