Mac Mini runs silently, is that normal?

Question

Level 1

35 points

Mac Mini runs silently, is that normal?

I know this is a strange question but the reason I am asking is that I previously bought a Mac Mini 2.3 (mid 2011 version) and took it back because it was somewhat of a noisy (fan?). I replaced it with the same model and that version had the same fan noise (or perhaps its the sound of the hard drive); not real loud but it got my attention. Its really quiet compared to my other desktops. After a couple of weeks I decided to upgrade to the next model a 2.5 with the separate video card. This one is totally quiet, I can hardly hear it. I am a happy camper. However, I sometimes wonder if the fan is running. I think it is as the casing never gets hot, only warm to the touch. So that is my question, is this silence normal?

Thanks.

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.7.2), Apple 20 inch Cinema Display

Posted on Jan 10, 2012 1:29 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jan 10, 2012 1:32 PM in response to TheBrit

Not normal. It should be making an ear-splitting racket. Are you sure it's working?

Really? 😁

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Answer 2

Jan 10, 2012 2:30 PM in response to TheBrit

Apart from an occasional murmur from the HD my 2010 mini makes no noise.

Put the radio on then you won't hear the mini.

😉

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Answer 3

TheBrit Author

Level 1

35 points

Jan 10, 2012 3:12 PM in response to Kappy

Kappy, I asked for that 😀

I know, silly question.

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Answer 4

Jan 11, 2012 3:25 AM in response to TheBrit

There's a Widget you can download, iStat Pro that can

give you all sorts of information including fan speed.

It's free. It's a useful item to have anyway. It can

tell you how your fan is working.

As to sound, I have the 2011 quad core i7 Server and most

of the time it is dead silent. The fans do rev up quite noticably

if I do something that eats up CPU cores.

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Answer 5

Art64

Level 1

9 points

Jan 13, 2012 4:48 AM in response to TheBrit

That's normal. Mine is really quiet. I came from a pc and bought the 2.5 Ghz mac mini last Nov. When it gets hot, the fan starts. But even then, it's preety quiet machine. I love it!!!

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Answer 6

Jan 13, 2012 11:17 PM in response to woodmeister50

Woodmeister....

I've got iStat Pro installed and I am getting temps in the 100-119 range (Deg F, of course)

What sort of temps are you getting?

....sT

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Answer 7

Jan 14, 2012 3:09 AM in response to SimonTemplar

For the CPU that is pretty typical for casual use (unless your

room is at 40 deg, LOL).

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Answer 8

TheBrit Author

Level 1

35 points

Jan 14, 2012 5:17 AM in response to woodmeister50

Hi Woodmeister:

Just installed iStat Pro, useful widget.

My CPU temp runs between 104-110 F

HD temp is 77 F

Thanks!

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Answer 9

Jan 15, 2012 5:05 AM in response to TheBrit

Your welcome.

It's a handy thing to have around for a quick check of

the system. Been using it on my systems for quite a

long time.

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