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Model A1419 / Late 2012 / 2.9 & 3.2 GHz Core i5 or 3.4 GHz Core i7 Processor, ID iMac13,2

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Why is my iMac cutting out randomly?

Hi

My Mac is randomly cutting out (ie losing all power, not just shutting down).

It happens randomly – for instance nothing for a week or two, then several times in one week. I have to unlpug and then plug back in to start up again.

I was recommended a new hard drive, but this did not help. The person who repairs my macs held it for two weeks and experienced no power off issue. He says it may be a graphics card or power supply issue, but can't say for certain.

The only hardware difference between his experience of my mac and mine, was the power lead. In other words, I did not send my lead with the machine, he used his own. Could this possibly be relevant?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Answer this question I have this problem too

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Well, I don't like your tech. Check the diagnostic LEDs when it goes down to help isolate the problems. Put a heavy load on the GPU by playing uTube videos on it.

UPDATE

the diagnostic LEDs are to the right of the RAM slots.

LED #1

Indicates that the trickle voltage from the power supply has been detected by the main • logic board. This LED will remain ON whenever the iMac (24-inch) is connected to a working AC power source. The LED will remain on even when the computer has been shut down or put to sleep. The LED will turn off only if the AC power source is disconnected or the power supply is faulty.

LED #2

Indicates that the main logic board has detected proper power from the power supply when • the computer is turned on. This LED will be ON when the computer is turned on and the power supply is working correctly.

LED #3

Indicates that the computer and the video card are communicating. This LED will be ON • when the computer is communicating properly with the video card. If LEDs 1 and 2 are ON and you heard the startup sound, but LED 3 is OFF, then the video card might be installed incorrectly or need replacement.

LED #4

Indicates that the computer and the LCD display panel are communicating. This LED will be • ON when the computer is turned on and video signal is being generated. If the LED is ON and there is no image on the LCD display panel, the LCD display panel or inverter might be installed incorrectly or need replacement.

UPDATE

Well this is really not what you want as a first project but here's the guides along with a list of the tools you need to start with the power supply: iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546 Power Supply Replacement

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Thanks, Mayer.

This is beyond my current technical know-how (I don't even know how to take the back off the computer yet) but I'll do my best.

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If you are talking about a Power Brick aka: Power Transformer then yes yours could be bad in that it could be overheating and shutting off randomly due to overheating. I have seen this sort of thing happen to a TV in that the power adapter brick overheated and then the TV's power turned off.

I fixed that issue at the time by wrapping the TV's Power Adapter brick with a Computer Cooling Gel filled mat. But you probably do not have one of those and that is a Temp fix. So I would recommend you go online and order a new transformer for your system and try a new power adapter brick to see if that is your issue. It shouldn't be too expensive of a fix.

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Thanks for that: I'll look into this too.

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@ Brian this systems power system is internal. So lowering its temp will require other methods.

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Then you will probably need a power supply replacement.

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CasparSpiderJack will be eternally grateful.
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