donny

Q: What speed should fan on iMac be running at?

I had an SSD put into my iMac today and when I turned it on the fan was running at top speed over 4000RPM. I researched it and found this seems to be common and I installed an app called SSD Fan Control that works great. Right now the fan is running at about 1500rpm on SMART control. I just wanted to know if that is where it should be normally? Thanks!

iMac (21.5-inch Mid 2011), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Jul 23, 2016 2:02 PM

Close

Q: What speed should fan on iMac be running at?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Kappy,Helpful

    Kappy Kappy Jul 23, 2016 2:35 PM in response to donny
    Level 10 (270,928 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 23, 2016 2:35 PM in response to donny

    I believe the idle speed for that model is 2,000 RPM. You can fix this without relying on third-party software by buying a special connector from OWC that allows the drive temperature sensor to work properly.

  • by donny,

    donny donny Jul 23, 2016 2:33 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 6 (10,358 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 23, 2016 2:33 PM in response to Kappy

    Thanks. If I knew about it before the installation I would have done that, but not investing more money into having something else installed. The software is working fine. 2000 rpm is still quiet. Anywhere to definitely check?

  • by Kappy,Helpful

    Kappy Kappy Jul 23, 2016 4:54 PM in response to donny
    Level 10 (270,928 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 23, 2016 4:54 PM in response to donny

    Another user of the same model. I'm not at my permanent residence where I have the 27" model from the same period. Had a similar problem that I solved with software but use Macs Fan Control. A better utility than the one you've chosen, IMHO. It will provide the RPM minimums and maximums for all three fans.

  • by donny,Solvedanswer

    donny donny Jul 23, 2016 4:54 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 6 (10,358 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 23, 2016 4:54 PM in response to Kappy

    Thanks. I'll look into that software. I can deal with 2000rpm. Still quiet. 4500 was way too loud!

  • by donny,

    donny donny Jul 23, 2016 4:55 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 6 (10,358 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 23, 2016 4:55 PM in response to Kappy

    Meant to mark your comment as solved. Marked mine by accident. Sorry.

  • by donny,

    donny donny Jul 23, 2016 4:58 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 6 (10,358 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 23, 2016 4:58 PM in response to Kappy

    I actually have that one installed too. Just found the one I tried to be easier at first, although now I see how this one works. Says minimum for my drive is 1100.  Thanks for the  help!