iMac 27in Graphic card problem? GTX 780M - with Screenshot

[xnofriendsx]

Just started having this problem off and on. I was able to get a screenshot of my whole desktop. The blocks show up in the finder behind my browser but not within Chrome.
I had a bad ATI 2600 from an older 24in iMac and i cooked the card in the oven and it works great. But this problem is similar but different. Anyways. Just wanted some opinions on if this is a hardware issue. AASP is 1 hour+ away and will take it there if i have to.
Thanks for any input.
Brian

 

[pm-r]

I didn't notice any mention of what particular iMac model you have that having the problem, but maybe check and see if it qualifies for the graphics recall/fix problem:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203787
Apple Initiates Graphic Card Replacement Program for Mid-2011 27-inch iMac - Mac Rumors
Apple opens graphics card replacement program for some mid-2011 iMacs | 9to5Mac
etc. …

But it sounds like you've already "cooked" your card and maybe any replacement possibility???

 

[xnofriendsx]

I didn't notice any mention of what particular iMac model you have that having the problem, but maybe check and see if it qualifies for the graphics recall/fix problem:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203787
Apple Initiates Graphic Card Replacement Program for Mid-2011 27-inch iMac - Mac Rumors
Apple opens graphics card replacement program for some mid-2011 iMacs | 9to5Mac
etc. …

But it sounds like you've already "cooked" your card and maybe any replacement possibility???

Sorry, it is a late 2013 27in iMac. GTX 780M card.
The old ATI 2600 i cooked was from an old 24in 2008 iMac.
Those links are for the 2011 iMacs.
I have Apple care and i am good. Just wondered if it might be something else other than a graphics card.

 

[pigoo3]

I have Apple care and i am good. Just wondered if it might be something else other than a graphics card.

Great to hear that you have Applecare!

If I was in your situation…the very first thing I would want to determine is…do I have a hardware or software problem. The easiest way I like to determine this is…boot the computer from an external hard drive with ONLY a fresh install of the OS on it.

- If the problem disappears…then you have a software issue.
- If the problem raemains…then you have a hardware issue.

* Nick

 

[xnofriendsx]

boot the computer from an external hard drive with ONLY a fresh install of the OS on it.

- If the problem disappears…then you have a software issue.
- If the problem raemains…then you have a hardware issue.

* Nick

I will try that out.
But the problem is so random that i can't replicate the problem easily. It just happens off and on. With that screenshot, i then moved the Chrome window and it went away. I noticed that before with the Finder windows being moved and the blocks/problems go away. All morning its been fine. So i don't want to wait around on that backup drive playing around until it happens again. This is my work computer.
I thought it may have been an Adobe CC 2014 problem cause i first started seeing it with Premiere, AE, AI, PS open. Then it happened with Chrome open.
So just not too sure. And of course the Apple Diagnostics test was fine. I dont think i have ever got that or the AHT test to give me an error even when there is clearly a problem.

Brian

 

[pigoo3]

But the problem is so random that i can't replicate the problem easily.

Yes…this sort of "random issue" situation does make troubleshooting much more difficult. And guess what??…take the computer to Apple…and they may not be able to duplicate the issue either (not knowing exactly what the issue is).

The only other thing I can suggest is. All electronics do not like heat. Maybe you can download & install a temperature monitoring app….and an app. that also monitors fan speed (many times the same app will do this).

Then be "OCD" about watching the iMac's temps & fan rpm's. Being VERY aware of what you're doing…and what apps are open..and the relative changes in the iMac's temps & fan speeds. You may find a relationship (such as higher temps accompanied with high or low fans speeds) that trigger the issue.

- Nick

 

[xnofriendsx]

Then be "OCD" about watching the iMac's temps & fan rpm's. Being VERY aware of what you're doing…and what apps are open..and the relative changes in the iMac's temps & fan speeds. You may find a relationship (such as higher temps accompanied with high or low fans speeds) that trigger the issue.

- Nick

Look closely at the Screenshot. SMC Fan Control and iStat installed already. I am OCD already after my older 24in had heating issues. The fans run at medium speed constantly and not sensor based.

 

[pigoo3]

Look closely at the Screenshot.

Yes…VERY closely!

Since you have these apps installed (you should have mentioned this earlier). Now pay close attention to things…and see if you can spot any relationships between temp, fan rpm, and the graphics issue.

- Nick

 

[chscag]

I have the same machine as the OP and there is no way I would use SMC Fan Control to adjust the fan speed. That iMac has but one fan which is controlled by several different temperature sensors so I'm sure that SMC Fan Control does not compensate properly. (Pre 2012 iMacs were equipped with three fans.)

 

[johnodd4]

SMC Fan control is a no no on this model intact you will do graphics card damage if you used it i would remove it and take it into apple store and have them fix it tell them it's randomally distorting the screen and show them your screen shot picture of what happens when it does it.

they should be able to fix or replace the iMac in question.