Q: New iMac 27inch screen flickering/tearing/shutoff

Ok. I'm well aware what happens when you assume things.

So my question still is do I bother risking a return (ie getting a WORSE replacement) if my problem seems to manifest itself when I first start using it (maybe a flicker or two) and not everyday? After reading the comments in this forum I'm really concerned I'll get a worse replacement!

Again, if this problem continues unabated Apple will need to address it in some manner (recall or fix that actually works!)

If it works OK most of the time, keep it until Apple finds the REAL fix for the problem. Else, you do run the risk of getting an other defective machine like many here have.
Your Mac is under warranty for one year anyway, so there is no rush.
Plus you can also get AppleCare for an extra two years.
I know I will, once I have cleared my Christmas bills

I'm holding on to my 27" C2D since it's perfect apart from the rare flickers and blackouts.
If the problem gets worse, then I might risk a repair or replacement.

I would at least call  & get a Case #. I did, but I'm not returning mine as of yet because of the same concerns you have. The only bad thing about not returning it in the 14 Day mark is, they are probably just going to fix the one you have, not replace it. My issue is slight Yellow Tinge & it stopped flickering, so I decided to wait. It's really your call of course. I'm one of those people, if I return it & get a worse replacement or they try fixing it & make it worse, I'm going to have to go & see a Therapist.
I hate returning things in the first place. That's just Me! I have seen more & more people getting good replacements. It would be nice to be one of the Lucky Ones.

Dino1956 wrote:
I would at least call  & get a Case #.

I absolutely agree!
Thats what I did as soon as I saw the problems on mine.

Yeah, that's a tough one. I wrestled with that question until I discovered another, more serious problem with mine; fans stuck at minimum preset, and internals getting scorching hot when playing online game. At that point it was no longer a question.

I, personally think that if the issue isn't too bad and you still have time left on your replace option, just wait a bit longer to see what Apples next move will be. "The Devil you know . . ." I put dots there because i don't remember the exact wording of the old saying . . .

{quote:title=ennuikiller wrote:}So my question still is do I bother risking a return (ie getting a WORSE replacement) if my problem seems to manifest itself when I first start using it (maybe a flicker or two) and not everyday? After reading the comments in this forum I'm really concerned I'll get a worse replacement!

Again, if this problem continues unabated Apple will need to address it in some manner (recall or fix that actually works!){quote}
I returned mine, since the Apple Store folks may later claim for you as they did for me that there was no yellow tinge (every other person I showed it to said it was obvious, but the "Geniuses" said they saw nothing - hmmmm....), and I was unable to reproduce the blinking on the spot in the store. I was left with either keeping a unit that they might decline to repair later, or getting a gift card back and waiting, so I chose option 2.

I feel the same way as you. I HATE returning stuff (especially a beautiful piece of equipment such as this) that exhibits a minor flaw. My luck is that I will get one of the really defected units!

Other the minor flickering (again, usually upon startup and not everyday) the computer works fabulously! Certainly worth the 2500 it set me back. btw, fans speeds and temperatures are with the normal range, display quality is crystal clear, and speed is super fast! SO you can see why I'm reluctant to replace it!

Cuenlain,

WHat are the minimum presets for the fan speeds. Here's what usually report:



Do they look suspicious?

From my understanding, those are the minimums. Mine right now are at 938/1099/998 and only fluctuate by a couple of rpm, regardless if internal temps. If your GPU gets to 80º and your fans haven't moved from those speeds you have a bigger problem than flicker.

But I guess that should be discussed in a different forum. Some people get upset when we stray from flicker.

ennuikiller, my temps are just about 5 points cooler than your, so I don't think it's anything to worry about. Did you try the Onyx fix (temp fix), I posted? Even it's temporary, it's worth doing, if your not returning right now. Run Onyx, Click Auto, Select all & after it's done, Restart. I'm 28 hours with no Flicker so far. If it's a coincidence, than so be it. Onyx is reputable & can't hurt. It helped me. I know it'll probably come back. But I'd be curious to see if it "coincidentally" helped any one else.

My friend has an i7 27" imac and has notice when she on facebook it resets out of the blue. Yesterday it did it 9 time in a row. Is this the same issue you or another one.(because in title it says shutoff) She has been running CS4 Photoshop with no problems though. I told her to try Firefox to she if the issue continues.

Will try onyxwhen I get home and will let you know how it's goes

Yea give it a try. It can't hurt. And it may work! Who knows?

Hi everybody wasn't courageous enough to read all this topic... Here is my problem... I've got an Imac 27inch i5 proc and I've installed windows seven familly edition thanks to bootcamp. When I'm playing counter strike source on windows and going back on the desktop sometimes my screen is splitted in two horizontally (the top is at the bottom and bottom at top). I think I also had this problem on OS X snow leopard a few times... I tried to install the correcting update from apple but it didn't help...

Someone got the same problem ? Any help ? Thanks in advance you can email me if you wish to