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Model A1224 / Mid 2007 and Early 2008 / 2, 2.4, or 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo processor

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iMac freezes but mouse still moves?

Background: Fresh install of Snow Leopard, replaced HD, upgraded RAM, ran all test on TechTool Pro 7 and everything PASSED.

Problem: iMac freezes but I'm still able to move mouse cursor but can't use mouse to select/quit programs, no response from iMac to mouse or keyboard commands. Otherwise iMac running fine. Any suggestions?

FYI: Activity monitor shows minimal load on Memory & CPU.

Thanks in advance.

Mike

07/24/14

UPDATE:

1. Put back old ram is not on option. I no longer have it.

2. Drive is compatible.

3. Firmware is up to date.

4. No solution yet.

UPDATE:

HD = Fujitsu MHY2080BH 2.5-Inch 80GB 5400 RPM SATA I (1.5 Gb/s)

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 20-Inch (Al)

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Can you give us the make & model of the HD

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Chosen Solution

You have the right idea of monitoring Activity Monitor. Not sure in its self it will help you here.

Have you tried removing the newer RAM modules and/or put the old ones back in?

What is the make and model of your new HD? This systems HD SATA port is only SATA II (3.0 Gb/s) make sure your drive is able to run at that SATA speed.

I would also double check your systems firmware to see if its up to date. Here's the Apple TN: EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Macs. Only problem here is if you try to update it and the system crashes in the process you'll trash your logic board so I would hold off changing it. What you want to see is if it's the latest for the system or not.

Update

It appears you have put in a slower drive than what the system can handle. The Fujitsu drive is a SATA I (1.5 Gb/s), your system is designed to support a SATA II (3.0 Gb/s) HD.

Here's the specs for your system: Apple iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 20-Inch (Al)

I would try a SATA II (3.0 Gb/s) drive and see if your system stops freezing.

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Thanks Dan. Will order new SSD.

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Same problem. Each time the Console state a different issue. Factory drive in use.

I bought a second used iMac and did a Carbon Clone of my previous system. On the newer iMac it started doing the same thing, freezing at random intervals.

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Reformat your HD and re=install a fresh copy of your OS from the recovery disk or retail version disk. When you do a clone you have to be careful when the drive you are copying from has an issue. In this case you have a corruption or software issue which is different from the OT.

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Yeah, I was afraid of that.

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After months of freezes, I finally realized the heat sink channels in my video card were choked with dust bunnies. Cleaned them out and haven't had a freeze in days.

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I have had this same problem for over a year now, but it's getting more frequent. I have an 2011 iMac, 27". How do you get to the heat sink for the video card???

For anyone else reading this and having the same problem, although everyone's answer for everything is often reformat your hard drive and reinstall the OS, just and FYI - I have done that twice since this problem started and it does nothing.

Thanks!

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First I would do some deeper diagnostics here just to be sure. Download this app so you can monitor the thermal sensors & fans: TG Pro. Post a screenshot of the sensors & fan info so we can see what's happening.

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The clean and refresh the thermal paste follow this IFIXIT guide: iMac Intel 20" EMC 2133 and 2210 Video Card Replacement

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I have the same problem after disassemble a how computer to clean, and replace the thermal grease.

The problem was founded. When I put the lcd screen back, the cable for the inverter behind was connected wrong. After I switch the cables the computer it is ok. Sorry about my broken English.

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Hi! you say that switching the cable for the inverter can be a solution to "freezing but mouse still moving" ??

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Mike Rincon will be eternally grateful.
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