24" White iMac Core 2 Duo 2.16 GHz (2007)

Question

24" White iMac Core 2 Duo 2.16 GHz (2007)

Hello,

I have an older 24" intel iMac that started having major display problems over the past few months. It started as random horizontal lines across the display that would disappear when I resized or moved a window. Then a month or so later i noticed pieces of closed windows staying on the screen. Now it's almost unuseable. Seems to me like the graphic gard is on the fritz because it either doesn't redraw, displays all kinds of weird "visual noise" or remnants of previous windows.

I had the same problem on my previous 20" iMac from the same era. I was able to resolve the issue by vacuuming out the exhast & intake vents under the computer. Apparently the card was overheating - causing simialr display issues. However, I tried the same thing on my 24" yesterday and it made no difference.

So... What's going on here? Is it the video card? If so, can that be replaced on this machine? Are there any hardware tests i can preform to diagnose the problem?

Thanks in advance guys, any help would be greatly appreciated!

Posted on May 16, 2011 3:42 AM

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Answer 1

May 16, 2011 6:14 AM in response to Justin Lancaster

I just repaired the same machine and condition. I went to RadioShack and bought some metallic thermal paste and reapplied a new coat to the video card. It has been 1 week with no evidence of the problem returning. Check the link out below. Seems to have been the remedy in my case.

Check this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/litmus/4480251432/

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Answer 2

May 16, 2011 7:01 AM in response to srtgolfer

If you have the NVidia GForce 7300 GT video card than that is probably the problem. Check the system profiler.

Replace with the NVidia GForce 7600 GT video card. This can be done at any Apple Store or Apple Approved Repair Shop. Cost approx. $300. Check iFixit or Google to replace yourself. I had the same problem and this was my solution.

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Answer 3

May 16, 2011 5:16 PM in response to srtgolfer

@srtgolfer

Thanks. For now, I'm expiramenting with an app called smcFanControl. Saw this suggestion over on macrumors, it allows you to manually control the fans. So far it seems better with all the fans cranked. Not sure if this is the smartest move for my electric bill though, lol.

@garyfromrio linda

That's my next step... Bringing it in to the apple store for service.

I would like to take the case off and really clean out any dust & debris.. does anyone know how difficult a project that is?

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