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

Unfortunately a lot of Apple stores replaced Video Cards. The Video Card is not the Problem. I think we can safely say replacing the Screen & the Screen Cable is the best Fix so far. It's one that's lasting with most Users on here who have this repair performed. It would be almost impossible for the ATI & the NVidia Card to both be bad & have the same exact Symptoms. Once again, these problems affect the 21.5" Screen with the NVidia Card. Even though the title of this post is 27". I can tell you the 21.5 has the same problems. I know because I have one.

Hi Dino,

I have a question to you: Could it be that they have to change the screen, because it's gone after the flicker problem and the real problem is only the cable? What is your opinion?

Warren Beasley wrote:

As some of us have been saying, in some ways, Apple is no different than a lot of other companies when it comes to issues like profit margins. They will cut corners, use cheaper parts, move their main plant to a communist country like China which hates America's guts, where employees are paid a mere pittance of what U.S. workers would earn, if it means increasing Apple's profits.

Those are the facts of life, and we all need to realize it.

Sadly, we end users are the ones who are paying the price for Apple's folly.

"Made in America" may sound patriotic, but at least we would know that we are getting a quality product which has received close oversight during its construction phase.

Shame on Apple for doing things on the cheap!

But let's face facts - you get what you pay for.
If the latest iMac had premium quality components we would be paying twice the price.

That's not a defence of the manufacturer, but the reason I'm buying this machine (in part) is because it's so cheap!

DeeJay SchmeeJay wrote:

But let's face facts - you get what you pay for.
If the latest iMac had premium quality components we would be paying twice the price.

That's not a defence of the manufacturer, but the reason I'm buying this machine (in part) is because it's so cheap!

Hello DeeJay,

Because it's so cheap?

Well, I suppose cheap is in the eye of the beholder, and is based a lot on your personal situation and income.

Being retired, and living on a fixed income, I personally, and most certainly, do not consider paying $3,000+ for an iMac cheap.

I think some folks here would prefer paying a little more if it brings them more peace of mind. This current technological fiasco has frazzled a lot of nerves; so much so, that some people have demanded refunds, while others have decided to wait a few months until the dust clears. I can't say that I blame them.

As I said, we end users are paying the price for Apple's foreign folly.

Ha! Maybe that is what we should call this tragic episode..."Apple's Foreign Folly".

I think it's quite the opposite. If it were just the Cable that would be an Easy & Less Costly fix. But the Screen is the Issue & just to be sure, while there inside, they figure they may as well replace the $10. Cable, as a precaution.

But this would mean, that they have different kinds of screens. I can't imagine that.

If they just replace screens with the same type of screen, it is nothing else than a new lottery.

I'm really thinking now there is no solution for a long period, because they have to invent new components.

skullcat wrote:
I do not appreciate the attitude I received from apple customer support; if I were not an already loyal mac enthusiast, this experience may certainly swayed my choice of product/brand.

I simply expect the truth about the problems, and assurance that Apple is going to take care of me in due time. None of us want to go through MORE time and trouble unless we can be absolutely certain that we are going to receive a replacement/repair that is going to be trouble-free. I am regretting my purchase! This is the real, lasting damage. There is a problem, please fix it and take care of US - we've paid our money!!!

All I can do at this point is to advise my colleagues and friends to definitely WAIT and put off their purchase of an imac.

Agreed. Today I emailed Applecare to ask why my replacement iMac 27" i7 has been "prepared for shipment" since last Thursday. I was told that the iMac "hasn't been built yet, most likely due to parts availability." That doesn't make sense at all! "Prepared for shipment" means it's in a box, waiting to be shipped. This level of dishonesty is enough to make me reconsider all the times I've recommended Apple products to friends and family. The next time you see "Prepared for Shipment" on an order, keep in mind that it means "not yet built".

A few minutes after posting the comment above, my "prepared for shipment" iMac reverted to "not yet shipped". Someone please play the Twilight Zone music...

If they can put Seagate Hard Drives in some & Western Digital Hard Drives in others, Why couldn't they replace your LG defected Screen with a Samsung for instance. If there are a bad lot of the LG Screens, maybe they are replacing them with a different Screen from a different Manufacturer.

NULCGI wrote:
I am happy to report... that the 27" iMac (C2D) received today (W8953) and has passed all initial testing and inspection - with flying colours. (its Rock-solid)

No flicker, no yellow tinge, no dead pixels, or any other screen problem..... nothing but a perfect Mac. (mind you, the screen calibration was way-off - but that was easily re-adjusted)

I trust this will remain the case.... and for years to come.

Hope all you guys with ongoing & unresolved problems, can get things fixed - real soon.

Just an update note to advise this 27" iMac continues to behave very well - no evidence of any Screen problems whatsoever.... so, after 4-5 days of solid use, I think I can say - I got a good one.

I received a new mini display adapter from Apple Store this morning and so have my second monitor operational (23" HD Cinema Display) for my extended desktop.

No problems - its rock solid !!

Cheers

Although you may be disappointed by the extra wait time. Maybe this is a good thing. Maybe they are working things out & you will both get the Perfect iMac you want. Maybe they just put a stop to shipping iLemon replacements. A delay could be a blessing. You've heard the saying "Good Things Come To Those Who Wait". This could be a good thing!

Dino, it doesn't do it in the store, I had them test mine before I left after they replaced the video card, had them show me the card too, then in about .5 hours at home it flickered and tore. GRRRRRRR.....

"If they can put Seagate Hard Drives in some & Western Digital Hard Drives in others, Why couldn't they replace your LG defected Screen with a Samsung for instance."

Now there's lovely.

Samsung would indeed, be awesome!

I think It did not do it in the Store because it takes time for all the Components to Heat Up I guess. Mine doesn't Flicker for 2 full days sometime. It's Intermittent & you can't make it happen. It happens when it wants to. Right now I'm loving mine. Not one flicker all day. If it weren't for the **** flicker, I wouldn't even exchange it. My yellow is slight & they only page that really shows the Yellow believe it or not is CraigsList! I shouldn't be buying anything on CraigsList anyway. I need to delete that Bookmark! I don't notice the yellow any other time. And I might not have noticed anything if I had never surfed the Forums just looking for a Problem. I tell you, I'm my own worst enemy! I've consumed myself over this instead of enjoying this great iMac. I have no other issues. No Dead Pixels, iSight Perfect. No Screen Bleed. No Lock Ups, Nothing. Best computer I've ever used.

Follow up to my yesterday post. We took the iMac to Apple Store in Chicago today. The guy said it's the first time that he's heard of this flickering, screen going black, and the split screen. He said that he suspects it's the logic board (mainly due to the split screen). Would not give us the replacement computer since ours is i7 2.9 MHz and they don't have them in stock. Oh well. So, hopefully it'll be fixed in 5-7 days...