Q: iMac G5 shuts off randomly

Hey guys,

My iMac G5 is shutting down after an average time of 5 minutes. Sometimes it won't even startup, and sometimes I can work with it for an half an hour or even more.

I thought I had solved the problem by cleaning the processor cooling system, it was fully blocked with dust.

Today the iMac ran for more than an hour without turning off, but with a fan turning at full speed.

Reparations aren't worth it, iMac is eleven years old.

Do you guys know how to solve it? Or is my iMac at the end of its life?

Thanks,

AppleHelpNijmegen

(I'm a Dutch boy of 13 years old, so I'm sorry for any grammar mistakes.)

iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jul 8, 2016 12:53 AM

I have this question too

Q: iMac G5 shuts off randomly

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by Klaus1,

Klaus1 Jul 8, 2016 9:59 AM in response to AppleHelpNijmegen
Level 8 (48,821 points)

Jul 8, 2016 9:59 AM in response to AppleHelpNijmegen

Your grammar is perfect - your iMac isn't!

It is very likely that your hard drive has failed. You can either get it replaced by an authorised Apple service provider, or put the money towards a newer Intel based iMac.

Either way, I hope you have everything backed up!
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by AppleHelpNijmegen,

AppleHelpNijmegen Jul 8, 2016 3:19 PM in response to Klaus1
Level 1 (8 points)

Desktops

Jul 8, 2016 3:19 PM in response to Klaus1

How can I see if the hard drive is really failing? In System Profile, or with Apple Hardware Test (if it will run without shutting off)?
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by Klaus1,

Klaus1 Jul 8, 2016 3:29 PM in response to AppleHelpNijmegen
Level 8 (48,821 points)

Jul 8, 2016 3:29 PM in response to AppleHelpNijmegen

You can try the Apple Hardware Test, but best to take it an authorised Apple Service provider (NOT an Apple Centre, who will not help with obsolete models) to get it tested and/or replaced. They will charge for this, which may be a false economy.
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by AppleHelpNijmegen,

AppleHelpNijmegen Jul 9, 2016 9:10 AM in response to Klaus1
Level 1 (8 points)

Desktops

Jul 9, 2016 9:10 AM in response to Klaus1

Hi Klaus1,
Thanks for your reply.
I don't think that the hard drive is failing, S.M.A.R.T. status is OK and everything loads very fast.
Can it be the power supply?
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by Klaus1,

Klaus1 Jul 9, 2016 3:02 PM in response to AppleHelpNijmegen
Level 8 (48,821 points)

Jul 9, 2016 3:02 PM in response to AppleHelpNijmegen

Anything is possible, but cannot be diagnosed remotely. I can only repeat: get it checked.
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Q: iMac G5 shuts off randomly

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by Klaus1,

by AppleHelpNijmegen,

by Klaus1,

by AppleHelpNijmegen,

by Klaus1,

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