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Level 1

20 points

Constant fan noise on 2017 iMac even at rest

Hey Everyone,

I just upgraded from a 2012 to a 2017 iMac. I noticed yesterday that the fan is constantly on with the new iMac - even in rest mode (not rendering or moving data etc...). I saw some articles about this. It's really annoying especially if you work in the evening hours and the house is quiet and you want to work in absolute silence.

My old iMac had no problem with that. Do others have the same problem? Is there anything else besides earplugs I can do? Would an SSD drive make a difference or a different processor type that require less energy and create less heat?

Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks,

Holger

27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display

Configuration

• 3.8GHz quad-core 7th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, Turbo Boost up to 4.2GHz

• 8GB 2400MHz DDR4

• 3TB Fusion Drive

• Radeon Pro 580 with 8GB video memory

iMac with Retina 5K display, (2017, 27-inch )

Posted on Aug 17, 2017 9:36 AM

Best reply

macjack

Level 10

111,180 points

Posted on Aug 17, 2017 9:43 AM

What's causing the fan activity depends on which fan it is. But if the fan is that noisy, I'd suggest you use your free Apple Support to get in touch with them and have it checked.

Have you tried n SMC reset?

Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support

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46 replies

Mar 31, 2018 3:43 AM in response to Burgerb

I had the same problem and I might have found a solution. As another post below suggested, I don't think the noise was coming from the fan but rather from the activity of the fusion drive (the mechanical drive not the SSD). It sounded like the Mac was permanently (even in sleep mode with power nap disabled) writing data. I had originally upgraded the Ram from the paltry standard 8gb to 24gb (one 16gb module) but the noise didn't stop. I've now added another 16gb for a total of 40gb and the noise stopped. My assumption is that the Mac was constantly swapping data onto the drive(s) because its RAM was overloaded. Even though the activity monitor wasn't saying so, even if there was no software active and all apps closed, I'm pretty sure that this was the problem. Conclusion: Apple sells you a configuration that has enough RAM to be powered on...

Mar 31, 2018 4:43 AM in response to Burgerb

I have the i7 in my 2017 iMac and a 1TB SSD mines and mine is virtually silent in every day use, you really have to push it to here them rev up. The iMac you have only has one fan the same as the late 2012, it should not be noisier. Make sure nothing is obstructing the intakes at the bottom of the chin and the grill at the back. If its that bad which it should not be, I would suggest contacting Apple directly

JS.94

Level 1

4 points

Mar 31, 2018 2:18 PM in response to ewl9394

Thank you.

It seem again that not all iMac are affected.

I heared that only 27” i7 7700K was affected (because it’s a 91 Watts, unlike the i7 7700 non-K of the 21” iMac which is a 65 W cpu).

But is yours an exception ?!

Is it worth taking the risk to order it ?

It would be useful if some silent i7 27” iMacs owners could testify here.

Burgerb Author

Level 1

20 points

Aug 17, 2017 10:10 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks! I will give it a try. But from what I've read on the internets it seems like a problem other users have. I will try the SMC reset however.

Sep 2, 2017 10:26 PM in response to Burgerb

I have the same issue on my 2017 27inch i7 iMac... The fan sounds like our vacuum cleaner..so it is a common issue. And I was only up-loading photos to my on-line back-up

Wienandy

Level 1

8 points

Sep 10, 2017 10:49 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks for the advice. I already tried the resets. Many times. I am hoping for a replacement since not everyone has this problem.

Burgerb Author

Level 1

20 points

Sep 11, 2017 3:12 PM in response to JackLePage

I would try adding more RAM as well and see if that works.

Sep 20, 2017 7:35 AM in response to Burgerb

Hi Burgerb,

After you upgrade to 40GB, still silent again as your old one ?

Thanks,

Best Regards,

Jacques

onlyse

Level 1

4 points

Dec 3, 2017 6:55 PM in response to rkaufmann87

I returned the iMac. Got another one with 16gb ram and 3tb fusion. Same issue so returned that as well.

Dec 3, 2017 11:12 PM in response to onlyse

Fusion drive is noisy like a fan.

onlyse

Level 1

4 points

Dec 3, 2017 11:42 PM in response to alexeijanssen

I had the files on an external hdd,opened the catalogue on the computer and exported. What does ssd have to do there? Thank you.

Dec 10, 2017 6:13 AM in response to Burgerb

I spoke with an apple technician about this and after much troubleshooting, apparently its normal behavior. Big computer, big fan, never turns off. Has anyone else got to this conclusion?