stuytschae

Q: 27" iMac 2011 Screen going Strobe-like

This is in regards to a previous call today (which I have a claim number for), but the problem persists. My screen will go into an epilepsy-triggering strobe effect. The machine sounds like it's fine, but the screen is clearly not. No discernible rhyme or reason for the sudden change, except that it first occurred last night while I opened up the newly upgraded Spotify, and it hasn't stopped since. Apple phone-guy (Chris), said it could be a couple of things and that a tech might need to access the machine remotely if the problem continued. It does continue. Your phone lines are log-jammed. Help.

 

Thank you!

Posted on Mar 13, 2015 7:46 PM

Close

Q: 27" iMac 2011 Screen going Strobe-like

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Mar 13, 2015 10:20 PM in response to stuytschae
    Level 9 (58,919 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Mar 13, 2015 10:20 PM in response to stuytschae

    You are not communicating with Apple on these forums, they do not read or participate. These forums are manned by end users like  yourself. I suggest making a Genius appt. at   your local Apple Store and take it in to be looked at.

  • by Baby Boomer (USofA),

    Baby Boomer (USofA) Baby Boomer (USofA) Mar 13, 2015 11:21 PM in response to stuytschae
    Level 9 (57,655 points)
    Mar 13, 2015 11:21 PM in response to stuytschae

    If you are still under warranty and/or have AppleCare, call & request "on site" tech support/repairs since you have a desktop (iMac).  This way you won't have to lug the comp to the repair shop.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Wave Siggy.gif

  • by stuytschae,

    stuytschae stuytschae Mar 14, 2015 7:07 AM in response to Baby Boomer (USofA)
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 14, 2015 7:07 AM in response to Baby Boomer (USofA)

    Thank you both. My Apple Care ran out 2 months ago, so lug I will. I have an appointment today and I'll follow-up with details just in case anyone else has this dilemma.

     

    Most sincerely,

    me

  • by stuytschae,

    stuytschae stuytschae Mar 14, 2015 1:20 PM in response to stuytschae
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 14, 2015 1:20 PM in response to stuytschae

    Ok, well the awesome Reno Apple Store crew ran some nifty diagnostics and found absolutely nothing wrong with internal systems, but mentioned it could be a deeper issue with the main-something-board. I couldn't get the problem to show up while there (of course). One also mentioned that it's good to unplug the machine for an hour or so every so often, to allow the comp to purge all the reserve energy inside it. My drive to the Apple Store was over an hour, so maybe it had something to do with iMac karmic flow. I'm not one to judge.

     

    They also said the average lifespan of an iMac is about 5 years, before internal components start going wacky, or can't keep up with new technologies/ software / etc. SO, I guess I'll have to start a cookie jar fund pronto.

     

    In any case, this is where the issue is at. Thanks again!

  • by Old Toad,

    Old Toad Old Toad Mar 14, 2015 1:26 PM in response to stuytschae
    Level 10 (141,557 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 14, 2015 1:26 PM in response to stuytschae

    Boot into Safe Mode, Mac OS X: Starting up in Safe Mode, and see if you get the same flashing.

     

    Did they check out the graphics card carefully?  There is a recall for some models of 2011 27" iMacs regarding bad cards: iMac (27-inch): AMD Radeon 6970M Video Card Replacement Program - Apple Support.

    OTsig.png

  • by Baby Boomer (USofA),

    Baby Boomer (USofA) Baby Boomer (USofA) Mar 14, 2015 1:40 PM in response to stuytschae
    Level 9 (57,655 points)
    Mar 14, 2015 1:40 PM in response to stuytschae

    There may be an AASP that is closer:

    AASP

    How to find your nearest Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Wave Siggy.gif

  • by stuytschae,

    stuytschae stuytschae Mar 14, 2015 5:18 PM in response to Baby Boomer (USofA)
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 14, 2015 5:18 PM in response to Baby Boomer (USofA)

    You guys are wonderful. Thanks for the extra info. I'm in Wait & See mode now, but so far the problem hasn't reoccured. Toad, the techs did run a Video Check on top of a full diagnostic and the graphics card seemed fine. They did mention recalls and used some certain term I've already forgotten, but overall any recalled part is replaceable if it goes bad, no matter if someone has Apple Care or not, which is cool.

     

    Boomer, I live in the sticks, so Reno is as close to a city (of any size) as they come round these parts, but thank you! It's always nice to take a road trip and get some good Japanese food, especially in 70° weather. 

     

     

  • by Old Toad,

    Old Toad Old Toad Mar 15, 2015 8:34 AM in response to stuytschae
    Level 10 (141,557 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 15, 2015 8:34 AM in response to stuytschae

    I've not seen the flashing issue that you report in any of the other user's reports who have had graphic card issues that were covered by the recall so it is very likely associated with something else.  Good luck in your testing.

  • by Baby Boomer (USofA),

    Baby Boomer (USofA) Baby Boomer (USofA) Mar 15, 2015 11:02 AM in response to stuytschae
    Level 9 (57,655 points)
    Mar 15, 2015 11:02 AM in response to stuytschae

    stuytschae wrote:

     

    Boomer, I live in the sticks, so Reno is as close to a city (of any size) as they come round these parts, but thank you! It's always nice to take a road trip and get some good Japanese food, especially in 70° weather.

    And a little sake, warm of course! 

    Will be in Reno over the Easter holidays for a little gambling.  Will check out their authentic Japanese restaurants.

    Last summer I realized I love spicy tuna & salmon sushi which my Japanese neighbor makes for me.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Wave Siggy.gif

  • by stuytschae,

    stuytschae stuytschae Mar 15, 2015 6:31 PM in response to Baby Boomer (USofA)
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 15, 2015 6:31 PM in response to Baby Boomer (USofA)

    Toad, thank you sincerely for your efforts plumbing through the data. It's unsettling to know this is my own personal anomaly, but it helps nonetheless. The Apple Store crew suspected the "main control board," or whatever the motherboard is called these days. Retail to replace was between $700-800. They told me I could bring it in again if needed, and they'd hook it up to something for a few days to diagnose the motherboard. No cost, which was cool. I may take them up on it, for kicks. I'm not ready to fork out another $2500 just yet. So far the issue has not cropped up again. Fingers are crossed.

     

    Boomer, if you have wheels while in Reno, there's an awesome place in South Lake Tahoe (http://www.thenakedfish.com/), and although I'm no expert on Reno restaurants (I've only been in NV for not-quite a year now, but I have been to Japan twice), the rumors are that Ijji is the spot (which is where I went to Saturday for the second time: http://ijjisushiandhabachi.com/wp3/). Hope you have a wonderful vacation here!

  • by Baby Boomer (USofA),

    Baby Boomer (USofA) Baby Boomer (USofA) Mar 16, 2015 10:52 AM in response to stuytschae
    Level 9 (57,655 points)
    Mar 16, 2015 10:52 AM in response to stuytschae

    Thank you for those 2 links.  I think I will check out the 2nd one.

     

     

    感謝して、ドロドロ大歓迎です !

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Wave Siggy.gif