Metallic clicking noise once in a while

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Level 4

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Metallic clicking noise once in a while

My 27" iMac has been absolutely trouble-free so far, but there is one small issue that I've noticed: once in a while, I hear a metallic clicking noise from somewhere inside the casing. I think it originates from somewhere around the center of the screen.

It's not the hard drive - I know what that would sound like. It sounds more like a mechanical tension that builds up in the metal (or glass?) and is released at some point.

Does anyone else notice this?

iMac 27"; MacBook Pro 15" (Late 2008); iPhone 3GS; iPod nano 5G, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Dec 23, 2009 5:31 AM

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Answer 1

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varjak paw

Level 10

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Dec 23, 2009 8:31 AM in response to Tim Lorenzen

Flexing on the stand, perhaps? Can you create the noise manually if you gently rock the iMac on it's "foot" in any direction?

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Answer 2

Tim Lorenzen Author

Level 4

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Dec 23, 2009 9:06 AM in response to varjak paw

No, I'm not able to recreate the noise that way. I think it may be heat related since it happens more often while the computer heats up, and less often once it's reached its normal operating temperature.

Anyway, since it doesn't seem to be a widespread issue, I'll just keep an eye (or ear) on it.

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Answer 3

LOC SLC

Level 1

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Jan 11, 2010 8:31 PM in response to Tim Lorenzen

I am experiencing a very quiet occasional clicking sound on my iMac 27in too. Almost like speaker noise for a split second, but my headphones are plugged in so I don't think it's the speakers. It can get really annoying in a quiet room.
My machine is just weeks old.

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Answer 4

Jan 13, 2010 2:57 AM in response to Tim Lorenzen

My brand new iMac 27" Core i7 just today I started getting the same clicking. Every few minutes. It almost sounds like a slow camera shutter. I can get the spinning ball when the clicking starts if I'm typing but then all seems to be fine. 4-5 clicks usually, but can go on and on and then I reboot. Still diagnosing, just started yesterday.

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Answer 5

Jan 17, 2010 8:14 PM in response to Tim Lorenzen

i also have had the noise you've described. took to apple store in lancaster, pa & they tried replacing the "backlight board". got it home & still have the noise. Been ongoing since purchase in late Dec. '09. Sounds to me like an electrical noise not hardware but im not a tech either. need to make 4th applecare call.

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Answer 6

LOC SLC

Level 1

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Jan 18, 2010 8:15 PM in response to swishy4mbg

Yes, I would agree that it is more of a electrical noise not hardware. I took mine to the Apple store and they replaced a fan but the noise is still present. 2G is a lot for a machine. I wish I felt like it was new.

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