The iMac G5...
What size is the display, does it have a built in camera above the display?
Bear in mind that a hosed software update OR certain versions of Mac OS may play havoc with the System Management Unit
All software updates should be carried out or re-run from a good installer if one had previously been carried out.
Check to see what is set to run at startup in the login items section of user accounts
A 'pre' iSight iMac G5 is relatively simple to get into for inspection of dust or location of fan noise
The following assumes it is the most common iMac G5 (17" ALS):
The grill on the bottom of the iMac G5 lets a trio of fans draw cool air into the system. Thermal software spins the fans fast or slow as needed, passing the heated air through a slit on the back cover. As the system usage increases, the fans will adjust their speed to meet the cooling needs of the system. Accumulating dust can obstruct the flow of air through the system causing the fans to run faster than normal. In severe cases the system may overheat and unexpectedly shut down.
Remove all dust using propellant or a 'static-safe' vacuum cleaner
If possible, reset the SMU:
• Unplug all cables from the computer, including the power cord.
• Wait 10 seconds.
• Plug in the power cord while simultaneously pressing and holding the power button on the back of the computer.
• Let go of the power button.
• Press the power button once more to start up your iMac G5.
Reset PRAM (Parameter RAM):
• If your iMac is on, turn it off by pressing the power button in until the computer powers off.
• You should hear the drives and fans go quiet.
• Wait for a few seconds.
• While the computer is off, with your left hand, hold down the Apple key, the option key next to it, and the letter R.
• When you have them all pressed push the power button with your right hand and then quickly move that hand to hold down the letter P.
• Keep the four keys pressed while the computer starts up.
• Make sure you hold down the four keys (P-R-Command-Option) while the computer starts up.
• When you keep all the keys held down, you will hear the startup chime over and over again (about every ten seconds) until you let go.
• After you hear the second chime, you can let go of the keys.
• If you didn't hear at least two startup chimes, go to step one and try again.
• It's important that you two startup chimes when performing this procedure. This indicates that you have successfully reset the computer's PRAM (Parameter RAM).
What size is the display, does it have a built in camera above the display?
Bear in mind that a hosed software update OR certain versions of Mac OS may play havoc with the System Management Unit
All software updates should be carried out or re-run from a good installer if one had previously been carried out.
Check to see what is set to run at startup in the login items section of user accounts
A 'pre' iSight iMac G5 is relatively simple to get into for inspection of dust or location of fan noise
The following assumes it is the most common iMac G5 (17" ALS):
The grill on the bottom of the iMac G5 lets a trio of fans draw cool air into the system. Thermal software spins the fans fast or slow as needed, passing the heated air through a slit on the back cover. As the system usage increases, the fans will adjust their speed to meet the cooling needs of the system. Accumulating dust can obstruct the flow of air through the system causing the fans to run faster than normal. In severe cases the system may overheat and unexpectedly shut down.
Remove all dust using propellant or a 'static-safe' vacuum cleaner
If possible, reset the SMU:
• Unplug all cables from the computer, including the power cord.
• Wait 10 seconds.
• Plug in the power cord while simultaneously pressing and holding the power button on the back of the computer.
• Let go of the power button.
• Press the power button once more to start up your iMac G5.
Reset PRAM (Parameter RAM):
• If your iMac is on, turn it off by pressing the power button in until the computer powers off.
• You should hear the drives and fans go quiet.
• Wait for a few seconds.
• While the computer is off, with your left hand, hold down the Apple key, the option key next to it, and the letter R.
• When you have them all pressed push the power button with your right hand and then quickly move that hand to hold down the letter P.
• Keep the four keys pressed while the computer starts up.
• Make sure you hold down the four keys (P-R-Command-Option) while the computer starts up.
• When you keep all the keys held down, you will hear the startup chime over and over again (about every ten seconds) until you let go.
• After you hear the second chime, you can let go of the keys.
• If you didn't hear at least two startup chimes, go to step one and try again.
• It's important that you two startup chimes when performing this procedure. This indicates that you have successfully reset the computer's PRAM (Parameter RAM).