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M4 Mac mini - Buzzing/Vibration sound

Hi,


I have a question about my new Mac Mini with the M4 chip.


When I listen very closely, the device makes a buzzing sound, almost like the fan is running at a very low speed.


This only happens when I connect an HDMI cable to the Mac Mini. As soon as I disconnect the cable, the buzzing/vibration like sound stops.


I’ve already tried different HDMI cables, as well as another monitor and a different power adapter, but the issue persists.


This happens both when the Mac Mini is powered on and even off. The buzzing sounds stops, if I unplug the power cable of the monitor.


The sound isn’t loud; you really have to listen closely to notice it. It feels almost like the fan is running, but very, very quietly.

Posted on Nov 10, 2024 5:06 AM

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Posted on Nov 12, 2024 3:20 AM

Same Problem here. Got the standard entry-level M4 spec.

Monitor connected via a Thunderbolt-to-DisplayPort Cable which never had any issues. Monitor is a 2K 60 Hz Eizo screen.

When connected with the MacMini the buzzing increases, even when the Mini is turned off.

It also occurs with other monitors via HDMI, so no difference to USB-C / Thunderbolt there.

I suspect it comes from the power supply (PSU), as it occurs always when the Mac Mini is plugged in regardless wheather it is turned on or off.

44 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 12, 2024 3:20 AM in response to a_ce

Same Problem here. Got the standard entry-level M4 spec.

Monitor connected via a Thunderbolt-to-DisplayPort Cable which never had any issues. Monitor is a 2K 60 Hz Eizo screen.

When connected with the MacMini the buzzing increases, even when the Mini is turned off.

It also occurs with other monitors via HDMI, so no difference to USB-C / Thunderbolt there.

I suspect it comes from the power supply (PSU), as it occurs always when the Mac Mini is plugged in regardless wheather it is turned on or off.

Nov 13, 2024 11:22 PM in response to a_ce

Hi I have got the base version and like you I had a weird buzzing noise. I'm on my third M4 Mac mini and I'm pleased to say this one is not buzzing. It must be a fault with the power supply. I did go into an Apple Store and suggested it could be a grounding issue but after receiving this third device it's clear that it was faulty.


Like other people here I've tried a number of different HDMI cables and three different screens. I also tried a USB to HDMI adapter and the device would still buzz. It would also buzz when shutdown as long as all cables were connected.

Dec 29, 2024 1:16 PM in response to a_ce

Hi. I was wondering if there is any news on this issue?


I had the same problem with 2 base m4 mac minis. Buzzing noise when connected to a screen. And if you put your ear to the top of the unit, also a chirping sound. So yes, it is the converter. (220V)


I really like the performance of the mac mini but the noise is not acceptable. So I was wondering if there is an aknowledgement of the issue, and perhaps a design fix by Apple? Want to be sure before I would consider trying again.

Nov 12, 2024 11:54 AM in response to a_ce

I too had this problem. When I took out the HDMI cable the buzzing went crazy for a second then settled back to its usual chirp chirp chirp. Not particularly loud but enough to be distracting when working in a quiet room. I took mine back to Apple Store today and they replaced it. I initially had the base M4 with 500GB upgrade but I paid the extra to get 24GB Ram and 500GB option when they replaced it. No weird sounds from this one :)

Nov 14, 2024 1:04 PM in response to a_ce

I’m experiencing the same issue. Initially, I suspected it might be related to my display (I have the Studio Display). However, after experimenting with a different monitor, I discovered that it’s actually a static problem. Even if the display isn’t physically connected to the Mac mini, if you hold the Mac mini in one hand and a USB-C or other cable with a metal head (which can be connected to a display or just a power supply), the noise occurs.

This is very distracting

Nov 27, 2024 1:41 AM in response to a_ce

Bought the standard entry-level Mac Mini M4 spec in India. I found that when ever my Mac Mini is connected to the wall socket and the wall power switch turned ON (even when my Mac Mini is turned OFF, Shut Down) I got a mild buzz feeling (more like a static, NOT sound that I could hear) which I could only feel it through my fingers if I mildly touch or run them on the surface of the Mac mini. I thought it was a grounding issue but this Mac mini has only two pin power socket and no grounding pin.


I changed my monitors power cable to a three pin type (spare cable came with the monitor, which has a grounding pin) the buzzing feeling stopped. I guess the grounding circuit is completed through the HDMI cable which connects my Mac Mini and monitor. Problem solved.

Nov 30, 2024 8:44 PM in response to M00NPIG

My first M4 mini has the same buzzing noise in 110v (Canada) as well. This sounds like hardware design issue or low transformer quality. I am wondering why Apple did not design a separated external supply then the problem would have been solved. May be it worth trying with ones from another batch after sometimes or may be wait until they official announce the fixes. :)

Nov 10, 2024 6:54 AM in response to a_ce

What Displays(s) do you have...?


Cheap long poorly shielded HDMI cables are only good for TV's.

Use short high speed 4K HDMI to HDMI cable or test a short high speed USB-C to HDMI cable.


Personally I would test and use a short high speed 4K USB-C to HDMI cable.

for example: > https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099RP92P5/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?


Or up that to a short high speed 8K USB-C to HDMI cable for Displays over 4K.

for example: > https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DNZJ4YC/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?

Nov 11, 2024 1:48 AM in response to a_ce

Hi all, exactly same problem.

If power cable is connected (only of MacMini), buzzing starts. (Place your ear on housing)

If any cable (HDMI or USB-C) is connected, it increases.


Power cable alone I nearly don't hear it on my desk. But with USB-C connected, I recognize it and I´m not happy about.

M4 Mac mini - Buzzing/Vibration sound

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