21.5'' iMac - Screen Noise

Question

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

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Answer 1

Oct 24, 2009 11:10 AM in response to derbyStar16

hello,

My 21.5" iMac has the same problem as yours. But I doubt that the sound is come from the haddrive.

😟

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Answer 2

Oct 24, 2009 11:24 AM in response to derbyStar16

I have the exact same issue with my new 21.5" iMac as well. Around 70% brightness is where the high pitch noise kicks in. It's gone at full brightness and low brightness. I'm on phone w/tech support now. I think it's a capacitor in the screen making the noise.

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Answer 3

derbyStar16 Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 24, 2009 12:44 PM in response to heathsnow

Hat did the tech say? I'm taking mine to a apple store for a hopeful replacement. And yes, it sounds like a capacitor.

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Answer 4

Oct 24, 2009 2:18 PM in response to derbyStar16

I took it back to the local Apple Store and got a new one. Since I'm listening so closely now I can hear it very slightly still, but not bad like the last iMac. Much better! I may still end up using the Shades program so I can just turn the brightness all the way up on the iMac and use Shades to lower the brightness again.

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Answer 5

derbyStar16 Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 24, 2009 5:33 PM in response to heathsnow

I took mine back tonight and they gave me a new one. The tech heard exactly what I was referring to and didn't hesitate to replace it. I'll let you know how the new one pans out.

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Answer 6

Oct 26, 2009 10:42 AM in response to derbyStar16

I have the same issue. I talked to tech support and they hadn't heard of anything. I would like to take back to Apple Store, but it is a bit of a drive. My wife doesn't seem to think it is too bad, but I really don't like it. I will likely take it back when I have the opportunity and try and get it exchanged. It sounds like others are getting replacements.

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Answer 7

derbyStar16 Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 26, 2009 10:47 AM in response to jeremyanderson

jeremyanderson, I took mine back and they noticed it right away. They had to take it to the back room to hear it though. The replacement didn't have the issue but unfortunately the right speaker was defective and so im waiting on another replacement.

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Answer 8

iSkid

Level 1

5 points

Oct 28, 2009 1:37 AM in response to derbyStar16

I've got the same problem, i hate that noise.

Rreplacement have the same noise, so I'm thinking to ask for a new replacement, but I'm very afraid to get same defect or worst failing (like bad pixels)..

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Answer 9

Oct 28, 2009 8:10 PM in response to derbyStar16

derbyStar16. Did you get your new replacement with a working speaker? Do you hear the squeal still?

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Answer 10

Oct 29, 2009 2:34 AM in response to iSkid

I'm glad i am not the only one with this issue. Got my second 27inch and they both make that noise. I would love to hear what tech support says. I will let you know about my issue.

Steve

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Answer 11

derbyStar16 Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 29, 2009 3:50 AM in response to jeremyanderson

jeremyanderson, Apple gave me a complimentary upgrade to 8GB of RAM for my troubles since this is my third iMac in a week. Unfortunately, doubling the RAM made it a custom order. It shipped from China yesterday and isn't due until Monday Nov 2.

I'll keep everyone posted though.

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Answer 12

iSkid

Level 1

5 points

Oct 29, 2009 7:55 AM in response to derbyStar16

I'm going now to get a new replacement to my apple store (Roma Est), exactly the third. Both 1st and 2nd got "the pitched noise".

What if new replacement got it too??

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Answer 13

derbyStar16 Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 29, 2009 7:58 AM in response to iSkid

If the replacement has the high pitched noise too, then I'm sending it back for a full refund as it must be a design defect that needs to be worked out.

It ***** but you pay a premium for these machines. If they don't work as advertised, the only thing to do is get your money back.

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Answer 14

Oct 29, 2009 8:21 AM in response to derbyStar16

The first thought it might be due to a power issue in my house as they could not believe that 2 machines have the same problem. I connected it at another house, same problem...
The problem seems only to appear when the machine is "warmed up". When I start it after a few hours the noise only starts after about 20min.
I will probably bring it back tomorrow. If they cannot find one which doesn't make the noise then I will also ask a full refund and wait until the machines get some upgrades or fixes.

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Answer 15

Oct 29, 2009 9:01 AM in response to steve_lux

Just a thought, but would it be possible to unbox and test new computers in the store before taking them home? I'm reading many stories in this forum of people going through multiple machines trying to get one to their liking. Or do Apple stores or authorized dealers not allow this? Seems like it would save a lot of trouble and frustration all around.

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