[Patrick]

Several times over the past couple weeks I've started up my computer, only to find that a second or three after the Finder completely loads, it crashes in a strange way. This also happened a few minutes ago after waking up from sleep - without warning the screen will sometimes wobble strangely and then change to some garbage pattern. If the latter happens, the keyboard and mouse stop responding. I've also seen the screen lock up except for cursor movement.

I don't have a clue on this one, or whether they're even related to the same problem. It could be software related, because it hasn't happened so far when I start up from an external HD. I'm using a 20" iMac G5, running 10.3.9.

[killertofu]

When you say wobble? Does it wobble with a discolor? Does it only happen after startup or sleep?

If I had to guess from what you described above, I would say that it has something to do with your video card. I couldn't really tell you without further description.

[Patrick]

No, I guess it was more of a momentary flicker, like you'd see on a TV if you turned on a nearby appliance. It's only happened a couple times; the rest have been this strange pattern across the monitor - wish I could get a screenshot of it.

I've run the extended hardware test several times, and everything's fine. What really confuses me is that the problem hasn't been happening consistently.

[seanc]

This iMac doesn't have an iSight does it?
If it's the last generation like i'm thinking, take the back off and look at the capacitors.

Are any of them bulging?
If they are bulging then you need to stop using the computer and call Apple.


They will most likely send you new parts whicn you can install yourself.


Good Luck,


Sean.

[Patrick]

No, it's the first revision of the G5 iMac. One of these days I'll get around to looking at the capacitors inside, but I suspect it has something to do with the video card. When I turned it on today, I started seeing a bunch of TV-like static until the screen refreshed itself.

The problem has been happening at random now, not just after startup. I took a couple pictures of it. Makes a nice pattern, don't you think?
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/patric...cd.jpg&.src=ph
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/patric...cd.jpg&.src=ph

Conveniently enough, my warranty expired two months ago. Should I call Apple or just take it somewhere to get whatever it is fixed?

[brokenjago]

If it's a Logic Board Failure because of bulging capacitators, Apple will cover it.

If it isn't, they won't.

[seanc]

Here is a link to the iMac repair program: http://www.apple.com/uk/support/imac...ensionprogram/

The iMac G5 Repair Extension Program for Video and Power Issues applies to first generation iMac G5 computers that have video or power-related issues as a result of a specific component failure. If your iMac G5 is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed below and your computer's serial number is within the noted ranges, your computer may be eligible for repair, free of charge. If Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) determines that your iMac G5 computer is eligible as part of the program, the repair will be covered by Apple for up to two years from the original date of purchase even if your iMac G5 is out of warranty. This is a worldwide Apple program.

Affected systems will exhibit one of the following video- or power-related symptoms:
Scrambled or distorted video
No video
No power