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Model A1419 / Late 2013 / 3.2 & 3.4 GHz Core i5 or 3.5 GHz Core i7 Processor, ID iMac14,2

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Sudden Random Power Down. Logic Board? Newer model boards?

My iMac will suddenly and randomly power down in the middle of use. There is no warning, and no coming back from the power off state an indeterminate amount of time.

I've tried resetting SMC and changing power cords with no success.

When it's working, it can go several days with no problems, but will always eventually do the power-off thing. I've had one local shop (non apple) suggest it's the logic board (which I'm inclined to believe). I didn't repair it then because I didn't have the money. Now, I'm looking to get a replacement logic board.

(This will be my first modern Mac repair, but I'm no stranger to IT innards, soldering irons, etc.)

To my questions:

  1. How likely is it to be the logic board? Anything else I should investigate?
  2. Logic boards for EMC 2639 are getting hard to come by. Where might I go to get one?
  3. Is there any chance a different logic board would work (say, from EMC 2806/2834)?
  4. Is it even worth doing this?
Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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Lets start with the basics before jumping onto replacing parts internally. The Outlet you’ve got your system plugged in have you checked it? Are you sure the ground service is working correctly? Are using a surge suppressor or better yet a UPS? Are all of your peripherals plugged into the same circuit?

I hate for you to replace parts when the simplest issue was over looked.

If you’ve done all of this then I would put my money on the power supply not the logic board.

As to altering the logic board sadly Apple has altered the internals enough you can’t swap it out.

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1 Comment:

Thanks, and yes, I've verified that the power is good. Good outlet, house power, and all that. I've also taken it to a local (non-Apple) shop, and they apparently saw the same problem themselves.

The shop was who first suggested the logic board, which is why I'm focused on that. I suppose the reasonable thing to do would be to open it up and look at the LED indicators and go from there.

Thanks for confirming (sadly) my suspicions about logic boards from other models. I'm still left wondering if it's all worth it. I guess I'll know after I crack the case.

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Don will be eternally grateful.
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