Temperature in the MacMini normal?

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Level 2

301 points

Temperature in the MacMini normal?

I have a MM as a headless server. I note at times when I dust it that is warm even though it is doing little. When idle internal temperatures of both processors are between 55 and 65 degrees C.

The second CPU temperature tends to be 5 to 10 degrees higher than the first.

Ambient temperature around 50 degrees.

Processor is about 90% idle.

Fan speed about 1800 RPM.

Is this normal?

Thanks

MBP, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Mar 1, 2008 8:23 AM

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Answer 1

amp88

Level 1

25 points

Mar 1, 2008 9:14 AM in response to ChangeAgent

I let my mini idle for about 30 minutes to see what would happen. According to iStat, my fan was at about 1500, the CPU diode was at about 45 degrees Celsius, the CPU heatsink was at about 40 degrees, ambient air was about 37 degrees, Northbridge 1 and 2 were at about 40 degrees, and the hard drive was about 37 degrees. The processor was about 95% percent idle.

now i am no longer idle and am running firefox, several different messengers, iStat, and iTunes and the temps/fan speed and the processor activity are the same. in fact, it almost always stays the same unless I am doing something with hd video, such as iMovie or iTunes. What applications, if any, do you have open when the mini is idling. Also, do you have anything blocking the ventilation of the mini? What is the average temperature of the air for the room that the mini is in?

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Answer 2

ChangeAgent Author

Level 2

301 points

Mar 2, 2008 2:08 AM in response to amp88

Morning amp88

No the vents are fine, was the first thing I checked (well as far as you can see without opening the machine).

This morning the processor is 80 to 85% idle. But my temperatures are much higher compared to yours.

BTW I have a 1.66 GHz Intel core duo.

Room temp is about 21 C.

The fan is at 2100 and the CPU’s at 60 and 70, ambient 52, bridges 52 and 54.

I have several programs running, for one Server VNC, it being a headless server. Than Mail, Pagesender fax center, Ovolab Phlink (answering machine), iCall and QuickTime Player.

Load average is 0.96 to 1.17, so not to much either.

Not a heavy load I would say, so not sure as to why so hot.

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Answer 3

Mar 2, 2008 6:15 AM in response to ChangeAgent

Mac Mini made before August 7, 2007 was not Core 2 Duo. It was just Core Duo.
It's possible it's just running warmer than the new Core 2 dual processors.
The die size of the 65nm Core Duo is 90.3 mm² while the 65 nm Core 2 Duo is 143 mm².

Also, there is a Core Duo AND a Core 2 Duo 1.83, for the other posting-person on this thread. I'm curious: amp88, which 1.83 is yours?

Edit: Clarified diff between Duo and C2D.

Message was edited by: bluesgeek

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Answer 4

amp88

Level 1

25 points

Mar 2, 2008 6:42 AM in response to bluesgeek

Bluesgeek: I have the 1.83Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM, 80GB hard drive. I purchased new from the Apple Store on August 15th, 2007.

Changeagent: I dont know why your mini is running that hot. It should be running cooler than it is. Is it still in warranty? You may want to have Apple check it out.

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Answer 5

Mar 2, 2008 6:59 AM in response to amp88

Thanks amp88. You have a totally different mini than OP does. Yours is newer, the die size is larger, and it runs faster and cooler.
I suspect his mini is running normal, which is hot...that's why we jokingly call minis "hot-plates."
However, as you suggested, it wouldn't hurt to call AppleCare or take it in for diagnostics.

YMMV.

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Answer 6

Mar 2, 2008 8:43 PM in response to ChangeAgent

Sounds normal. Here are my specs:
C2D 1.83GHz
4GB RAM
250 GB HD

Currently
CPU = 58* C
Ambient = 52* C
HD = 51*
Fan Speed= 1700 RPM

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Answer 7

ChangeAgent Author

Level 2

301 points

Mar 3, 2008 12:34 AM in response to amp88

Mine is from 11-2006 so the core duo.

I will give the Apple help-line a call, I have the 3 year warrantee. Not that I expect any help, (never had any useful suggestions from them in the past) they probably tell me to get a new keyboard. :-))

I did not know bluesgeek that they called them "hot-plates".

I will keep you posted as to any useful answers.

thanks everybody and thanks amp88 for chipping in here.

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