Fan randomly running loud + computer not responding

Mac OS X controls the fans, if it locks up then the hardware will accelerate the fans to a high speed as default.

What you need to do is backup your files, c boot from the Tiger cd, select Disk Utility from the installer menu and Erase w/Zero option the boot drive.

Reinstall Tiger, Developer Tools and software that comes with the install disk (iLife) then setup, Software Update until clear.

Clone this configuration to a blank "zeroed) external hard drive using Carbon Copy Cloner and disconnect.

Now slowly add programs from original sources, files from backup. See how that goes. If everything is fine, then clone this to the external and disconnect.

If not, option boot from the clone and see if your problems continue. Now you can eliminate or know if it's the operating system or the boot drive.

If the problems continue on both drives, then something is obviously wrong with other hardware, RAM, logic board etc.

IMHO, it is exceptionally rare for a software problem to cause a freeze in Mac OS X without presenting a "you need to restart this computer" dialog, or at least blacking out a spot in the middle of the screen where the dialog is supposed to be.... If you're seeing that, it could be a software issue. Otherwise, I'd be really surprised, to be quite honest.

There are a lot of possible causes for freezes like this, but the first thing I'd suspect is defective RAM. I'd estimate that 99 out of every 100 times I've seen a computer (whether Mac or otherwise) freezing randomly, the cause was bad RAM. It happens....

Try swapping in two fresh sticks of RAM and see if the problem goes away. If so, that's a cheap, easy way to get back in business. If it doesn't go away, at least you have more RAM, which never hurts. 🙂

I have a similar problem. All of a sudden my fans crank up to a high speed for like 10 seconds, then relax. it is totally random it seems. when i turn my computer on the fan cranks for like 2 seconds, i don't think it used to do this...

so, what other posts have you found interesting? you mentioned a post regarding sleep/energy saver settings...that sounds interesting. can you please tell me the link where i can read that? or let me know if it worked for you at all?

thanks,
roger

I just ran through this same scenario two weeks ago. To shorten the whole story, it turned out to be a random problem in my Logic Board. No more problem since replacing it. It's the randomness of the lockup that is so difficult to trace. Fortunately, it locked up near the end of testing by Apple authorized repair shop. I was sweating until it finally happened.

I am having the same problem.
Now before you start taking advice to back up all your data, reformat your hard drive, and reinstall all the software; please take note of a few things:

first off, I'm disappointed/frustrated/melancholy that this is happening to me. I spend $5000+ for a "reliable" Apple computer. Then it doesn't want to turn on because its not safe. Sorry if I drown this post with bitter sarcasm but I am coming to the end of the line with my patience.

I called Apple Care, read a bunch of posts (here and elsewhere), and yes I do know about the SMU Reset button (like that really does anything?).

My problem happened a few weeks ago and I thought nothing of it at first. There was a power outage for a quick second and it turned everything off. When I went to turn on my computer, there was no chime, the red light was on, and the fans were running and eventually began running very loud. After letting it run like that in hopes of the screen lighting up, I turned it off by holding the power button. By the way, there's nothing on the screen and the keyboard doesn't work (I use a wireless keyboard, but I plugged in the OG cord keyboard to push whatever series of buttons recommended by these "geniuses") Trust me, the computer doesn't make it to that part of the boot process, so stop with command option+PR or F12 to get the CD out. It doesn't work! What's up with this computer! It can handle all these intense calculations,etc. but a power surge is going to shut it down indefinitely.

So I left the computer came back the next day, turned it on and its fine. Cool, I'm happy. It's Working!! I go on a few weeks, then I go to turn it on this Monday, same problem. But actually a worse situation. I had a client come over and the computer wouldn't work. I looked like a idiot. Couldn't do anything cause my computer didn't want to turn on. I do music production/editing. I use my G5 for running ProTools LE. I have other programs but that is the main one I use. There's nothing wrong with it. It's optimized for use with the mac. So those people who are going to advise me to uninstall all my software and all that - I appreciate your concern but don't give advice when you don't know anything!

So I am getting frustrated. My client left a little disappointed, but what can you do? I tried to call AppleCare on Mon. but it was Memorial Day. So I waited for Tues.

Tues morning, my computer turns on like everything is fine.
I'm happy but cautious. I talk to AppleCare rep. He tells me that it is a common problem they have heard about with the G5's. Wherever blackouts, brownouts, spikes, sags, dips, and other electricity inconsistencies occur, the Power Mac G5 has a breaker in it which flips so it doesn't receive uneven power supply and damage internal components.
I like that feature. Good thinking Apple. Protecting my investment from bad electrical grids. But I don't like the fact my computer has a mind of its own where it decides when it wants to boot or when it wants to sit there and run its fans all loud.

I shut down Tues morn to go to work. I come back in the evening, it doesn't want to boot up. Instead of getting angry trying a bunch of times to turn on/turn off the computer, I leave my house all together and go and have a few drinks. I come home ,don't even look at my computer, and go to bed.

I wake up Wed. morning. Go to turn on my computer. Successful boot. It's running. Okay, I think, I'm going to get down to the problem. I read all the logs, not like I know every piece of info, but just to see what's happening. Everything looks fine. I decide to run the AppleCare CD Tech Tool. It says restart holding down C. I do that. When the gray Apple Logo comes up, all this writing about kernals comes up and it tells me to restart or shutdown. I shutdown and attempt to restart, same problem: no chime, red light on, and fans eventually spin loud. Now the CD is stuck in there. I'm going to take it to the Apple Store tomorrow to if these "geniuses" can figure it out.

(Just a side note: Apple calls them geniuses, but its hard for me to think some disconnected college kid with a bad haircut and questionable social skills knows what's up with the power supply issues of a computer; maybe I'm wrong, but you can run your diagnostics and look at the chart of what to do and all that BUT Apple needs to listen to the people)

I am going to get a UPS (uninteruptable power supply) with a clean sine wave output to curb the issue at my end. It's not my fault I live in a area that receives uneven power output. I live in Los Angeles. Summer is starting up and I think its going to be hot, so blackouts, power dips and sags are inevitable. I just don't understand why Apple hasn't considered this problem and fixed it with something:
A recall to change the power supply, Is it something on the logic board?, are they going to reimburse me for lost income (Ha, yeah right)

I really want to know how many people are having this problem?
From what I've heard, it is a common problem.
So I think we need a common solution.
If its so common, it must be the computer. We are all going to live in different areas where the power may vary. Not all of us have the consistent power flow of 1 Infinite Loop in Cupertino, CA. So if it is such a common problem, Apple needs to fix it.

I can't spend more than five grand on a super duper computer and have it wuss out on some power issues.
Its a loss of income and productivity to me.
I can't have that anymore.
Sometimes my computer turns on, sometimes it doesn't.
I bought my PowerMac G5 in April 2006, its been about a month and a half and I'm having these problems.

Thank you for your time.
If anyone else has been having this problem, I feel for you.
It was been very difficult for me not to curse in this post, but I have tried to extend the same respect to all that use these discussion boards to create dialogue, find help, and create solutions.
LETS FIX IT!

Peace,
Swami G

Power Mac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.6) 4.5 Gb RAM

Power Mac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.6) Dual 2.3 GHz / 4.5 Gb RAM

Power Mac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.6) 4.5 Gb RAM

Swami, what, if anything, has come of your efforts? I am in the same boat with my new Quad, which is currently in repair at the Apple shop, and reading this forum leads me to believe there are many other users with the same problem. It starts with a freeze similar to a kernel panic, but no panic log is created and no other error is logged in the console. It ends with fans on full blast and the little red light on the logic board. What sort of response would it take to get Apple to issue a recall on these obviously faulty machines? I haven't noticed on any of the other threads that Apple has offered any solution, aside from on a customer to customer basis, but isn't this something that the 15+ Apple Care consultants I spoke with should be aware of? They've been very courteous with me - I can't complain about that - but there's something a bit suspect about the way they had me installing and re-installing, wiping drives and pulling RAM until my return period expired. I've just started a non-profit foundation, and this computer was meant to be the backbone of the production work I have planned. Instead of helping me get that work done quickly, this computer has: prevented me from launching the fundraising website, prevented me from assembling materials needed to pursue the work and locked me in place with the telephone. I understand that all the steps I took were necessary from a troubleshooting perspective, but I think it's evident from this forum that the issue is common enough to be recognized by Apple.

The Micah,

I'm gunna tell you what's up but if I deviate and make this a big message to APPLE Computer, alright...

so I go and try to start my computer...
YES! Its on, okay, I can get to work
I leave it on for 5-6 days.
I got a lot done, it was great
I'm going to be away for a few days, so I turn it off
I come home turn it on, same problem
I'm a little disappointed but its okay
I'm going to do all that "stuff" and try again the next day
I try again
Nothing
another day goes by, nothing
now I'm getting worried
I see LED #7 lit constantly, fans eventually run loud
I'm trying to contact the Apple Store
they say they don't do reservations on the phone
I don't have internet access cause my computer doesn't turn on
they're dumbfounded
I say I will get to a computer
I do, I go to the Apple concierge thingee, blank gray screen
and that's the second time that happened
(I tried to make a reservation before but then my computer turned on and I had it on for five days so I never went back to get service) okay...back to the story...
Now I need service
I start checking out a variety of stores in my area, same blank gray screen
I call the Apple Store, they say they're booked up
What was the Apple Care for?
They are suggesting me to buy some Pro Care thing so some dude can tell me how to plug my computer into the wall
I can't deal with this anymore
I need this fixed, replaced, returned, or refunded
I have to much work to do for this computer not to work
I have followed directions with everything
I have Apple RAM in there. I just bought this computer in the middle of April. Its been about a month and a half or so. I purchased the PowerPC G5 because of its outstanding reputation. I wanted a solid machine before the Intel thing would change the styles up.
I am upset and disappointed in the Apple Support system
And if so many people have this problem, its something wrong with the computer, not us or where we live
I don't think PCs have it down completely, MACs definitely have a cleaner OS
But I never had to open my PC up and check RAM chips, press an SMU button, or unplug it for half an hour so to get it to hopefully boot. That's not a solution. Thats a real poor excuse for a pioneering computer company. Your going to keep it all real for most of the time, then sell out all quick and leave your peoples unplugged.

Power Mac G5 users who have this problem
Please post here or elsewhere, let APPLE know!
So many of us have this stupid problem
It's not our fault, it's there problem
Fix my computer or give me my money back

Who can I talk to at Apple about this?
Where do I email?
Who do I call?

This is serious.
The Micah's had problems. We can't get our work done.
APPLE, You need to get at me and let me know what's up
And when I say me, I mean a lot of people like me who all have this problem, its all over the boards.

So check it and fix it.


Dual 2.3 Ghz Power Mac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.6) 4.5 Gb RAM

FIX IT!

This is a problem that has been facing G5 owners since G5's came out a few years ago. It is widespread, but doesn't seem to involve the same issues all of the time. Apple has acknowledged the issue (for some G5s) by releasing firmware specifically to deal with it.

I had this problem on my G5 for a few weeks back in early 2005. Apple had released an update to Jaguar, and then the problem started. A few weeks later they released another upgrade, and the problem went away.

About a month ago, I began to experience this problem again. I can't remember if it coincided with an Apple update to Tiger. I only use the G5 for intense stuff like editing photos in Photoshop and using Logic.

My problem occurs when the computer tries to go to sleep. If I am using it, it seems fine for hours, but when I leave it alone for more than about an hour, this happens (all fans blow at high speed and no response from system, manual reboot is only option). I have tried changing energy settings to never sleep, doesn't prevent the problem. When I manually put it to sleep its fine.

I suspect this is either a software issue, or is related to something I have connected to the G5 (usb hub, device, or monitor, or the software that comes with those). When I install any new OS version on any of my macs, I always create at least two user acounts. One is mine, the main one I use for everything. The other is called "test user" and I never install any non OS stuff in that account. When I use the "test user" account, this doesn't happen to me. So, my guess is that I installed something in my main user account that is tripping the OS up.

The funny thing is that the problem has been getting steadily worse over the past few weeks, happening sooner and sooner after turning it on. It used to take a few hours, and now it takes less than an hour. I am going to first try to make it happen using "test user" and if I can't, I'll do an archive and reinstall of my OS. If it does happen to test user, I will disconnect all external devices and try again.

If it is not software related, the next two likely candidates are my video card (bought a retail ATI 9800 Pro a few months back) or my monitor (Gateway 21" LCD with built in USB 2.0 hub).

My computer stated exhibiting this problems just two weeks after purchase.
I have been running for two days now with no problems after replacement of my logic board and then the processors. The logic board replacement changed the nature of the fail somewhat but did not fix it. I am just praying that it does not return since I see some users who are experiencing this problem months after their purchase.

The bottom line is I have a computer that I purchased at the end of April and here we are in June and I have yet to get to use it on a daily basis as my main system. I still don't plan on loading anything important on it for another week or so. Not quite ready to trust it.

My G-5 recently (ie 2 weeks ago) began doing the same thing; randomly locking up then the fans strat running at very high rates. Only a hard shutdown will stop the nonsense. I can reboot and the problem may not re-appear for a day or three. No specific program or combination of programs seem to trigger the problem. I at first thought it was a sofware conflict but am now not so sure. The issue of bad RAM is intriguing as I have heard of this issue in the past (bad RAM causing weird problems) but buying two stick sof RAM at about $200 each for a test seems a touch expensive. And, of course, "tech help" can't/won't.....

Sridhar-

Whose RAM are you using? I have seen problems like this caused by wonky RAM.

Luck-

-DaddyPaycheck

I have been dealing with this same problem on my G5 Quad for the last 4 weeks. It is frustrating. I thought it was bad ram because that is what everybody points to. I narrowed it down to one of my three pairs that seamed to work. Now today it all happens again. System lock up. Fans at 100%. I restart the the thing and check the panic log. No entry. Bam! Black screen of death. Restart again. This time there is an entry in the panic log.

*******

Mon Jun 12 12:07:30 2006


Unresolved kernel trap(cpu 0): 0x300 - Data access DAR=0x0000000000000004 PC=0x0000000000062E1C
Latest crash info for cpu 0:
Exception state (sv=0x3C8FAC80)
PC=0x00062E1C; MSR=0x00009030; DAR=0x00000004; DSISR=0x42000000; LR=0x00062D8C; R1=0x2C933DB0; XCP=0x0000000C (0x300 - Data access)
Backtrace:
0x00062D04 0x000A87DC 0x000ABD00
backtrace terminated - frame not mapped or invalid: 0xBFFFECE0

Proceeding back via exception chain:
Exception state (sv=0x3C8FAC80)
previously dumped as "Latest" state. skipping...
Exception state (sv=0x5FAEE280)
PC=0xFFFF8AAC; MSR=0x0200F030; DAR=0x0200C000; DSISR=0x42000000; LR=0x903B97E8; R1=0xBFFFECE0; XCP=0x0000000C (0x300 - Data access)

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 8.6.0: Tue Mar 7 16:58:48 PST 2006; root:xnu-792.6.70.obj~1/RELEASE_PPC
panic(cpu 0 caller 0xFFFF0003): 0x300 - Data access
Latest stack backtrace for cpu 0:
Backtrace:
0x00095718 0x00095C30 0x0002683C 0x000A8384 0x000ABD00
Proceeding back via exception chain:
Exception state (sv=0x3C8FAC80)
PC=0x00062E1C; MSR=0x00009030; DAR=0x00000004; DSISR=0x42000000; LR=0x00062D8C; R1=0x2C933DB0; XCP=0x0000000C (0x300 - Data access)
Backtrace:
0x00062D04 0x000A87DC 0x000ABD00
backtrace terminated - frame not mapped or invalid: 0xBFFFECE0

Exception state (sv=0x5FAEE280)
PC=0xFFFF8AAC; MSR=0x0200F030; DAR=0x0200C000; DSISR=0x42000000; LR=0x903B97E8; R1=0xBFFFECE0; XCP=0x0000000C (0x300 - Data access)

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 8.6.0: Tue Mar 7 16:58:48 PST 2006; root:xnu-792.6.70.obj~1/RELEASE_PPC

*******