iMac has died ...

[NYCWriter]

So the video card on my big fancy iMac (2008, 24-inch) has apparently fried itself. BUT ... I'm learning that some people have had some success in either replacing the video card or fixing it (cleaning it) with a butane lighter.

Anyone have any experience?

For various reasons, I absolutely refuse to take this machine in for professional servicing; there's just too much sensitive information in my files for it to ever leave my home. I'd junk it first and buy a brand-new one before I'd do that.

 

[cadman]

Looks like it's removable...

Found this: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+24-Inch+EMC+2267+Graphics+Card+Replacement/13765

 

[mich]

One wonders

What your really worried about. Not to be mean, but, none of these technicians give a damn honestly about your personal life, or your files on your computer. There paid $8 an hour, or even less sometimes, and depend on commision. They don't have time to snoop, because their too busy trying to get other sales. 

 

They might have went through a file or two, when they were first hired, but after a while, everything gets super duper boring. I can guarantee you, they just wanna turn over your computer back to you as fast as possible, and take on another repair. 

 

My Boyfriend, worked at Best Buy, as a Geek Squad member, and can tell you, the only time they've ever really looked through someones files, was when they acted really suspicious, during the drop off.

 

I can tell you of a certain instance, when a man came in with a similar problem like yours, and asked them to just fix the issue, and to not touch his files. Just by that request, they did *anyway*, and discovered child porn on the machine, in a "My Pictures" folder.  When they came to pick up the machine, cops already knew the situation, and arrested the guy as he was walking out with his computer. 

 

To answer your question though, I wouldn't personally take on any D-I-Y repair jobs, unless you're seriously confidante you know what you're doing. If you're not careful, you can easily double your damage, if not worse. 

 

[washer111]

Hi Matt,

 

On most Macs of this vintage, before they went all "Non-User-Serviceable" can have their hard disks, RAM and possibly video cards (The latter with some handy work) replaced. 

If you wanted to take the machine to a technician, you could probably remove the drive first to safeguard your data, if you were concerned. 

 

Or, just make sure you have a recent backup.