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V · May 17, 2004, 05:14 PM

Just got a new G5, not for me, a friend bought it and ask me to take care of everything before she gets it.

Here's the problem: Seems that the fans are always max out. Never seen a computer make that much noise.

Where do I Start? calling Apple?

Thanks

k2director · May 17, 2004, 06:36 PM

Are you sure it's the G5's fans? If the Mac has an ATI 9800 Radeon video card inside (as opposed to the 9600)...well, that video card's fan makes a lot of noise.

Or....could you be copying files over to the G5 while its in FireWire target disk mode? In that mode, the fans go way loud because the OS isn't fully loaded, and isn't monitoring the temperature of the CPU. So it blows the fans all the way.

V · May 17, 2004, 06:53 PM

My video card is the ati 9600, Is it as loud as the 9800?

The computer isn't copying any files, I don't have any firewire device pluged either.

I opened it and all the fans were spinning fast. When I removed the transparent plastic case it went much quieter but came back to "normal" after I replaced it, sight...

Heard about fan control app but I can't install it since I have 10.3.3

My friend will never want to have that computer to work on her projects (artist). I convinced her to buy a mac arguing it was the best computer for her

. It's more a fan than a computer...

Link · May 17, 2004, 07:02 PM

That is a seriously weird defect. You mean when you remove the cover the fans SLOW DOWN?!

Yeah sounds like one to take in on. If the machine is new go in and settle for no less than a DOA exchange. (that is, if you bought it from a physical store -- or apple store). You *can* get it fixed but it will take a few days and really isn't worth the problems it may cause.

Do not back down on them either. Unless the machine just simply needs a quick fix.. actually...

Before you go into a store, see if holding down command + option + o + f and typing in

reset-nvram
reset-all

(pressing enter after each, of course).

That should reset the machine's firmware. If that doesn't fix the fan problems then it's definately time to take into the store.

V · May 17, 2004, 10:28 PM

Just tried it, that didn't worked. Good thing is my dual G4 has never seem so quiet. I'm gonna call Apple tomorrow. I just know that the person I'll be talking to will consider me as an idiot telling the computer doesn't work ok cause of fans noise. Maybe if I let him hear the noise with the handset...

Link · May 17, 2004, 10:36 PM

It IS a problem.. and the fact that the fans slow down when you open the case is a full indication of that. A g4 being quieter than a g5? You're nuts (but then again the g5 isn't working right)

Leonard · May 18, 2004, 10:39 AM

V, tell him what you told us. That the fans are on full all the time except when you open the door. By the way, that's the opposite of how they are to work. They should be on low and if you open the clear glass door they should go full.

Have you tried resetting the PRAM and pressing the CUDA switch? Might be worth it, before bringing it in to an Apple Store. But it's definitely not working properly.

V · May 19, 2004, 11:06 AM

Called Apple. The Tech didn't questionned my problem. After doing each things he asked me he knew the results cause he was hearing the fans very clearly. I must now bring the comp to an authorised Apple dealer for "calibration of the thermal sensors". I'm gonna check at the same time the normal amount of fans noise of the demo G5 they have in store. Hope that will work. Follow up to come when I get it back.

kristofor · May 19, 2004, 04:52 PM

I'm having the seemingly same problem. No fix other than to take it in, eh?

rhogue islander · May 19, 2004, 05:21 PM

If you just bought it, I recommend returning it and getting a new one.

The Apple Store I bought mine at told me I had 30 days to return it for a full refund.

CompUSA will issue full refunds within 14 days if the product is in any way defective.

striker100 · May 19, 2004, 05:34 PM

Originally posted by rhogue islander:
If you just bought it, I recommend returning it and getting a new one.

The Apple Store I bought mine at told me I had 30 days to return it for a full refund.

CompUSA will issue full refunds within 14 days if the product is in any way defective.

I was under the impression that the Apple Store gives a 10 day refund in the event of a defect for a non BTO Mac.
I wouldn't wait, you can confirm this with the Apple Store.