So I got a iMac g3, the screen appears all good and the Mac runs well for the first 7-10 minutes sometimes longer. Then the screen begins to deteriorate till it’s just a mess of lines etc? Any idea what’s going on.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Earlier Mac models
If you want to throw away your money trying to fix an obsolete machine, that's up to you.
A remote diagnosis is extremely difficult. This sounds like something temperature related. Could be anything. Bad solder joint, capacitors, connector oxide, et cetera?
Which exact iMac G3 model do you have (they are internally different)?
https://everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/all-imac-g3-models.html
A word of warning: All work inside the iMac G3 models (especially the power and video sections) is very dangerous because of the high-voltage circuits involved, and must be performed by someone qualified only.
ProXJarod wrote:
Nothing is obsolete
You can go right on believing that... If you have a use for it, that's nice for you. Heck... I gave my daughter a Mac Plus back in 1994 to play with when she was 6 years old. She loved it and learned a lot. Sometimes I wish I still had it around to fiddle around with. Wouldn't be able to do any actual work on it any more, but it would make an interesting conversation piece...
ProXJarod wrote:
EBay exists
... as a source of equally old and obsolete parts just as prone to failure.
Apple published a disassembly and service guide which may be in the public domain, but I am not certain of that. It contains copious troubleshooting and repair information. It did not take long to find it but I won't post a link, in case Apple does not consider it public information.
Not surprising that the Power Analog Video Board would degrade over time. This was a common problem even when the iMac G3s were still supported. You would need to find someone knowledgeable with how to actually repair this board assuming the components on that board are even still available. Replacing the Power Analog Video Board won't help unless it has already been professionally restored, but then you still have to calibrate it to the CRT of your iMac. Dismantling the internals of this iMac is definitely not something for any regular user to attempt since the internals of the iMac G3 can severely injure or kill you if you don't take the proper precautions.
ProXJarod wrote:
Nothing is obsolete
Obsolete…
adjective:
ProXJarod wrote:
Any idea what’s going on.
You mean besides the fact it's 22 to 27 years old, and there are no parts available?
EBay exists
Probably the graphics card which is soldered to the motherboard.
Nothing is obsolete
How can I fix my iMac G3 screen deterioration?
