>>> Computer in question is a 17" iMac G5 running 10.5.6 has been >>> running >>> OS 10.5 for over 6 months flawlessly. This morning it started >>> crashing at random progressively getting worse. While it was still >>> functioning I ran disc utility disk checked out fine, repaired >>> permissions(was not much wrong). Ran apple hardware test passed >>> all >>> tested on extended. After that it would not get past the blue >>> start >>> up screen. zapped PRAM, booted into single user I ran fsck found >>> some errors, said it repaired them, still blue screen. target disk >>> mode worked, copied important data off computer. tried 10.5 >>> retail install DVD, blue screen. After several tries I got the >>> installer screen, selected language locked up button became all >>> pixelated and weird. tried booting off the HDD again got part of >>> the >>> menu bar froze up. tried swapping out the RAM for a known good >>> stick >>> from another machine, blue screen. Tried a firewire drive with a >>> bootable copy of 10.5.3, blue screen >>> >>> on blue screens I always get a working mouse, sometimes it gives me >>> the spinning color pinwheel. I noticed on the firewire drive even >>> after 10minutes it was still accessing the HDD but was obviously >>> locked up otherwise. >>> >>> put in the OE system install disk(10.4), booted and installed fine. >>> got to the welcome screen music plays but the video freezes. >>> reboot, same thing. also there are random incorrect pixels on the >>> screen (once a few green ones, second time some magenta ones) >>> >>> -sam >>> From: Sam Macomber <[email protected]> >>> To: [email protected] >>> Sent: Wednesday, 1 April, 2009 3:15:07 AM >>> Subject: Re: pooched iMac G5 >>> >>> >>> Hasn't been moved from the desk since we got it new. Today was >>> the first >>> time it's been opened to test another RAM module in it, so RAM >>> has been >>> removed and re-seated twice now as has the power cord. Also after >>> i sent >>> this I let it sit, no power cord for an hour or so, no change. >>> Tried it >>> w/o the keyboard and mouse attached, no change(so power cord only). >>> >>> -sam >>> >>> > On Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 5:22 PM, Sam Macomber <[email protected]> >>> wrote: >>> > >>> > Thermal cycle loosening of RAM card or other component/ >>> > >>> > Dirty slot? >>> > >>> > Loose or bad connectors / cords ? >>> > >>> > Has it ever been dropped ? >>> > >>> >>> Can't say for certain with the iMac G5, but I've experienced some >>> real weird start-up problems with G3, G4 and G5 desktop systems >>> all because the MoBo battery (little 3.6v half-AA battery) had >>> expired. >>> >>> As their life varies from around 2.5 to 6 years, it might be worth >>> replacing before you try anything more expensive... >> >> >> >> It's a big watch battery type, have a brand new one in my car >> remote so I put that one in, no change just blue screen still. >> Also zapped the PRAM again no change. >> >> guessing motherboard at this point. >> >> -sam >> >> > Based on experience and not particularly on the imac, I will say you > have a hardware problem. I always try to distinguish whether it's a > hardware problem or a software issue first. Now having said that, > the issue then is isolating the bad parts. Since you've checked > memory, and perhaps dusted the memory slots. I will move onto > checking out the video card, if it's one that you can remove, try > another card. Open it up and look closely at capacitors; try to find > one that looks different. I'm not sure, but I think it's the > imac's---1.25 ghz---that have blown capacitor problems. > Goodluck!
I just added the snipped part of the thread to the top of this, so yes i have run AHT, PRAM zapping, reseating and swapping out RAM(basically the only part that you can swap) video chip and processor are soldered on the logic board. everything is remarkably clean and new looking inside. just the smallest hint of dust in the fans. Nothing looks out of place or broken, no 'burnt' smells or anything. -sam --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed Low End Mac's G3-5 List, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list?hl=en Low End Mac RSS feed at feed://lowendmac.com/feed.xml -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
