imac A1225 screen glitch issue

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Level 1

5 points

imac A1225 screen glitch issue

Hi there,

I have an Early 2008 iMac 24” which is still going strong but suddenly developed a screen glitch as per pics and won’t startup. Will neither launch into safe mode

on startup I’m seeing these black blocks and jagged artefacts.

is this a loose cable or something catastrophic with the GPU? I did notice this happening after noticing a patch of condensation on the bottom corner recently - perhaps a cause?

I have previously replaced the HDD with SSD which was working fine and had given it a new lease of life :(

iMac, OS X 10.11

Posted on Jan 28, 2023 10:55 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

D.I. Johnson

Level 7

23,717 points

Jan 28, 2023 11:07 AM in response to htatla

It's an old, obsolete Mac that seems to have served a long life and really isn't going strong anymore.

Condensation inside the machine is never good, and the artifact you see on the display indicates to me that the GPU or other video hardware is taking a bow.

I believe it's time for you to find a replacement for that iMac.

If money is an issue, consider the purchase of an Apple Certified Refurbished computer at the Apple Store.

Please see: https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac?afid=p238%7CsmdaXoMIH-dc_mtid_1870765e38482_pcrid_644453066820_pgrid_13945975927_pntwk_g_pchan__pexid__&cid=aos-us-kwgo-mac--slid---product-

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

210,443 points

Feb 2, 2023 8:56 AM in response to htatla

Then contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider and get an estimate for repair.

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Answer 3

Old Toad

Level 10

210,443 points

Jan 28, 2023 11:42 AM in response to htatla

It appears that the graphic card is failing. Being an obsolete model it will be difficult to get it repaired if at all. You had better start planning on a new iMac or refurbished iMac from Apple or OWC (MacSales.com).

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Answer 4

htatla Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 2, 2023 8:29 AM in response to Old Toad

Wow - really pushing the sales there for me to buy a new or refurbished imac like it’s my only option. Clearly you are affiliated with Apple/Mac sales as you have not given 1 piece of advice about fixing it

I don’t want to buy a new iMac - thank you!

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Answer 5

htatla Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 2, 2023 11:28 AM in response to Old Toad

Or how about (as failed GFX has been suggested)… I find a used Graphics card from eBay, watch a strip down video on YouTube …and try fix it myself?

but I guess as this is an Apple forum, this sort of action is against Apples corporate policy (like with mobile devices) which is to discourage and block people from fixing their own devices, thus saving them from the scrap heap and keep something providing a useful life.

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imac A1225 screen glitch issue

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