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Audio problem - No sound - Mac Mini

If this is covered elsewhere, please excuse the duplication and point me to a link or thread. Thanks.

This problem began out of the blue a week ago. Happens randomly -- sometimes everything is OK, sometimes the Mac Mini exibits the symptoms below. I haven't installed or changed anything. Anyone have any ideas?

Symptoms:
1. No startup sound.
2. System Profiler lists "No Built-in Audio" (when working OK, the list says "Intel High Definition Audio, Device ID 0x83847680, Audio ID 8, Speaker Connection: Internal, etc.).
3, External Logitech speakers plugged in, no sound. I unplugged them (when mini is working OK they're fine).
4. No volume control icon in Apple menu bar (when working OK, it's there and turned up).

Tried (no results):
Shutting down completely, waiting a few minutes and restarting.
Resetting PRAM (holding down Command-Option-P-R while starting up).
Used Disc Utility to repair permissions.
Used OnyX (excellent 3rd party utility which often finds things Disc Utility doesn't). Ran a full diagnostic with it... it found and repaired some permissions but noted no other hardware or software problems.

My best guess:
Motherboard dying?

Stats:
Mac Mini Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GHz processor, 1 GB memory
OS X 10.5.8 (can't upgrade because 3rd party legacy software I use won't run on latest OS X)
Purchased Mac Mini in April, 2009

It's been a great little box but this is rather frustrating. Any help is appreciated.

Message was edited by: art101

Message was edited by: art101

Mac Mini, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jan 19, 2011 1:09 PM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Jan 19, 2011 5:35 PM

Have you tried an SMC reset:

1. Shut down the computer.
2. Unplug the computer's power cord.
3. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
4. Release the power button.
5. Attach the computers power cable.
6. Press the power button to turn on the computer.
5 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Jan 19, 2011 5:35 PM in response to art101

Have you tried an SMC reset:

1. Shut down the computer.
2. Unplug the computer's power cord.
3. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
4. Release the power button.
5. Attach the computers power cable.
6. Press the power button to turn on the computer.

Jan 25, 2011 11:40 AM in response to BGreg

Thanks much, BGreg. The problem hadn't happened for a few days; when it did, I tried your suggestion and it appears to have worked. I was previously unaware of resetting the System Management Controller (SMC). Your tip and the following link in the macosx.com forum might be helpful for others who run into this trouble or want more info about the SMC for Mac mini and other models...

http://bit.ly/xzWXf

Audio problem - No sound - Mac Mini

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