Dual 2.7GHz PPC G5 - Fan Problem

Hello,
I have an Early 2005 Dual 2.7 GHZ PPC G5 running 10.5.8. Recently, my fans have started operating at a high speed. This now happens every single time I boot and it happens immediately after pressing the start button (before the OS loads). Because of this, I would guess this is a hardware problem. I have done everything I know to do and nothing has fixed this problem. My system temperatures appear to be normal but the fan noise is annoying. Here is what I have tried:
Zapped PRAM
Replaced PRAM Battery
Reset NVRAM
Reset the PMU Button on the Motherboard
Trashed Energy Saver Preferences
Ran the Extended Apple Hardware Test - no problems found. (Interestingly, the fans did NOT run at high speed when I booted from this disc).
The system even passed the Apple Service Diagnostic 2.5.8 with no issues.
I didn't see any evidence of a coolant leak but I did not dismantle that system to inspect the processors/board under it.
The plastic air deflector shield is in place and the sensor appears to be working because the red light illuminates on the board when I remove the shield.
I have not tried Thermal Calibration because I have read about a possible bug with that process (ASD 2.5.8). Not sure if that process is safe or not.
I have not modified the boards or processors (or anything) to warrant Thermal Calibration so I'm not really sure if it is needed.
I don't know what else to try - except to take the machine to the Apple Store.
Does anyone have any more troubleshooting ideas?
Thanks!
Chris Ratchford
Columbus, OH

Hi Chris,
I think Thermal Calibration is the only thing that would help, but I doubt any Apple Store still works on G5s... no idea on the concern about the bug bricking it, have not personally seen it, but have seen many successes.

Similar Messages

G5 Dual 2.7Ghz Constant Noisy Fans

Hi there,
I'm really annoyed with this whole situation since Apple don't appear to have publicly acknowledged the noisy fans/chirping noise problems G5 users (with varying spec hardware) have been experiencing and posting about for over a year.
Anyway, here's the deal:-
My main spec is as follows: G5 Dual 2.7Ghz/4.5GB RAM/Mac OS X 10.4.6 installed on the shipped Western Digital 250GB SATA, 2nd internal 250GB SATA (Maxtor DiamondMax), 20" aluminium Apple Studio Display.
Since I performed the upgrade to 10.4.4 back in early May 2006 the fans have been constantly on as soon as the login window appears and remain at full pelt all the while the machine is on - clearly unacceptable and unusable. Fortunately for me it's not my only Mac although this is besides the point as I have now had an unusable machine for over a month and not been able to do any work with it - it is a production machine used for making music with Logic.
The bottom line is that I've not been able to make any music!
None of the suggested resolution methods that have been written about in the forums or elsewhere on the 'net (eg. installing CHUD tools etc) have made a blind bit of difference.
Furthermore, I have always had the chirping sounds since I purchased the machine in person from the Apple Store in July 2005.
For the past few weeks I was convinced that the fan problems were caused by the 10.4.4 update (when it started) and that the subsequent 10.4.6 update hadn't cured the problem.
Prior to this, I hadn't run a software update since December 2005 purely because I had heard horror stories from friends and other G5 users posting to forums etc. - if it ain't broke, don't fix it right?
I haven't really had the time to devote to trying to sort the problem out but I decided earlier today that tonight was the night to have a look at it.
Having spent all evening trying various things I am now convinced it is a hardware problem as opposed to being software related.
Here's what I tried earlier with the machine spec as above:-
1. Booted the G5 with Disk Warrior 3.0.3 boot CD
2. Ran all Disk Warrior tasks on both drives - eg, 0% fragmentation
3. Re-booted, fan noise still there from login window
4. Manually ran daily, weekly and monthly CRON jobs from Terminal - OK
5. Ran Disk Utility on main HD, repaired permissions - OK
6. Ran Disk Utility on secondary HD, verified disk - OK
7. Powered down
8. Removed all leads incl. power, monitor, all USB and Firewire
9. Removed 4GB RAM leaving 500MB stock RAM, reset the PMU
10.Ensured the removable fans (covering the RAM) were re-seated firmly
11.Replaced plastic 'door', attached monitor (DVI only) and keyboard USB
12.Re-booted, same problem, fan noise still there from login window
13.Attached Firewire HD with Mac OS X 10.3.8 installed
14.Selected Firewire HD in the Startup Disk system pref
15.Rebooted into Panther, same problem, fan noise still there from login window
AAAAAARRRRGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
The last time I booted my G5 from the Panther Firewire HD (which incidentally hasn't been used since) was prior to me doing the 10.4.4 update on my G5's main boot drive and there was NO fan noise whatsoever!!!!!
Clearly I need to call and speak to someone at Apple tomorrow as the G5 is nearly one year old and I need to get this problem sorted out before it's out of warranty.
It just seems an odd coincidence that the problem started when it did!
Anyway, if any Apple techs or other G5 owners with a similar setup (specifically the dual 2.7) are reading this I'd appreciate a response or some advice for other things to try.
I'm just really frustrated and a little annoyed that having been a very content Mac user for years this is the first and only time I've ever had a problem with a piece of Apple kit.
Like I said at the top of the post, I can't believe the lack of acknowledgement on Apple's part as it would appear to be a known/common issue.
Just my £0.02.
Thanks for reading/listening.

Ok, take a look on your plastic shield, one of the bottom "tabs" should have a shiny metal coating of some sort, if it's gone or moved, then this could be the reason your fans are going "turbo".
If your fans are just at a high speed all the time, consider lowering your room temps to about 75ºF and see how it goes after a few hours/days.
It's most likely a wise decision to have the G-folks take a look at it anyway before it gets out of warranty. you might need a fan calibration or firmware change.
You still have a chance to buy AppleCare and get it registered before the 1 year warranty expires.
The Dual 2.7 is the hottest PM of the bunch, overclocked I would think.
You said the WD drive was OEM correct? Came with the PM stock?
Because the newer WD drives now have a new SATA spec that requires a SATA PCI card to function correctly in PM's.
Have you tried a complete reinstall of the OS?
Did you upgrade Tiger over Panther? (not good, less secure, previous exploits)
Do a backup, a clone of your boot drive to a external using Carbon Copy Cloner (check in the forums for their advice!) would be better.
the c boot off of Tiger install disk (not upgrade version) and from the installer menu Disk utility Erase w/Zero the boot drive (takes longer but writes are more reliable) and then reinstall Tiger, software update till clear, reinstall iLife '06 and all apps from fresh sources, avoid Migration Assistant (too blind, no app DRM copies) install files and see if your fan problems return.
Sometimes if Mac OS X is not operating correctly it won't tell the hardware to turn the fans down.
Don't install any OS/root level/admin password type programs or hacks until you've had a chance to clone that pristine puppy to a external drive (preferably 2) and keep it disconnected for safekeeping.
It's takes practically no time to option boot off a clone to recover, repair or reverse clone to the original drive. If your exploited, first c boot and Zero the infected drive before hooking up and option booting off the clone of course.

PowerMac G5 Dual 2.7ghz FAN Noise

Hello,
I'm starting to get tired of the fan noise in my Dual 2.7ghz.
It simply goes up and down........like waves.
It spools up then calms down, I don't know what to do: I reset the PMU, NVRAM, cleaned with compressed air(DUSTER) all the fans, heatsink/radiator on CPU's and still the same annoying noise.
I also installed the latest CHUD but then the spooling of the fans was more frequent so I removed it.
It is sad because, the G5 is quiet besides that but becomes unbearable when the fans kick in.
I browse the net.....the start spooling!!!
At the moment I write this the G5 is quiet but if I'll move to another task they'll start the up and down music
Is there something I missed here...Firmware, etc......
Thank you very much.

Flocarino-
Mine does the same thing. Especially when surfing the web. Best thing to do is set processor speed to highest or lowest in the Energy Saver preference panel. It isn't elegant, but lowest is sufficient for web surfing and keeps the fans from ramping. I guess this is the reason that Apple migrated away from the G5 processor.
You do not indicate how much RAM you have, but increasing it to 2MB will help, 3 or 4MB will help even more.
I tried to mask the noise with iTunes, but the latest version is the worst yet at causing the effect.
Luck-
-DaddyPaycheck

PowerMac G5 Dual 2.0 fan problem

I just bought a Powermac G5 dual 2.0 (June 2004) with 4GB (aftermarket) RAM on eBay that has the 'constant on' fan problem. I have run every series of tests and tricks that I found on the internet and it is still stuck. The machine runs flawlessly, all benchmark tests that I have performed have been completed successfully. In addition, I have done the following:
The door/deflector sensors are working properly, no red LED on the board
I ran all of the OF and OSX ASD 2.5.7 tests on it and they came back clean.
I reset the PRAM, the SMU, PMU and did the NVRAM resets in OF.
I repaired the disk permissions
I reseated the video card
The machine is spotlessly clean inside
All temperature sensors are functioning properly, and the Dashboard thermal readouts I downloaded show the temps are well within normal parameters.
I zeroed the HD and installed a fresh copy of OSX10.5
Nothing I have done has affected the problem at all... Does anyone have any suggestions on what else I can try to solve this problem?
Thanks,
Joe

I'm sorry nothing worked. I should have known you would have tried those things. The thing about tiger and fan issues I heard about just a few days ago. You saw which versions were fixed and unfixed though right? Right. Reduced power does nothing too I guess. And turning off sleep. It just doesn't sound like the Jet Sounds that other users have reported regarding their fans and sleep or where the fans go into Panic mode to cool the CPU Temps. Speaking of which I recommend Temperature Monitor to see just what temps you're running at. If they are too high that might be the one explanation.
And one wise Mac forum guru from Japan said something to the effect that most fan issues had something to do with USB problems. I hope he'll chime in, he's very good.
What else... false sensor readings? I have no clue as to where they really are to fix.
I sympathize because I've had fan problems of my own since I bought this mac used about two years ago. Loud revving up and down on Highest power setting... sounds like a demented banshee. Luckily I can just run on reduced power and it keeps the worst at bay.
The Mac I had before this one was a Dual 2.0 like yours. It was a rock solid performer for several years before I put leopard on it. Within a week it was dead as a doornail.
Well I think I've exhausted my ideas on this one. I'll keep thinking about it though. Oh, two more. The first, some kind of cool enclosure that muffles the sound without killing your Mac. The second, and what would be my preferred method if I was rich, would involve a very large hammer and...
Anyway, I really hope you solve this, Joe. If you do, post back and let me know how you did it.
Ack, looking back at your original post I see you already did some of the things above. Sorry, it's late and I'm too tired to edit.
Ok, one last thing I don't think you said but just occurred to me. Have you looked under the cpu cover to see if anything is amiss there?
That's it, I'm spent for now.
Good luck.
Steve

Power Mac G5 Dual 2.7GHz Processor L.E.D indicator

I got a power mac g5 dual 2.7GHz here and it is acting weird. I found out it is the liquid cooling system that causes the problem. I took out the whole lcs unit and fix it. But when I put everything back, turn it on, there is no display and chime sound. The fan seems to run at the normal speed and when I check the processor board, there is a red l.e.d light at the bottom, which i didn't notice it before. Could that mean one of the processor is having error? Please advise me of what to do. Thanks.

Well, sorry if I didn't stated it clearly. It is not the L.E.D that we normally found on the motherboard. It is the one that on the processor board itself, which attach to the bottom of the liquid cooling unit. There is two processor board in my case, which one of it got the red l.e.d lights up. Could it be the processor problem? I can't get any display or chime sound when booting it up, even though the fan and everything seems to be running properly. I wonder if you ever encounter such problem?

G5 dual 2.7GHz refuses to get past the grey apple logo screen no matter what I do!

Hoping that someone might be able to help, as I think I have tried pretty much everything and I’m running out of ideas now!
It’s a G5 dual 2.7GHz that refuses to get past the grey apple logo screen no matter what I do!
everything passes the extended apple hardware test (2.5)
3GB of RAM (2x1GB brand new from crucial)
won’t start from a original OS 10.58 disk
passes disk utility when connected to another mac via FW target mode
nothing other than keyboard/monitor attached
all of this done; http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570
tried alternative HDD’s without any joy
won’t safe boot
stays at the grey apple logo screen and the fans then start revving up excessively
Any other suggestions or advice very gratefully received!

BDAqua wrote:
Seems strange that it's trying to invoke "AppleIntelCPUPowerManagement" on a G5, but maybe it's all inclusive???
Though it exists on my Universal 10.5.8 Install, it does NOT appear to be a loaded extension....
/System/Library/Extensions/AppleIntelCPUPowerManagement.kext
BD, is that showing up in your PM's extensions folder? I wouldn't expect to see it loaded in a PM, but I wonder why the installer loads it unless the 10.5 installer loads a system that could boot an Intel, too, when it installs on a PM. (I read somewhere this weekend that an Intel will actually boot from an APM formatted disc as well as a GUID formatted disc) Curious.
I recall seeing yesterday or Saturday on one of the discussion threads someone having that extension show up in a verbose boot on a PM that was having problems booting into Leo. I think I advised trashing the kernel caches and touching Extensions in that one, but it is puzzling that it shows up here as well.
This is the other discussion: https://discussions.apple.com/message/15161427#15161427

Dual 2ghz G5 Panther runs fans on High constantly.

Regarding the G5 fan issues in Panther.
To recap, I have a Dual 2 ghz system with PCI, 4 gigs max ram and a Radeon 9600 128mb. After unwrapping my G5 fresh from Apple's refurb lab I set it up and found that my Tiger partition seems to run fine, but the Panther partition, 10.3.3, runs the system fans on full blast. I would like to keep a mirror of my G4's 10.3.3 on the G5 until I sort out a bunch of things. The fact that this model G5 is supposed to support Panther is why I bought the refurb and not a new model.
I basically wanted a G5 that mirrored my current system, but faster. So anyway, I knew that the hardware worked because Tiger worked, so I upgraded the OS to 10.3.9 and the fans were fine. So the fix is a software issue. But do I need to jump to 10.3.9 to achieve it? Can I install a more specific software to address this issue?....Lets see...
I made another partition after a fresh cloning and using my 10.3.3 partition I installed just the extensions from the 10.3.9 combo update using Pacifist. This solved the fan problem. Granted, it whacked out the firewire which stopped recognizing my external drive, but I was just checking to see if the fix was in there separately somewhere... and it was. My only fear was that the fans were now not going to ramp up when it was warranted. What the **** do I know, but I think this proves, or at least suggests pretty strongly that the fan issue can be solved with an individual update. All I need to know is which elements from the 10.3.9, or even an earlier update, are needed to reliably solve the fan issue without hurting the system in some other way. I don't want to do anything to jinx the system so I'm returning it to it's normal state and then upgrading one level of the whole OS at a time to see where the fan fix kicks in. I've already tried 10.3.4 and that doesn't work. 10.3.5 is next. After I find the first OS upgrade that fixes the fan I will check all my software and see if I can live with it until everything is Tiger compatible... unless someone answers this question for me and then Panther is back to 10.3.3 with the fans fixed. As it should be. The only reason I'm obsessed with it is that the OS and my programs work fine, but the fan is driving me nuts...and I'm worried that letting it crank away on full blast like that would eventually wear them down. Any ideas? Would love to hear from someone at tech support? Thanks....

I think the G5 DP2 you have, with 4 RAM slots & PCI, is known as an 'Early 2005'.
From this list
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25517
the build of OS X supplied with it was at least 10.4
Apple do not support running an earlier version of OS X than the build it shipped with
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25497
Sometimes an earlier version works ok, often after an install from a "retail" copy of 10.3 - system discs from other Macs may have system-specific features.
This was discussed at great length when the G5s supplied with 10.4 were released. If you search on "10.3" last year, no doubt some of it is still around.
You could also try browsing/searching/posting in the 10.3 forums
http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=161
Otherwise, I guess it's a case of trial and error.
Using the "combo" updaters may help alleviate some problems. No doubt you are repairing permissions, disconnecting peripherals (esp. firewire), etc, etc. Good Luck.

Will my G5 dual 2.7ghz run OS X 10.5.6 Leopard

will OS X 10.5.6 Leopard run on my G5 dual 2.7ghz?

Hi Misha,
10.5 Install is not available for download, you must purchase a Disc.
Leopard requirements/10.5.x...
    * Mac computer with an Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor
minimum system requirements
    * 512MB of memory (I say 1.5GB for PPC at least, 2-3GB minimum for IntelMacs)
    * DVD drive for installation
    * 9GB of available disk space (I say 30GB at least)
Classic/OS9 Apps no longer supported.
Trouble is Apple no longer sells it, check eBay & such for the Retail version, not the Gray Discs...
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=mac+os+x+leopard+retail+10.5
There are workarounds if the 867MHz CPU is the only hangup...
http://sourceforge.net/projects/leopardassist/
http://lowendmac.com/osx/leopard/unsupported.html
List of Applications Not Compatible with Leopard...
http://guides.macrumors.com/List:Applications_Not_Compatible_with_Leopard

G5 Dual 2.7Ghz

I already have a Dual 1.8 and consider to upgrade to a used dual 2.7Ghz.
I've heard that the 2,7Ghz is noisy. Probably cause by the cooling system !!!!
Any feedback about that concern.
Thanks

I've had similar problems, i.e. a coolant leak and break-down of two G5 duals within two months. The first one was replaced by Apple with a Quad G5. The second Dual G5 I picked up from the local Apple store yesterday and it seems to be working fine. So far.
I am running Temperature Monitor 3.7 (Marcel Bresnik SW) and iStat Pro as part of Dashboard. The Quad G5 CPU temperatures are ~36-42'C, however, the CPU core temperatures on the recently fixed Dual G5 are twice as high and peak at about 83'C.
Should I be worried??
Dr_JJ

Fan problem after Leopard install

PowerMac Dual G5 - after Leopard install, fan between hard drive and optical drive revved up like the computer was going to blast off, faster and faster until I powered down by holding down the power button. Leopard seems to be working fine, but with the fan continuing to go at high speed at all times. I've tried reboot, reinstall, pull plug for a few minutes, remove CMOS battery, and zap PRAM, all to no avail. I haven't put the panel cover back on yet, and that may work, but I won't have time to mess with it for a few days and hope for some insight before I try that.Ideas?

Problem went away. Must have been a ghost in the machine.

Mid 2009 macbook pro battery is dead and fan is constantly ramped up (not due to heat). Would installing a new battery fix the fan problem?

Battery icon has an "x" over it and I need to have my laptop plugged in to be on. I've ordered a new battery to install, but I was wondering if it's possible that something else might be causing the fan to be on over drive constantly. I've tried resenting the SMC and the PRAM, but nothing has stopped the fans from running at higher than normal speeds.

If you've updated to Mavericks, you'll either need to use the original install DVD containing the AHT, or download the right one from Apple's servers, then replace the hidden /System/Library/CoreServices.diagnostics folder.
I think that replacing the battery is likely to stop the fan problem anyway.

Satelite l655 - s5094 - werid cooling fan problem

ok here the deal when my laptops is around 40 C the fan runs at 100% and as the temp rises it slows down to bare min and when the temp hits high then 70 C it gose back to 100 %. i got a colling pad but it barly helped. and fan control with speed fan out of the question unitll they support the laptop. if there a way to change the fan setting that would be great to know.

Satellite L655-S5146 Specifications
Satellite L655-S5146 Downloads
Heatsinks don't need to be changed. They need to be cleaned, which you've done.
It's not clear from your post, if your fan problems persisted after you cleaned it. If they have, sounds like the fan is failing to me.
Try one these. Got the part number from here. From your model's parts list here.
Please let us know how it works out. Good luck.
Mike

BIOS 902 cooling fan problem

Today, I powered my laptop and see the error BIOS 902, cooling fan problem. Then the laptop shutdown. However when I tried to power the laptop at third time, It can start up normally and I can use my laptop for more than 8 hours
I found the solution in google that upgrading the BIOS. However the error 902 still there. My laptop always start up normally at third time.
What should I do? Should I bring my laptop to warranty center?
Thanks for your advance!

Please identify your notebook/pc .
Look at the base/rear/side of the notebook/pc at the barcoded sticker.
Post items numbered 1 and 2 on the following image. Your barcode may be slightly different but will still have the important imformation needed for us to help you.
###Do not post the serial number as it is personal information.###
Post the installed operating system version ( and whether it is 32 or 64-bit ) and whether the CPU is an AMD or Intel product
Not posting all of the information as requested will delay our responses and slow troubleshooting of the issue that led you to author a thread.
Best regards,
erico
****Please click on Accept As Solution if a suggestion solves your problem. It helps others facing the same problem to find a solution easily****
2015 Microsoft MVP - Windows Experience Consumer

IMac 27" (mid 2010): Will replacing the HD cause fan problems?

Hi,
I have an iMac 27" (mid 2010). My HD is broken, and I'd like to replace it. I've already installed an SSD, so replacing the HD shouldn't be much of a problem.
However I've read that replacing the HD causes the fan to spin up all the time. Some sites say this started one generation later, but some remain unspecific or say that this problem affects all iMacs. Before I replace my HD, I'd like to know what to expect.
So my question is: in my 2010 iMac, can I replace the HD without causing fan problems (provided I put the temp plug in the right place )?
Best regards,
F

OWC is mistaken. I don't know why they keep saying that. (I'm not even certain the OWC blog linked above related to using the same make drive on the late 2009s was ever correct. I had a long phone conversation with an upper level WD tech some time ago who said that the originals were special ordered by Apple.) Those drives have Apple proprietary firmware which puts the temp sensor output to the jumper block, and you cannot just replace with a drive of the same manufacturer. A non-Apple WD drive will not have that connection at the jumper block.
Two possibilities: Get an external stick-on temp sensor that will work with your model or use SSD Fan Control.
http://exirion.net/ssdfanctrl/
If I'm mistaken and you do get it to work directly with a replacement WD drive I will be pleasantly surprised, since I have a Late 2009 which will need a new drive sooner or later. Please post back with your results.

Return for Fan Problem (aka mooing)?

Has anyone actually returned their Macbook for the fans coming on and off (or "mooing")? If so, did you get a moo-free MB?
The mooing isn't too bad - and I have hope that software could fix it; but if there are Macbooks that don't moo, man, I would like one. However, no point in going thru the process if there is no possibility of getting a moo-free MB.
Thanks.

There definitely ARE some that do not moo. Or if they do, they do it much softer. Last night I had a white one that, every 10 seconds, would moo. It was horrible. Even with my TV on, I could still hear that fan revv up and then revv right back down, then 10 seconds later the process would repeat itself. I certainly couldn't live with that. I'm a student and would surely be kicked out of class with a laptop that sounded like a zoo, lol.
So anyway, I returned it today (demanding an exchange). What got me is when I explained the moo'ing to the girl, she sounded surprised and that she'd never heard of the problem before. THEN she takes it in back for about 5 or so minutes and comes back out and persists my MacBook didn't have a fan problem. I told her the machine had to be running for about 15-20 mins before it would kick in. Well she's gets my exchange and then continues to tell me "they're supposed to do that." She said hers at home did it. She also even commented about the posts on these forums about it at that point, too. I was thinking, okay then why didn't you tell me that when I explained the problem? I have a feeling the manager told her to tell me that.
Well, I got my black one home today and have been using it for about an hour before work (while it charged), and now for almost 2 hours (running down the battery). I've only been using it lightly and my temp hasn't gotten higher than 60C even on AC power. Perhaps this is why it doesn't moo? My white last night was close to 70C (on light use) and the moo wouldn't quit.
Unfortunately, this one does whine (somewhat loud on AC power, but very very soft on battery). However, that is a non-issue because turning on bluetooth shuts it up right away, or using QuietMBP works also. Whine I can deal with, but there is no work around for the moo.
So, my advice, is yes, return these moo'ing MacBooks. Like others have said, the more returns they get back for this fan issue, the faster they will (should lol) correct it. There's no need in my eyes to sell a laptop that behaves such as some of these do. I do not pay well over a thousand dollars to have to sit in a zoo-like atmosphere. And that's exactly what I told the sales woman. A lot of times I sit in quiet and this fan noise is too loud to ignore. However, I really do believe this is tied to a heat issue, because it is clear some of these run much cooler on light use than others do. That must be why I haven't heard the fan on this one - my temp is much lower than the one I had that moo'ed.

Dual 2.7GHz PPC G5 - Fan Problem

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for