I just picked up a 27" iMac with the 1 T HD. I can hear the hard drive any time the computer is "working". Took the first one back to the Apple store and exchanged it, thinking I had a defective machine. The replacement makes the same noise.
Anyone else having this issue? Are these things supposed to be this noisy?
I'd agree to a point. The problem for me was that my previous iMac, a 24" Intel, had a virtually silent 320GB WD. It just made a kind of low level 'whoosh', with no audible seek sounds. It was fantastic and I got used to that.
The 1TB Seagate my new i5 iMac made audible seek sounds. I've since replaced it with a SSD and have an ideal computer. Over 300 quid and a possible warranty hassle for a sixth of the capacity, but there it is.
Funnily enough, I've put the Seagate in the 24" older iMac and the noise isn't as obvious - so I'd guess the cases are a factor.
FWIW we're only noticing the HDs because the rest of the computer is so quiet. It's the sort of thing a PC user takes for granted.
Well people have choices, but putting up with it is probably the most logical, I spoke to Apple they heard the sound so I was not saying don't complain, you just assumed that. I listened to others, more make the noise than do not, and getting into a loop sending macs back can lead to other issues maybe, we all have the right to say what we like within reason, and do what we like about issues, to most I would say if it bugs you beyond belief try for a new one, but if your machine works well, has no other issues, and since the noise is recognised for Seagate models as well as some Hitachi drives, the chances are you will get a noisy one back, so that's why I say put up with it, get apple care and stop worrying, I have a right to say what I feel since I own a machine that does it, well in fact two, but Apple have heard from me saying that its annoying and they say the chances are you will get another that will make the same sound and tbh I cannot be bothered as I have had iMacs with other issues that are far worse. Time to move on, life's to short 😉
Putting up with the noise is not logical. Not putting up with you waffle is. Mate, I understand from your previous posts that you have issues, however there needs to be a balance here otherwise users like those in this forum will get despondent. Like AA this is a group which "let's it out" for others who experience problems but don't know what to do or how to proceed. Frankly Apple need a good rogering over this issue and I have been active putting my money where my mouth is by both writing to the local store manager, our department of fair trading and to Mr. Jobs himself. BTW if anyone wants his email let me know and I will send it. I received responses from all three and have had my machines updated with WD Black 2TB drives on the house. Problems now totally solved to my satisfaction. Don't get mad get busy. So remember - an Apple a day keeps KillHippie away 😉
Hi everyone,
Yesterday I picked up the 27" iMac Quad Core i7
My screen is perfect visually, but I have the dog-whistle (very high pitched) sound from the LCD inverter. Really irritating.
I also have a noisy HDD. My Mac Mini was right on my desk, and quiet as a dead mouse - but this one churns away.
After spending £1800 on a new system - I do expect it to work without an intolerable sound. The HDD as noted in a previous post - I could live with - but the high pitched sound just gives me a headache.
I don't mind swapping the Macs - I'd even buy another one just to compare it at home - but the thing that's really ******* me off is the time I am wasting on a brand new system.
If it helps:
I have the WDC WD1001FALS (Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB) drive
My system serial number is the W8
** range which is Shanghai China
I'm going to give it a week - but I can't face swapping for a new Mac with new problems
I've had loads of trouble with my 27" i7 1TB iMac. In summary:
iMac #1 - Dead Pixels
iMac #2 - Faulty PSU
iMac #3 & #4 - More Dead Pixels
iMac #5 - Excessive HDD Noise
iMac #6 - OK so far.
I've had several visits to the Apple store and a few from Applecare with the replacements. Call me mad but I just had to have one of these systems. I finally got one without issues but it's been a terrible experience with Apple. I would expect much much better.
With regards to the HDD noise, I had the 1TB Seagate and it suffered from a really load stomach growl each time it was loading. Now on my 6th unit, I still have the Seagate HDD (Model = ST31000528AS) and whilst I can hear it working in the background when in my quite bedroom it's the normal sounds I'd expect. It's certainly not the rattling suffered from the previous version.
My suggestion is to return the stock until you get a decent one...number of times within reason of course..in my case that was unit #6 😉
Check for dead pixels in the store if possible...just ask them to open the box up in store and power it on until the start screen, you can take a good look over it to detect any dead pixels...
Apple certainly need to raise their quality standards with the iMac.
I have a Late 2009 iMac 27" with 1TB Hitachi Hard Drive. It has always made the Stomach Grumbling Sound. I had 3 exchanges for other reasons. The only HD that did not make any noise was the 21" iMac with Seagate 500GB HD.
I have been experiencing the same issue with my new 27" imac since July of this year and I am currently on my 5th machine, which has been to an apple service provider who needed to replace the logic board and seagate hard drive. The noise from the drive is still sending me nuts but apple appear reluctant to exchange anymore. Can you let me have the e-mail of Mr Jobs as I think its time to submit a formal complaint
I'm on my third Imac (1st, yellow tinge, 2nd screen dimming noise) and I just want this to be the one but there's a humming noise comming from the screen: it's the hard disk. It's a 120Hz constant noise and it also vibrates a little.
Seek noises are perfectly normal but the idle noise it's a bit distracting at night. The hard disk is a WD Caviar Black and i've read that these disk are famous for being one of the noisiest in it's class (but excellent performers). Anyone it's getting this noise/vibration too with a WD? Is it possible to get a quiet iMac like my 3 year old 20" iMac?
My hard drive is noisy as well. Have a 1TB SAMSUNG HD103SJ and find it hard to concentrate when working on the comp since it's constantly making the grumbling sound.
If I have it replaced by Apple, will I most likely just get another noisy hard drive? Should I upgrade to the 2tb drive since it's quieter, or will it make as much noise as my current one?
tried the bartpe method with my Hitachi.
Useless; it was already set to silent…
tried to switch to noisy and tested it and it was actually more noisy…
but it was all useless..
Just got my new imac i7 1TB and it also has the noise. Its all over the internet, wish I would have seen it before buying - Apple will just ignore it. Had noisy fan in a macbook, they kept it for a while and when it came back no difference. I'm sure if I brought it in they would put it on a shelf then call me back in a week and tell me its fixed. We're screwed - now do we return our machines or start listening to music very load and eventually our hearing will deteriorate enough so we can't hear it ....
