New iMac 27inch screen flickering/tearing/shutoff

I guess the reason I think it's a software/firmware glitch is because it's occurring across a range of hardware (processor/chipset/graphics card) configurations...the only common denominator being the 27" screen.

Heck, I don't know. I'm just hoping that it's an easy fix because I really don't want to have to go through the hassle of sending this machine back if/when the problem crops up. I guess that's what we get for buying the latest/greatest model without waiting for the initial bugs to be worked out. My early-2009 24" iMac has been flawless...but Apple's had lots of time to get the kinks worked out of that model!

I can understand where you're coming from, canyonblue! If the problem is that severe on your machine and the wait for a replacement machine is 3+ weeks, you might as well get the ball rolling. Heck, you might even wind up with one that's from a new batch in which the problem's been fixed!

Message was edited by: Schwa72

Schwa72 wrote:
My early-2009 24" iMac has been flawless...but Apple's had lots of time to get the kinks worked out of that model!

Well at least my replacement unit has been flawless, if you ignore the glare from the too bright backlighting and the reflections off the screen.

Peter

I bought the new imac 27" last friday.
I got the screen flickering issue as well.
I went back to my local shop and they replaced it for me.
It's been 3 days with no flickering or any problems.

Hope no more flickering.

Hi folks, here is a summary of my experiences with this issue.

After doing the PRAM reset with 10.6.1 the flickering disappeared for about a day. Then I installed 10.6.2 and the flickering came back after 45 min running it. Then I reinstalled the OS from the DVD, installed the 10.6.2 update and performed the PRAM reset unfortunately about two hours later the flickering with blackouts appeared again.
But, without doing anything special, the issue disappeared after an hour. Since than (2 days) the computer runs without problems (I shut down the computer every night).
My 14-day return period will end on Wednesday...

Hi folks
After having the problem for some days, doing the resets,confirming the drivers and installing the last update the problem continued. I called today Apple asking what to do and they told me that they knewed the problem (what was a surprise for me) and it was due to a Graphic Card assembling problem. They proposed me to exchange the imac in the store I bought it or send it to technical repair. Of course I will opt for the first solution.
According to what they said today, it seems that we should waste more time trying to find a software solution, because it is hardware.
I will let you know about my next imac.
regards
f

clearly, clearly now i believe this IS a hardware issue. not all, not even a majority of 27 inch macs are having this issue. now in the past similar hardware issues could be fixed by a firmware or software workaround but that is no guarantee with apple being silent on the issue for now. the choices as i see it are return the computer now and get a new one, one of the ones without the issue... or hope that apple finds a workaround with software sometime in the future with the alternative then being a hardware repair to your existing computer.

OMG the flickering problem is back again.
GOsh

Glad I came to read here to read some real-life experiences from fellow users. I am going to hold off on purchasing my Core i7 iMac till Apple solves this issue. What a bummer.

I ask the replacement of my iMac last friday (today was the 14th day).
I think I will receive it this week and today I received an email which says the dispatch is scheduled for 30/11/2009.
Moreover I saw that shipping is within 7-10 business days on french store.

Does it mean this is a hardware problem and they delayed my order to send me a new iMac without flickering problem ?

Grasping at straws here, but here's what System Profiler is showing as my ATI Radeon HD 4850's ROM and EFI Driver versions (Apple menu > About This Mac > More Info > expand Hardware > select Graphics/Displays):

ROM Revision: 113-B9110C-394
EFI Driver Version: 01.00.367

I still haven't seen the flickering issue on my 27" iMac (knock on wood, fingers crossed). It'd be interesting for those who are having the flicker to post their ROM and driver revision numbers. If you do post, make sure you also mention which video card you have so we can compare apples to apples.

ATI Radeon 4670
ROM Revision: 113-B8030F-253
EFI Driver Version: 01.00.367

Got the flickering problem...

Here is mine.

ATI Radeon HD 4670:

ROM Revision: 113-B8030F-253
EFI Driver Version: 01.00.367

I got the flickering problem. Some days the problem occurs a whole lot more frequent than others without changing my work routines with the computer.

Graphics card details:

ATI Radeon HD 4670
ROM Revision: 113-B8030F-253
EFI Driver Version: 01.00.367

ATI Radeon HD 4670
ROM Revision: 113-B8030F-253
EFI Driver Version: 01.00.367

Haven't seen the flickering for a week since the re-install and 10.6.2 upgrade. (But getting very nervous!!!)

I'm with you. I will hold off on my i7 purchase until this problem is ACKNOWLEDGED and RESOLVED. $2500 is a terrible thing to waste...