G5 Dual 2Ghz PSU Clicking Noise

Question

G5 Dual 2Ghz PSU Clicking Noise

I have a 6 month old G5 Dual 2Ghz machine and have noticed just recently that there is a clicking noise which the unit produces on occasion.

After spending quite a while tracking the source down I have determined that it is originating from the PSU at the bottom rear of the case.

The noise started to appear occasionally, however over the last week or so I have noticed that the clicking is happening more and more...has anyone else experienced anything similar? And have they been able to get Apple to do something about it?

NOTE: This is NOT the same as the noisy PSU report that others have mentioned - I have followed the advice re this topic to no avail (which wasn't a surprise as the type of the noise I am experiencing is different)

Posted on Sep 1, 2005 2:33 PM

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Answer 1

JustinR

Level 5

4,475 points

Sep 1, 2005 2:44 PM in response to Kristoffer Getchell

Is it an electrical popping noise or more of a fan click?

Given you feel it's coming from the PSU, might be best to call Apple.

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Answer 2

Sep 1, 2005 2:55 PM in response to JustinR

Justin

Thanks for the reply! I'm not entirely sure whether it is a fan click or not - all I can be sure of is that it is coming from the PSU.

With regards to calling Apple? What's the number I need to use - I've seen the number 0870 876 0753 on the Support Website but this seems to imply that I'll have to pay to discuss the situation as I'm out of the 90 day free support period...is this the case (or is there an alternative number I can use?).

I really don't want to have to deal with lugging my computer on a 150 mile round trip to the nearest Apple Authorised Service Centre for them to investigate a fault unless I'm sure that there's a problem that needs attention (if that makes sense)!!!

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Answer 3

VAIO

Level 4

1,215 points

Sep 1, 2005 3:01 PM in response to Kristoffer Getchell

Assuming it's not the normal relay operation:

Stefan Weibel, "AC Power to G5: Power supply question", 04:46pm Aug 1, 2005 CDT

the G5 D2 below does make very occasional, apparently inexplicable, clicking noises from the area of the PSU at the back. [it never sleeps and is on an UPS]

May be hard to get AppleCare to do much, unless you can take it in; and even then, if it's occasional, you can bet your bottom GBP this is the one time it won't happen!

If it's any consolation it has been happening for a while with no obvious ill-effects.

[perhaps I should be calling AppleCare...!]

One word in your ear: AppleCare, AppleCare, AppleCare

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Answer 4

Sep 1, 2005 3:13 PM in response to VAIO

Given that a number of similar issues have been reported (and don't seem to be indicative of any damage being done to systems) I think I'll just keep an eye on it for now and see what happens!

If the situation gets to the point where the sound is always present then I will make an effort to get in to an Apple Service Centre because, as you say - chances are that with an occasional problem it'll not show itself if I take it in now and I'll end up just wasting half of my day driving around the country!!!

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Answer 5

VAIO

Level 4

1,215 points

Sep 2, 2005 8:39 AM in response to Kristoffer Getchell

Some second thoughts...

Your frequency of clicking is possibly slightly more reason for concern than mine.

It might be wise to register the problem with AppleCare by phone (even at the exorbitant 'Non-geographic Rate'[you'd think that when when you have paid 199 GBP (373 USD) for AppleCare it would be a toll-free call]). Anyway...

Then you will have a date-stamped "Case Number" to quote in any subsequent negotiations, if the situation deteriorates.

Let's hope it doesn't come to that. Good Luck.

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Answer 6

JustinR

Level 5

4,475 points

Sep 3, 2005 6:20 PM in response to Kristoffer Getchell

Sorry for not replying sooner, been really busy at work.

The 0870 number is the correct one; you will have to pay national rate - whereas those in America call a freephone number. Please complain about this to the person you speak with. I've done it many a time and they say a freephone number might come in, but that was six months ago.

Anywho, I digress...as your G5 is still under warranty any hardware issues are dealt with over the phone for free, there is no charge for a support call. If you call about a software problem after the 90 day free AppleCare support then you have to pay.

If you bought your G5 from the online Apple Store (UK/Ireland) then you're in luck, they have a policy of collecting and returning items that need service. If you are told that is not the case, speak to someone else who has read the in-house manual ;O)

If there is deemed to be no problem with the computer, I'm not sure if you would charged. Take that up with service assuming you call them.

Good luck!

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Answer 7

Sep 15, 2005 12:25 PM in response to Kristoffer Getchell

Yes, I have the same computer and the same noise. I can set my watch to the click. Exactly, every ten minutes. I called apple and they don't know of the problem. I am going to take it in for servicing, even just be a pain in the #$%.

Thanks, I know I'm not alone.

PS: I just posted this same problem last night... I should have read yours first.

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