Alu iMac GUI slowdown

Every 1-2 weeks the GUI of our 24" Alu iMac (2.4 GHz, Aug 2007 model) slows down. Symptoms: cursor can be moved with the mouse, but the menus & windows respond only very slowly when clicked (about one minute). I can SSH into the machine from my iBook: 'top' shows low CPU usage, no program seems to hog the iMac, commands issued in the SSH session execute instantly. When "The Sims 2" is launched in this slowed-down state from the GUI, it takes AGES for the game to load, but once it is loaded, it can be played in fullscreen mode at full speed. (This indicates to me that the slowdown is not a graphics card problem.) After exiting The Sims and returning to the OS X GUI, it remains slowed-down. Only a hard reboot solves the problem. After the reboot the GUI reacts fast again.
The iMac is up-to-date, all firmware patches applied. No obvious hints in /var/log/system.log. There are some messages though which look suspicious to me, but have no idea whether these have anything to do with the slowdown phenomenon:-
SystemUIServer[7211]: Error: airportd MIG failed = 1 ((os/kern) invalid address) (port = 57667)
diskarbitrationd[47]: SystemUIServer [7211]:30279 not responding.
/System/Library/CoreServices/ManagedClient.app/Contents/MacOS/ManagedClient[7336 ]: MCXD.doPostComposite:[ODNode nodeWithSession: type:kODTypeLocalNode ] == -14270 (Unable to open Directory node with type 8704.)
com.apple.loginwindow[3786]: MCXD.doPostComposite:[ODNode nodeWithSession: type:kODTypeLocalNode ] == -14270 (Unable to open Directory node with type 8704.)
My wife already declared that "our next computer will not be a Mac", so quick help would be much appreciated!
thanks, András

Barry Hemphill wrote:
I would run the hardware checker that is, I believe, on your software install DVD. Alternatively, you may have received TechTool when you got your system.
Well, I forgot to mention this, but of course I had tried both of them. Running the extended AHT twice did not detect any h/w problems. Same with TechTools.
Although it is a reasonable suggestion, I am reluctant to send the machine to repair as it takes about 2 weeks for the symptoms to develop, and until now I haven't found the right voodoo to provoke the slowdown.
I would really like to know whether I am the only one with this problem or are others having a similar experience?
The only comparison I have is the Quad G5 PowerPC Mac I use at work. It also runs Leopard, plus all sorts of programs (scientific number crunching, MySQL and Postgres databases), I log out about once a month, and reboot only for upgrading. It is rock solid, like an Apple should be.

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How come most people think it's an isolated Alu iMac issues?

My old PC couldn't do what I needed it to do anymore so I desperately needed a new computer for my project. I was going to go Apple's London store and move a new Alu iMac home immediately, but before I did that I came to this forum ... And that's how thing started to become very complicated.
At first, I was shocked by the number of people complaining about this 'new iMac issues' - the faulty display and the freezing problem ... mostly, the freezing issue. Quite a few people believed it was caused by the 1.1 update and the ATI card. After a few days of my intense reading on this iMac forum, Apple issued a statement acknowledging the freezing issue.
I knew it would only be sensible if I waited until Apple solve the problem. The thing is: I just cannot afford to wait - I have to finish my project.
I stared looking at other options: Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mini .... and ... what I have found on this Apple forum, based on what other Mac owner's posts, none of these models is clear of the same problem - unexpected, continuios freezing problem!
Based on what I have read so far, the freezing problem is not exclusive of the
1: new Alu iMAc - some white iMAc, MacPro, MBP, Mini owners have reported the same issue.
2: Macs with ATI graphic card.
3: Macs have been updated to OS X 1.1
4: Macs have games installed
It's a large, wide spread issue than some people would believe, isn't it? To be honest, I have started looking at Dell desk top these two days ... but I just cannot imagine to spend any money for another PC - it should be my last solution.
I desperately needed an Mac for my project - it's a very important one. I am depressed by the situation I am facing now and don't really know what to do. Can anyone kindly offer me some advice?
Some of you might say: get a grip - it's only a computer ... and the freezing issue is not that serious ...
However, if you rely on the computer to get your work done, would you really go ahead and buy an iMac regardless what is going on. Otherwise, what else can I do? If I buy an iMac and only work under bootcam with Windows until Apple fix the freezing problem - will it be a solution?
If you were me, what would you do?
I will appreciate any input!

David,
I posted the same thing and was taken to task by some posters for stating it also. The truth is that gamers were the first to report this issue and did so in far larger numbers than other users. In fact, those who are or were reporting issues with Aperture or iTunes or other applications really didn't start posting in significant numbers about the issue until a few days after it surfaced.
I think many people didn't get a chance to read some of the first posts on the subject as many of them were removed, for cause, and some of them are a few pages back now and forgotten.
I too have had the problem but in my case I was able to solve it by removing the game that was causing it all the time, reformatting the drive, reinstalling, and then updating. That was a week ago and I have not had any freezes since, but I have had video artifacts a couple of times. When it does that I just save my work and restart. I have even managed to get through some iPhoto sessions without issue.
*To the Original poster:*
No one can tell you what you should or should not do but if you want a Mac, buy one. This problem is not as widespread as some would have you believe. If you base your opinion on what you read here you would come to the conclusion that everyone's iMac is sick, but that is not true. In my case of the three Intel iMacs that I have, only my 24" has the problem, the other two are just fine.
Even if 30% of them were/are bad, which is an absurdly high figure, you would still have a 70% chance of getting one with no issues!!
I also trust that Apple will find and solve the problem. After dealing with them for 20+ years that is what I have come to expect based on my past experiences with them.
Message was edited by: Al Van Malsen
Message was edited by: Al Van Malsen

Selecting sound output on new alu iMac

I realise there have been quite a few posts about similar topics in Apple Discussions, but I would be really grateful if somebody could answer this one. I am using Tiger 10.4.11 (i'm waiting for software updates for Leopard to be released before installing it).
My question is, why haven't I got the option to switch sound to my iMac's internal speakers while still having my headphones plugged in?
When I go to System Preferences > Sound, the only sound output options I have are 'Headphones', and the Bluetooth headset that I use for iChat. It seems logical to me that I should have the choice to switch between internal speakers and headphones.
When I unplug the headphones, the internal speakers show up, any ideas? Could it be something to do with the Audio MIDI setup options?
Thank you in advance for your help.

I have a newer alu iMac, 24" and I have SoundSticks connected (external speakers). My options for Sound in SysPrefs are the SoundSticks or internal speakers. I have the option to select either one, even while the external speakers are in use.
I would think that you should have similar options, but maybe the Headphone option cancels the internal speakers similarly to how cell phones work when an earpiece device is connected. You don't hear sounds coming from the phone until you disconnect the earpiece.

Alu iMac 24" Condensation query

I have an alu iMac 24" had it for about 80 days and from day one I've had condensation problems. When the screen is turned on it's fine but when it's off I have what I can only describe as mist that seems to have come from the top left hand corner.
I love Apple and OSX but I regret getting the iMac now, do you think this is ground s for a refund/store credit?
Thank you,

George Peters wrote:
... Do you live in a humid climate?
The UK climate humid? More like very wet. I don't have a problem with mine, so it's not the climate.
If I was you I'd take it to one of the apple store's in birmingham and get them to have a look at it. If it's nothing then at least it has been reported.

Alu iMac electric shock

My first Alu iMac died within a week. I got a replacement from Apple. This new one gives electric shocks when I touch the keyboard or computer. Not all the time, every other few minutes. So I called Apple again. Btw, my first Alu iMac didn't give shocks, it just died completely.
Apple didn't want to replace it (they claim the 2 period is over and they are not willing to be flexible). They advised me to go to a service provider. They also advised using a grounded contact (our house doesn't have grounded contacts everywhere so that is difficult). I said that the first iMac didn't give shocks, so that 'grounded contact' story is not true. Before we have had more (i)Mac's without problems. The guy from the helpdesk was not very helpful, sticking to his procedures.
Are there more users with the same kind of problems who can advise me?
I can probably block my Visa card and have them give my money back. Then it is not my problem anymore, but Apple's.
Thx,
Jan

Apple didn't want to replace it (they claim the 2 period is over and they are not willing to be flexible)
The "2 week limit" applies only to returns of non-defective merchandise. If the product is "Dead On Arrival," you can demand a NEW replacement -- IF you notify AppleCare of the defect within *30 days*. Follow the link below for details:
http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/salespolicies.html
Of course, if the only "defect" is improper grounding, that's your problem -- not Apple's.
Looby

OpenGL Problems with Alu iMac

Hi, I've got a small but annoying problem wit my 20" Alu iMac (base model). It seems that some openGL based graphics are not shown correctly. Some polygones are blacked out resulting in an image with black triangles and trapezes, where the blacked out parts change constantly (I presume at the same rate as the frames are calculated).
I encountered this problem first using Windows and 3D-Games with Boot Camp as well as using Parallels or VMWare Fusion. Then I tried a little 3D-Game for MacOS called "l1neum". Same problem.
Now I made a clean install of MacOS 10.5 and realized that the problem occours with CoverFlow in the new Finder.
Has anybody else experienced this problem or got a solution?

Try downloading and installing the 10.4.10 Combo update. Let the update run alone. Don't use the Mac for anything else while it installs the update, including Airport and Bluetooth. Use a wired keyboard and mouse if you can.
Mac OS X 10.4.10 Combo Update v1.1 (Intel)
Repair Disk Permissions after the update is installed and you have restarted the Mac.

Mosaic and Freezing in Alu iMac

Hello, guys:
My alu iMac (20' 2.4GHz, OS 10.15.1) occasionally got a short mosaic bend. Log out the current user and log in again. It disappears. Has anybody got this problem? See the picture:
http://www.Photo-Host.org/img/523127_11-45-59.jpeg
Also my iMac frequently got freezing these days. In the forum a lot of people got this problem. It seems no solution so for. is it due to hardware failure or only a problem from the update? what is Apple doing? Don't let us disappointed.

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=6309797#6309797
I think this is the same issue?

Alu iMac stuck in SLEEP / Blank screen problem! Please Help!

I have a 24" 2.4GHz Alu iMac. I usually sleep my computer quite often at night instead of a full shutdown (although I make sure I shutdown completely a couple of times a week).
Recently I have gone to wake my iMac up in the morning only to get no response from keyboard / mouse. Upon a closer look I have realized that the imac is actually awake as I can hear the fans running, so it has woken by itself at some point during the night even though there is nothing on screen and no response to keyboard/mouse. I have then had to force it to shut down, something I hate having to do.
I've verified and repaired disk permissions, verified and repaired disk, reset the SMC, all without any change. There are external drives plugged in to firewire ports but none of these are on when problem happens. I have tried unplugging the drives when the imac is not responsive but it still fails to "wake". Although I have a wireless keyboard and mouse, they have full battery power and during short periods of sleep wake the imac up with no problems, it seems it's the long overnight periods that causes the problem. Is the time of night a factor perhaps? I herd something about imacs doing automatic maintenance at 4 in the morning or something? As I said before I have always slept my imac for long periods without problems, this is a recent thing the happened suddenly, perhaps coinciding with an update, I'm not sure.
I have created a new post as I am sure the iMac is not technically "sleeping" at the point of no response, so I don't want to it to get confused with potentially another issue of imacs not waking from sleep (although some of the people experiencing sleep problems may have imacs doing what mine is without realizing!).
Has anyone else experienced the above?
Thanks guys.

HI Joey,
Try resetting the PRAM/VRAM. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
*"Is the time of night a factor perhaps? I herd something about imacs doing automatic maintenance at 4 in the morning or something? "*
Yes, your iMac if turned on will run "cron" tasks (maintenance), but it can run while the computer is sleeping. Here's the schedule for it. *"These tasks are scheduled for 03:15 to 05:30 in your computer's local time zone. "* More info here. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2319?viewlocale=en_US
Check System Preferences/EnergySaver and click the Sleep tab. Click the Schedule tab and make sure you don't have a startup / wake scheduled.
*"Although I have a wireless keyboard and mouse, they have full battery power and during short periods of sleep wake the imac up with no problems,"*
Check System Preferences/Bluetooth. Click the Advanced tab. Do you have the; Allow Bluetooth devices to wake this computer selected?
Check System Preferences/Security and click the General tab. Do you have the; Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver selected?
Carolyn

Installing Snow Leopard on Alu iMac with broken disk drive

The disk drive in my 24" alu iMac is crap and has never worked properly and now wont accept most disks and I've had Snow Leopard for ages but not been able to install it.
Would this work - I have an old Powerbook G4 1.5ghz with 1.25gb RAM and a fully working superdrive. Could I put the snow leopard disk in that and share the disk to my iMac connecting them with a firewire cable and install this way? (They both have 400 & 800)
How would I do this?

Actually, pretty much any iMac later than the second generation iMac G5 ALS (the "Ambient Light Sensor" model) are quite challenging to take apart & put back together without damaging something. Taking apart any of them after the ALS involves removing delicate items held in place by adhesives, removing hard to reach connectors, & so on. Not impossible but definitely not something the average user should try.
For that reason, I suggest an even more obvious option: instead of paying to have the internal replaced, just buy an external optical drive instead. For instance, Other World Computing offers a lot of them. Although I don't know if it sells outside the U.S. it should give the OP some idea of what's available.

New Alu iMac disappointing me!

I have ordered a 20" 2.4G iMac on the day Apple announced it.
It arrived my home after a week and found that the iSight isn't functioning!
A week later, the replacement iMac arrived my home, iSight works this time, then I install Apps and Win XP with bootcamp.
In bootcamp, that is a NIGHTMARE!!!
Horrible sound, always get tails and lag. (No help by update driver)
Horrible display, static white dots show during gaming and playing movie!
Under OSX, no big problem so far but there is always buzzing sound from the speaker, with headphone, I can hear the sound like internal system(HDD) running.
What is Apple QC doing? Did they test or even use the machine before announce?
What should I do now? Return once again? I am afraid that I will receive a new machine with same problems.
You know, that is a general phenomenon for Alu iMac.

Hi AcousticWind
Sorry you are disappointed with the new iMac!
You can also let Apple know of your disappointed at iMac Feedback
Again sorry your experience has not been good!
Dennis

3 weird ALU iMac issues..

My ALU 20 inch iMac has 2 or 3 weird problems which I'd appreciate feedback on...
1. When I run Maintenance or Onyx they both said my start up has a problem and I need to install the original start up disk and have it repaired. I did so, it checked and said there were NO start up issues.
2. After shutting down for 3 days as I was away on holiday, I came back, started her up and there was the sound of the computer's drive being on but no start up process and nothing on the screen. I turned off for a while, did again, and on the third attempt it started up as normal.
3. Most weird of all, after downloading and watching a TV episode from iTunes, my dock disappeared. I put it to sleep and this morning it is still the same. I can only access Mail and Safari through the 'recent item's drop down menu.
Are these things connected? Why on earth does Onyx say I have a problem when the disk says I don't, and where might my dock be....?

Hello and thanks for your reply/
The Maintenance version is 1.2.0 and was just downloaded.
It says "the volume needs to be repaired. To repair your start up disk, start up from your OSX DVD..."
No more specific than that I'm afraid = start up volume?
Thanks.

Replacing Super Drive on Intel 20" Alu iMac

Hello,
My iMac optical drive has become faulty and will now no longer eject the disk. The drive in question is a Panasonic DVR -K06PD and it's fitted to a mid 2007 iMac Alu. My question is, could I fit a DVR-K05PE in replacement for the drive that's already installed? I know some users have reported problems with Mac OS not recognizing this drive.
Many Thanks.

Thank you, I know it's not the PRAM battery. I tested the drive with it's lid off and found it don't seem to lift the disk of it peg in the center. It's as if it not pushing the disk up further enough to let it go for the other mechanisms to push it out. I really wish that Apple could have adopted a universal disk drive. Made it slot loading but the ability to put it out as a tray when you can release. (Like a try with a slot in the front)

20" Alu iMac Plunge..... Help Please

Hello all!
I'm new here but I have been reading these forums for a little while now.
I'm looking to buy a new 20" iMac.
From what I have read I can see that alot of the early shipments of the 20" have had screen problems. Some have sorted it with new colour profiles or correctly calibrating and then changing the gamma settings.
Has anyone been 20" happy out of the box? I read the "Anyone 20" Happy" thread and it didnt seem many were. Is there anyone happy?
The 24" version seems to have a FW800 problem. Is this also present on the 20"? As I will be using this alot!
The reason for switching to Mac is for the reliability. It seems this is the only reange that isnt that good at the moment. Shame.
Basically,
1. Anyone happy with their 20" screen?
2. If you are does it run properly? (no freezing or gaming problems)
3. Is there any firewire or usb promlems?
Thanks alot in advance as this will help me decide when to buy, now or later!
Thanks!!!
Message was edited by: Bokers

No problems at all. Good machine, professionell, fast.
The screen is a TN display but it's very sharp and bright. Photos look very good.
It's a good working machine. I must say I love it. I use it for music production under very heavy loads for hours (95% CPU load). No probs. No freezes, no panics.
FW isn't an issue: my FW-audio interface and my two FW-HDs (one older Westerndigital) are working perfectly together. No drop outs in audio.
Everything is fast and quiet with the iMac.
USB is perfect: I also have an EyeTV receiver in the USB which is very nice.
All my USB devices (Canon Printer, Ligitech Mouse, Midi-Interfaces, iPod, Camera) are recognized and working perfectly.
The only problem I have is Airport. It works good, strong and fast but after restart and sleep I have to click on my network to make it re-connect to my router. So no automatic connection at the moment.
I think this can be fixed by Apple and very much depends on the chip in the router (I have a "Fritzbox").
So when you're reading about problems in this forum you must know for ervry Mac with a problem here there are 95 Macs outside with no problems.

FCP HD won't run on new alu iMac 20"

I'd be interested to know if anybody has a work around for this problem: I just purchased a new 20" aluminium iMac and installed my copy of FCP 4.5 HD - BUT - I get an error message stating that FCP can't open because there's no AGP card!
I've been using an eMac G4 with FCP 4.5 HD and it's been great for what I need. Now I buy a new iMac and I get this error. Are you kidding me Apple?
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks Oliver, I followed the link to http://www.geekymac.com/?p=243 and made the code changes (like we did back in the day when iDVD wouldn't run on a Mac without a superdrive) and now FCP opens just fine. Hopefully this will help others with the same predicament and performance will be satisfactory.

Anyone here with a working Canon Firewire Scanner and an Alu iMac ?

Hello Canon users,
my new 2.8 iMac doesn´t recognize the CanoScan 9950F (self powered) , while all my other Macs
do.The FW port is not blown on the iMac, since buspowered HDs get recognized and work.
thanks for helping

I believe they do have MacIntel drivers. Look at this page:
http://alpha02u.c-wss.com/inc/ApplServlet?RQF=MENU&RQS=WWUCA910&LA=1148003185690 &SV=WWUCA900&menu=FA&TRF=MAIN
You should know that the MP830 does not work on the USB port of an Airport. I asked Canon about this and they confirmed that it does not work. Also, you cannot fax from your Mac directly to the MP830 - again Canon confirmed this.
I like the MP830 a lot, but it bugs me that these two features don't work. Canon really has no excuse because some of their printers do work on the Airport USB. I don't know if other Canon printers allow direct faxing from a Mac.
12 PowerBook 867mhz rev a Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Alu iMac GUI slowdown

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