I think the cpu in an iMac may be suffering from ESD: Opinions??

chewbacca · #1 02-15-2004, 11:07 PM

I've been trying to service an iMac (Flat Panel) for a few days now. When ever I turned it on it brought up a system failure notice, alot in context to the cpu. But low and behold if today for some reason it decided it would work for no reason and would continue to work for 5 or 6 restatrs and shut downs just to be sure. I don't want to send it back to the owners like this cause I have no doubt that it will eventually go back to the system failure message.

This has brought me to belive that the CPU may be suffering from ESD.
Any thoughts or solutions any one?

**Mikef** · #2 02-16-2004, 01:17 PM

ESD? don't recognise that term.
However having experienced symptoms such as that I'd leave it without any power connected for at least 24hours and then see if it'll boot straight away. My guess is either a dry joint or a PRAM battery on its last legs. If the fault is one of those then it'll probably return after 24 hours without power.
NB please note that without power means power plug pulled.

Mike

chewbacca · #3 02-17-2004, 07:21 PM

thanks mike I'll try that.

ESD: Electro static discharge. Its a big problem in the IT hardware world thats over looked by alot of tech's. It can cause chip failure or make the chip look like its working properly but actually isn't. I leart about it in a course i just did. Research it, it could be enlightening to alot of people.

Chewy.

**Mikef** · #4 02-18-2004, 01:13 PM

mmm with well over 30 years in the electronic service field I find ESD a much overhyped subject. Providing sensible precautions are observed, earthing all equipment before starting, ensuring the workbench is not made of static prone materials and most of all check that shoes, socks and carpets are not sythetic; then all will be well.
I've never worn antistitic bracelets yet I've never 'blown' a component through static and as the number of PCBs I've handled must number in the 100s of thousands that's a good clue.

I'd lay odds that your fault is a dodgy connector or dry joint.

chewbacca · #5 02-18-2004, 06:35 PM

yeah i'd agreed with you on that.
thanks again for the help.