Overheating iMac

Run Apple Hardware Test in extended mode 2-3 times and look for error codes.If any appear than indicates it's time to take it in for service. You should probably download iStatPro to get actual temps, then we can tell whether its running too hot or not.

When was the last time you vacuumed out the bottom grill work and small vent behind the stand to ensure that it is cooling properly...?

Note: First, turn off and unplug the iMac before cleaning to prevent it from clogging and damaging the fans.. Next, seriously vacuum out all the air vents and then follow up with a good blowing out.

When was the last time you vacuumed all of the air intakes, air exhaust, vents , slot, holes and ports all over your the outside of your iMac?

Shutdown your iMac disconnect everything, even power, lay your iMac screen down on a heavy, but soft surface like a heavy towel or blanket and vacuum every opening, slots and ports around your entire iMac. Not just the upper back vent.

Also, it wouldn't hurt to open the access plate where the RAM slots are and do a very light vacuum over that area, as well in case there is dust buildup there,too!

Then reconnect everything, power back up and install a temperature monitor like iStat Pro or iStat menus and report back with the temps.

Good Luck!

Is that degrees F or C? If it's F you're in really good shape and have nothing to be concerned about, if it's C then yup it's running very very hot.

I agree with rkaufmann87.

If your temps are in degrees Fahrenheit, these are pretty good temps.

I run a software fan control and one of the fans for the CPU I run fast enough to keep the CPU in the low 100 degrees Fahrenheit range or upper 90's.when idel or low activity.

How much RAM installed?

Can you go to the upper left main menu bar, click the Apple logo, click abou this Mac, a pop up window appears.

Click the More info button.

Then copy and paste all of the info ( minus your iMac's serial number) so we can see what else could be slowing down your iMac.

Your issues may not be heat related.

Could be too little RAM or maybe a failing hard drive.

AHHHH HAAAAA!!!

Completely uninstall both TuneUpMyMac AND Mackeeper!!!!

http://www.macexpertguide.com/2012/11/16/uninstall-mackeeper-2012-2011-mac/

http://www.tuneupmymac.com/uninstall/

Both of these are serious "crapware"!!!

ESPECIALLY MACKEEPER ( which I call "Crapkeeper"!)

These are what are slowing down your iMac!

Another thing that is slowing your iMac is the lack of RAM memory.

Intel versions of OS X 10.6-10.8 use more and more computer resources such a LOT more CPU, GPU, RAM and hard drive resources. OS X, running by itself, needs between 3-4 GBs of RAM, alone!

2 GBs of RAM is NO where near enough RAM for the OS X. version you are running and other applications your ard running, in additon to OS X!

Your iMac model can take a Max. of 6 GBs of RAM.

My advice, install the max. 6 GBs of RAM.

Correct and reliable Mac RAM can be purchased from online Mac RAM source OWC (macsales.com).

Here is the RAM you need to purchase and install.

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/5300DDR2S6GP/

RAM is user installable and easy to install by newbie or novice Mac users.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1423#2

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=DUkkENEyqbU&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DDUkkENEyqb U

Doing all of this will cure all of your iMac's ills and return your iMac to fast, smooth and problem free operation.

Good Luck!

🙂

Forget the appointment with Apple.

I think that everything I have outlined will cure a lot of your issues.

We can deal with the startup disk issue here once everything else I outlined has been satisfied.

All of us here can get your iMac back to a good, operable condition!

As MichelPM instructed get rid of the crapware, this is a major cause of your issues. Also upgrade teh RAM as instructed, you are running on the bare minimum. I'd recommend upgrading to 6GB, you can get the RAM from OWC (www.macsales.com) and Crucial. If you are in the US I'd recommend OWC.

Questions:

• I also have a MacBook Pro with only 2GB RAM running the same OS - is it upgradeable?

(Processor 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo)

• Is there any kind of software that would help me with the same functions as the crapware?

Yes you can upgrde teh RAM in teh MBP, refer to the owners manual that came with it. Or visit www.macsales.com or Crucial.

The best software is OS X itself, keep it up to date and quit treating it like a MS Windows box that needs 3rd party apps to keep it running well.