Level 1

9 points

21.5'' iMac - Screen Noise

I just bought and received a new 21.5'' iMac and love it but the screen is making a high pitched noise, similar to a dog whistle. It's that sound that isn't loud but pierces through your brain. And the brighter the backlight is, the louder is gets.

What do you guys think? I love this machine but I don't think it should be doing this and it bothers the heck out of me. Maybe a call to Apple is in order?

iMac 21.5'', Mac OS X (10.6.1)

Posted on Oct 24, 2009 6:59 AM

467 replies

Oct 29, 2009 9:04 AM in response to Bill from Germany

My authorized dealer does that at this moment. I will pick up a new one tomorrow and they hopefully find one with no defect.

If you need to buy one now I would definitely unbox it in the store!

Oct 30, 2009 1:45 AM in response to steve_lux

My dealer checked and they all have the defect! I would be careful buying one now.

iSkid

Level 1

5 points

Oct 31, 2009 4:13 AM in response to steve_lux

Yesterday I've got from my Apple Store the 3rd replacement and this iMac have the defect too!!

3 of 3 the same defect!!

I'm going to think that ALL iMac have the same defect!!

And from Apple NO ANSWER!!

Oct 31, 2009 4:16 AM in response to iSkid

I had Apple on the phone yesterday and they told me they are not aware of a global issue. But apparently some series have this problem. My store is currently checking if they can find one without the issue, until now they weren't lucky on that.
Let us know what happens

derbyStar16 Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 31, 2009 7:05 AM in response to steve_lux

What do you mean by 'some series?' my third replacement will be here on Monday, directly off the production line in China. If that has it, then it's safe to assume that they're aren't different series.

Icant see apple discovering the problem then having production in china change the defective parts in a matter of two weeks.

Oct 31, 2009 9:11 AM in response to derbyStar16

That's what Apple told me, you'll have to ask them what they mean by that.
I will get more details on monday. Will keep you advised.

Oct 31, 2009 6:32 PM in response to steve_lux

Hi guys. I am in the UK and I have notice exactly the same problem! High pitched whining sound decreased by reducing the brightness. Sound is quiet and you have to listen for it. This is my third Imac. Swapped one because of dust under the screen and one because two days later they released the 21.5". I really cannot be bothered to go back to the apple store. However, is this a problem that is going to get progressively worse?

Also I see little point in trading it for a new one because you guys are from USA and Germany, meaning there must be 1000s of units affected. Also no one has managed to have the issue solved by swapping your machines?

I think I shall be calling apple to make them aware about the problem and if they decide to officially recognise the problem and provide solution for it get it fixed then!

Kind regards
Adam

xnay

Level 1

0 points

Nov 1, 2009 1:15 AM in response to derbyStar16

Hello!
I'm from Vienna, Austria and got my new 21.5" iMac (bought in the Apple online store) on Friday. It has exactly the same problem as described in the first post. I will speak to an Apple Service Center here in Vienna next week ... let's see what they will do with my iMac ... This noise is not loud but it's really disturbing.

Nov 1, 2009 10:42 AM in response to derbyStar16

Same problem here with my 21.5". At full brightness and the very lowest brightness settings, the sound goes almost entirely out of my range of hearing but in between, it becomes rather prevalent. It does not seem to be worsening though and I can imagine there are some people who don't even hear it at all due to loss of frequency range in their hearing with age.

For the record, the Magic Mouse that came with my system makes a high pitched sound as well but only when you hold the bottom to your ear. 🙂 Amusingly, it's when the green LED is on - if you cover the lens to shut off the green LED, the sound lessens/goes away.

Message was edited by: Garciam_sa

Humis

Level 1

0 points

Nov 1, 2009 11:07 PM in response to derbyStar16

I also have the problem with my 21.5". However, the noise level goes down when you rise the brightness, and it disappears totally if the brightness level is under half. I'm not sure if I should return this model. It does not seem as bad as it could be when reading other users problems.

VeL1303

Level 1

13 points

Nov 2, 2009 12:35 AM in response to derbyStar16

Same here, its time for apple to officially recognize the problem. Any word on 27"? having that problem? Thanks.

Nov 2, 2009 12:38 AM in response to VeL1303

Mine is a 27inch. Same problems. Wondering if I get a working machine today.

Nov 2, 2009 10:14 AM in response to steve_lux

Just got a replacement and have the same issue as well. I got an upgrade though to the better video card, but still have the issue. Anyway... perhaps there will be a firware update some time for this. It doesn't seem to bother me all the much and I got the shades program that can dim the screen with no pitch problems!

Nov 2, 2009 11:18 AM in response to derbyStar16

Hi I thought that would be the case.

Has anyone noticed any backlight leakage when they have a fully black screen? I have two points at the top of the screen and when the screen is all black it appears a little grey?

Nov 3, 2009 2:29 AM in response to swampystorm

Latest news is that Apple is apparently working on a new replacement procedure for all the units having the display problem. My reseller told me he's awaiting a phone call from Apple this afternoon. They did some further checks in their other shops and ALL the 27inch displays have the issue. Apparently their 21.5inch displays are fine.
I'm awaiting further news...and I'm about to return the unit and wait a few months before getting a new one.

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21.5'' iMac - Screen Noise