Mac Mini keeps shutting off on its own!

Question

Level 1

1 points

Mac Mini keeps shutting off on its own!

Okay Apple Discussion Users, Here is my problem. I have a Mac Mini from early 2008. As of May 23, 2009 the mini started to RANDOMLY turn off on its own. For what reason, I Don't know! I will be using it maybe searching the web, and BAM, OUT COLD. And I have no reason why it's doing this. Its not a heat issue because i just had my mini cleaned up(dusted out) and i use SMC fan control keeping my mini at about 98ºF to 120ºF most of the time. I have opened my mini and re-seated my ram sticks and it seems to STILL be doing the same thing. Sometimes the mini will even blank out. I will be searching the web listening to music or something and the screen will black out. but the mac will still be on. I just cant use it. I have even reset my PMU/SMC on the mini, that seemed to make the mini act really weird, right after doing that the mini turned on with a fan running FULL speed and the hard drive running FULL speed, WHY IS IT DOING THIS ?!?!?!?!

Help!

Mac Mini, Mac OS X (10.5.7), 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo | 2 GB 533 MHz DDR2 SDRAM

Posted on May 25, 2009 12:13 PM

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Answer 1

Boece

Level 5

6,264 points

May 25, 2009 2:13 PM in response to Oliver2341

Intel Minis don't have a PMU, they have an SMC.

Applying the PMU reset procedure to an Intel Mini can cause all sorts of bad things to happen, including make the fan run full blast.

The only known fix is to apply the correct SMC reset and to stay away from the PMU procedure in the future (if you have an Intel Mac).

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Answer 2

tm311

Level 6

10,350 points

May 25, 2009 2:22 PM in response to Oliver2341

Proper steps to reset the mini:

# Force Quit (Option-Command-Escape).
# Restart (Control-Command-Power).
# Force Shut Down (press the power button for 10 seconds)

to reset the SMC:

1. From the Apple menu, choose Shut Down (or if the computer is not responding, hold the power button until it turns off).
2. Unplug all cables from the computer, including the power cord and any display cables.
3. Wait at least 15 seconds.
4. Plug the power cord back in, making sure the power button is not being pressed at the time. Then reconnect your keyboard and mouse to the computer.
5. Press the power button on the back to start up your computer.

Now if these to not work, the next thing i would try is uninstalling the fan management software and unplugging everything except the K/V/and mouse/

Message was edited by: tm311

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Answer 3

Oliver2341 Author

Level 1

1 points

May 25, 2009 2:42 PM in response to Boece

Yes, I have realized that, I wasnt sure what It was again, What I had reset was my SMC and still, my Mac continues to turn off on its own. I have called apple and they say to bring it it, But i dont have apple care and im not trying to spend big money on this issue.

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Answer 4

Oliver2341 Author

Level 1

1 points

May 25, 2009 2:43 PM in response to tm311

Its not the fan management software that is making my mini shut off, so i doubt i would have to delete it... Because I have had SMCFanControl software since i bought the mac and it started shutting down on its own as of 3 days ago.

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Answer 5

tm311

Level 6

10,350 points

May 25, 2009 6:53 PM in response to Oliver2341

so you are out of the one year warranty? you must be close...i would see if you might be under a grace period.

Good luck.

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Answer 6

Oliver2341 Author

Level 1

1 points

May 26, 2009 3:42 PM in response to tm311

Yep, Out of the one year warranty. Its been about a Year and 4 Months I have had this Mini.

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