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Blinking pixels on screen after Yosemite install

After installing Yosemite, various regions on my iMac screen started blinking. Heavy blinking. Cannot work like this. What is going on?

Posted on Oct 17, 2014 8:11 AM

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86 replies

Oct 20, 2014 8:16 AM in response to Pink Panther

Since 10.9 upgrade, and now Yosemite, my mid-2011 iMac has pixels flashing on the desktop, regardless of any software open, such as iTunes, Photoshop, or other approved software on Apple. This also freezes up the iMac. I have emailed Support since OS 9 and nothing changing in a fix from Apple. I erased the hard-drive after a major freeze that would not allow saving anything from the hard-drive and put on OS 7+ which worked fine. I did not like OS 7 anymore so upgraded and now it is worse than before in Yosemite.

This computer was checked at an Apple store and has no structure issues. I also checked it via other sources to confirm and their are no structural issues. It is entirely 'OSX' in my not humble opinion.

I researched and find no fix available but others also having the same problem, seemingly since OS X 9.

I have never seen Apple continue to totally disregard an issue of an upgrade on any Mac computer before and I have been on Apple since its first computer. I worked at McGraw-Hill Publishing and was involved with 'Byte' magazine and its interview with the then upcoming MacIntosh.

My experience in this truly disappoints me with Apple on this issue. I hate to purchase a new computer just because engineers are not responding to a real issue that is now worse with Yosemite.

Oct 21, 2014 9:47 AM in response to Pink Panther

I hate it when all of the 'wiseguys/gals' 'round here ignore a question. I have one posted myself that has gone unanswered for days......so, as to your problem -> After my Yosemite install I also had 'blinking pixels around the upper part of my screen. I reviewed some old answers and found something from kappy. I reset the PRAM. Restart your iMac, and immediately after the first chime, simultaneously hold down option-command-p-r until it chimes once more, then release. Then I reset the System Management Controller (SMC), which is simple-just turn off your computer, unplug the power cord for at least 15 seconds, replug and start. SO FAR (1 hour) no weird blinking pixels have appeared. I hope they don't return, but, so far, so good.

Good luck,

Fred

Oct 21, 2014 11:52 AM in response to Pink Panther

Update on Pixel issue. I read on line to UK MacWorld and in their article it was stated in 2013 that graphic cards are failing in certain models of mid 2011 iMacs and Apple replacing and I have the exact model of that article. I called support on the evening of Oct 20 and have an appointment to take in the iMac.

Interesting, in my searching I could find nothing in the US on this but from UK the issue is in their online Macworld.

I will update after my appointment as to the service.

Oct 21, 2014 9:46 PM in response to Pink Panther

well, after a 10 hour or so workday, I came home, and was cruising around on the Mac, and discovered that the blinking pixels had returned. BUT, in response to the above post by David Peterson8, I found this:

"There is a new GPU replacement program for mid 2011, 27 inch iMac models.

If your iMac serial numbers end with certain letters, your iMac maybe eligible for a no cost replacement GPU.

Contact either Apple directly at 1-800-MYAPPLE or contact your nearest Apple store and ask about this and make an apappointment at the Genius Bar to bring in your iMac if your iMac is eligible for the free GPU replacement.


http://www.macrumors.com/2013/08/16/apple-initiates-graphic-card-replacement-pro gram-for-mid-2011-27-inch-imac/

I'm gonna be calling them tomorrow to see if I fall into the privileged group.

Good luck with yours, PP.

Oct 21, 2014 10:32 PM in response to patscanlan

Safe Boot loads more basic Graphics drivers than the full blown OS, which is why you may not be seeing this when booted to Safe Boot.


patscalan, I see your image above is a photo (as opposed to a screen shot), what happens if you take a screen shot when the issue is occurring? Is the distortion visible in the screen shots too?


Its hard to tell from the video if the issue is LCD or GPU based, however the patterned nature of the issue could suggest this is a GPU (Graphics Card) related issue and not a software issue.


Let us know how you go.

Blinking pixels on screen after Yosemite install

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