Can putting an iMac on its 'side' damage its video quality?

Question

Can putting an iMac on its 'side' damage its video quality?

So I bought an iMac 27inch 5K Retina 2015 version and I know the 'stand' attached to the computer won't be detached. I did an experiment and put my iMac on the side leaning on the wall so my iMac screen will be vertical(portrait mode). And then I watched something and it turned off after 30 seconds. I think it's because of the cooling problem but I also think turning on the iMac while it's put 'on its side' vertically can damage the video quality(I can kinda see it). Is it possible?? Please help.

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015), OS X El Capitan (10.11.1)

Posted on Dec 21, 2015 11:33 PM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,624 points

Dec 22, 2015 6:00 AM in response to MacProUser442

You have 90 days of free AppleCare telephone support. I suggest that you give Apple a call, if you need additional info please click Complimentary AppleCare Support

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Answer 2

Dec 22, 2015 2:06 PM in response to rkaufmann87

I talked to 2 different customer agents on Applecare and I got the same response. 'They're not sure'.

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Answer 3

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Dec 22, 2015 2:42 PM in response to MacProUser442

I would think that it would be ok but I do have one thought. The air flow through the iMac may be decreased since it is designed for a different orientation.

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Answer 4

poikkeus1

Level 4

2,475 points

Dec 22, 2015 3:20 PM in response to Duane

Duane hit it on the head.

While there's no information out there on the normal vs on-the-side orientation, both vents will be compromised to a certain extent. The display vent will have no natural air flow, and the RAM vent will cause the machine to become hotter. There's no telling what damage would happen over the long term, but I'd avoid volunteering for a test.

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Answer 5

Dec 22, 2015 3:26 PM in response to poikkeus1

Thanks for the answer!. But what are your opinions on 'possible' damages besides 'heating problem' like 'video quality damage'?

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Answer 6

Dec 22, 2015 3:31 PM in response to MacProUser442

Don't you think that the 30 seconds to shutdown just is a conformation of what Duane has just told you.

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Answer 7

Dec 22, 2015 3:56 PM in response to Allan Eckert

I do know that it causes the heating problem and that's why it shut down after 30 seconds but I'm asking about 'other' damage like video quality damage.

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Answer 8

Dec 22, 2015 4:00 PM in response to MacProUser442

I don't know about you, but getting hot enough to shut down is enough of a problem for me to stop doing it.

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Answer 9

Dec 22, 2015 4:20 PM in response to Allan Eckert

Wow re-read my post. I'm not asking if I can keep setting it up vertically. I'm asking if any damage already happened(because I feel like my display quality got bad.)

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Answer 10

Dec 22, 2015 4:35 PM in response to MacProUser442

If you think there are graphics problems, you are going to have to take it to Apple. They can tell if there was damage.

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Answer 11

babowa

Level 9

78,580 points

Dec 22, 2015 5:25 PM in response to MacProUser442

I'm asking if any damage already happened(because I feel like my display quality got bad.)

There really is no better way than to have someone look at it. My reaction to this is: the iMac is not designed to be used vertically; if it were (like some external monitors have that feature), then it would have been built in, so I'd expect that some damage may be quite possible. Hopefully you haven't voided your warranty.

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Answer 12

Dec 22, 2015 6:39 PM in response to babowa

Well I wanna hear what hardware designers/engineers have to say about this. (For example, if this issue is 'even possible' to begin with or if this issue is actually possible). For example playing music on an iMac too loud wouldn't damage the screen quality at all and in that case, it's a matter of fact that one cannot cause the other. I want an answer like that.

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Answer 13

babowa

Level 9

78,580 points

Dec 22, 2015 11:13 PM in response to MacProUser442

I want an answer like that.

You will have to talk to Apple about it - we are all other users here. Playing music too loud is just a tad different from physically balancing a screen and putting its 35 lb weight and components on its side. However, who knows; it may be perfectly ok - as I said, have Apple look at it. Here is the link to the Apple hardware warranty (US):

http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty/products/embedded-mac-warranty-us.html

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