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Fixed!

After about 90 minutes working on the iMac G5, I replaced its mainboard with the replacement. The fan on the replacement is considerably quiter than the original, so I'm happy. It was also a very educational process to see how the mainboard is installed and how everything on it is connected.

The old one will be on its way back to Apple tomorrow.
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Apple's peculiar warranty policies

After a few phone calls, I finally reached Apple Service and convinced them that the fan noise was too loud. They've approved an advance-exchange under warranty, but it isn't what I expected. All I wanted was for Apple to send a replacement fan with instructions how to swap it out. Instead of a fan, they can only send me a replacement back plane! This is the entire logic board of the computer (on which the fan is mounted).

I don't get it! The fan itself appears to be easy enough to remove. It's only held in place with a few torx screws, but apparently Apple things its not the wise thing to do. So now I'm waiting for the back plane to arrive, the replacement cost of which I was required to secure with my credit card (almost $1,000) in case I fail to send the original one back. As long as I return it within 14 days, though, I won't be charged.

I'm not sure that this is the best thing that Apple could have done, since it increases increases costs (it costs more to ship a back plane than just a fan), it will take longer to replace (I have to remove the entire logic board board from the computer, rather than just the fan), and it increases the possibility that one of the back planes (either the one in my iMac G5 or the replacement that they're shipping) could be damaged during the swap, or in transit. But at least Apple pays for the shipping both ways.
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It's Official: time to replace the fan!

I've taken the iMac G5 back to the Apple store and they've listened to the fan noise. They agreed it should be replaced, because none of the other iMac's on display were as loud as mine. The offered to take it in and fix it for me, but I'd have to leave it there for three days. I've brought it back home with me and I'll contact Apple to see about a self-service replacement.

This should be interesting...
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LOUD Fan noise in my new iMac!

Wow! When the fan gets cranked up in my new iMac G5, it's really LOUD. Based on the reviews I've read, the new iMac is supposed to be whisper quite.

Hmmm... guess I'll head off to the Apple store to see what they have to say.
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New iMac G5 Widescreen

I just brought home a new iMac G5 Widescreen from the Apple store here in Austin.

Very fast. Very cool.

This is an all-in-one iMac (like all iMac's), but the entire computer is built into the screen. I've also picked-up the wireless keyboard and mouse, so there are no wires connecting them to the computer.

More to come.
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