iMac 2020 crashes 6-7 times a day

Hey everyone, I recently bought a 2020 iMac on FB marketplace (I know, risky move) -- I really needed a 5k display for design work and tested the computer before buying it. Ever since I brought it home, it seems to be crashing 6-7 times a day during normal use. It loads everything up quickly and then will randomly crash while I'm typing out an email etc.


I'm pasting the EtreCheck report below -- would greatly appreciate it if someone could provide some context on what might be happening:



iMac 27″, macOS 14.5

Posted on Jun 24, 2024 07:58 PM

Reply
2 replies

Jun 24, 2024 09:25 PM in response to FB321

Yes, a very risky move!!!! I suspect the computer may have had problems which prompted the seller to get rid of it. I strongly recommend contacting the seller and returning it ASAP. Did the seller setup the computer for sale per the directions in What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support ? If you do not know or the answer is no then return it quickly as it will NEVER be right!!!!!!!!!


Going forward NEVER EVER buy a used Mac from anyone other than Apple's refurbished store (apple.com scroll to the bottom fo the page and select the Refurbished store) or if you cannot afford one of those buy from a trusted reseller such as MacSales.com. Do not purchase from:


  • EBay
  • Nextdoor
  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Craig's List
  • Your local PC electronics store


Also, I see there is ZERO backup for the data on your computer, this is very short sighted and a 100% guarantee you will lose data!!!!!!!!!!!!! At the very least you should be using Time Machine to backup, if for some reason you are not familar with Time Machine please read Use Time Machine to back up - Apple Support


Best of luck!

Jun 25, 2024 12:54 AM in response to FB321

HWTech, Dec 8, 2022 8:35 PM in response to finianv

finianv wrote:

x86 CPU CATERR detected


This pretty much says it all. "CATERR" is CATastrophic ERRor and is usually a hardware issue. There is a possibility you may have an external device connected to the USB-C or Thunderbolt port which may trigger an error with the CPU, but otherwise you most likely will need to have the laptop repaired by having the Logic Board replaced.

x86 CPU CATERR Kernel Panic Event - Apple Community


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

iMac 2020 crashes 6-7 times a day

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.