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iMac 27" - how noisy?

Hi there,
I am contemplating buying a new 27" iMac to use it as a combined file server and external display for my MB Pro 13". (I know, I know ... quite a luxury.)
My question is: *How noisy (if at all) is the new machine?* I would have it switched on constantly (with the screen set to sleep) and worry about a 747 roaring on my desk?!

Kind regards from Berlin!

MacBook Pro 13", Mac OS X (10.6.2), 4 GB RAM, 500 GB HD

Posted on Nov 15, 2009 12:59 PM

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Posted on Nov 15, 2009 1:19 PM

my i7 is dead quiet
65 replies

Nov 17, 2009 4:53 AM in response to Himpartial

Hi, Himpartial,

I guess even without an iMac 27", I might shed some light on those noises you're observing:

Whenever you insert a CD or a DVD into the optical drive of the iMac, the optical drive tends to spin the disk up to full speed. This can be as much as 570-1600 rpm for a DVD, sometimes even faster for CDs. The sound you'd be hearing then is a combination of the disk itself rushing through the air (it's the friction of the speeding disk and the "slow" air around it), the hum of the drive mechanics themselves and - this depends very much on the disk - any vibrations occurring. And yes, this can be noisy, especially when the inserted disk itself is not "balanced" too well (e. g. when the center hole is ever so slightly off center).

However, I am much more interested in the noise of the machine without optical drive running.

Greetings from Berlin,
jan

Nov 17, 2009 7:02 AM in response to jorhh

Why would you let your iMac making noise at night ?
If you don't use it then turn it OFF !

Every computer makes noise.
When you insert a CD/DVD, when you copy big files, when you play a game, when you edit videos, photos etc...
It's just impossible otherwise, I mean, it HAS to make noise, a fan or HDD spining can't be unheard.

Now if your question was : - is it noisy by itself when only browsing, listening to some iTunes stuff & everyday use :
think it is quite silent (given the fact that it's actually just in front of you), and makes even less noise than a under-the-desk pimped'out (4HDD, 2PCIe cards & one big GC) Mac Pro.

Those are just my 2 cents, but you cannot buy it hoping it'll make no noise.
It has to, and considering you might listen to music while working or watching streamed series...
You won't hear a thing (except if you actually try & hear every single noise).

iMac 27" - how noisy?

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