mac mini high memory temperature

My mac mini 2011 shows high DIMM temperature from the moment it starts, 120C while all other show 35-45 range.

so i have to use a fan controller software to keep the fan running full blast from the start.


where is this sensor located?

Mac mini, iOS 10.2.1

Posted on Mar 12, 2017 1:45 AM

Reply
8 replies

Mar 13, 2017 12:00 AM in response to hitmen

According to the iFixit 'teardown' for this model, an integrated temperature

monitoring chip is affixed to the underside of the logic board; not removable.

The item: "SMSC 1428-7 System Management Bus temperature sensor"

User uploaded file

A short list of items on that side of the board with image (plus another one

with zoom; accessed from archive, see button on left) as shown in Step 13.

Other items shown may have functional purpose in relation to temp sensing.


See iFixit Teardown site page -- linked below for item in context:

https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Mac+Mini+Mid+2011+Teardown/6131


Have you been able to use diagnostic tests of this unit, under practical loads

to see if the RAM is somehow not fully in spec when stressed? Have you a

second pair of quality matching RAM chips of correct spec, to use in test?


Some models Intel-based Mac Mini used a temperature sensor in hard drive;

so those models may act uncharacteristically once the unit were replaced &

another used without sensor. However your RAM memory temperature may

be affected by some other overly-warm component nearby. Or be hot due to

stresses of load-induced heat generation, & ineffective cooling; combination.


From what I've read, there are a few sensors in these and they share cables

with other items to report their status. And appear to be built-into logic board.


The 'teardown' shows fewer details in specific areas, than 'repair guide.'


For the most part, diagnostic testing may not be adequate alone to determine

where a symptom of problem may relate to hardware status. Indeterminate.

An authorized Apple service provider may be able to perform detailed testing.


Good luck & happy trails! 🙂

Mar 13, 2017 12:37 AM in response to hitmen

Not sure if there would be a hint of what may be the cause, in Console utility logs

where every action in the computer is logged among several ways; but almost

undecipherable in terms most people could understand. Some bad looking stuff

which appears in Console, may often be business-as-usual; or exceptionally good

works. And I'm not an expert in reading the System Logs so generated by Mac OS.


https://duckduckgo.com/?q=how+to+use+Console+logs+OS+X&t=ffsb&ia=web


If there were other indications of where to look for trouble causing gremlins, then

the Apple Hardware Test may assist in helping to determine the underlying cause.

There may be some error message or crash log in the Console logs, & so on.


• How to use Apple Hardware Test on your Mac - Apple Support

• Isolating issues in Mac OS X - Apple Support


And sometimes a catch-all SMC Reset may help alleviate a hidden source of trouble.


Thermal management is said to be controlled by the SMC; a re-set may help.

• Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support

Or an • NVRAM reset; where four keyboard buttons on restart are held down, with

the unit forced to 'chime' two or three times; and then buttons released.


Perhaps some of these or a combination, like magic notes on some star-trekkian

flute, could 'scare the fever' out of the Mac Mini. Or burn incense whilst repeating

some mantra; or performing exorcism. And thinly vailed threats of \ / ( ) ( ) | ) ( ) ( )


Good luck & happy trails! 🙂

Mar 12, 2017 8:27 AM in response to hitmen

1. What monitoring utility are you using?

Try MacFanControl to see if it reports the same temp's for both the slot and proximity sensors.

https://www.crystalidea.com/macs-fan-control


2. If you upgraded the RAM, what was the brand and spec of the modules used?

Incorrect RAM spec's could cause over heating and/or inaccurate temp sensor readings.


3. When was the last time the Mac Mini was serviced.

Perhaps it is clogged with dust and not cooling properly.

Mar 12, 2017 1:55 PM in response to hitmen

If your Mac Mini identifies as this (Mid 2011) as follows:


Introduced July 2011

Discontinued October 2012

Model Identifier Macmini5,1 (2.3 GHz) or Macmini5,2 (2.5 or 2.7 GHz)

Model Number A1347

EMC 2442

Order Number MC815LL/A (2.3 GHz), MC816LL/A (2.5 GHz)


You may find information on location of or accessing internal components

in your Mac Mini (unibody model) at iFixit.com guides:


Mac Mini Mid-2011 Repair guide - iFixit:

https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Mac_Mini_Mid_2011


If the internal hardware has been altered, some wire may have been

disconnected or other sensor (or cooling fan) may need attention.

Or like mentioned, dust may affect temperatures within the unit.


My two Mac Minis (both different vintage; Late 2005 PPCG4 + Late 2012 QC)

are elevated above desktop slightly; convection helps keep em cool. If you

can set a Mac Mini on edge, that too can keep them cooler w/o external fan.


Good luck & happy trails! 🙂

Mar 12, 2017 10:11 PM in response to den.thed

I tried 4 different apps and they all show the same. Yesterday i did a hardware test and it takes for hours and never completes. i did the test with only one memory module, both of them, swapped them around but all the same. i am using TG Pro app right now and module one stays at 50C module 2 that used to show 125 not just states N/A and fans are at full blast. I took the mini for service back in Europe since i am not in the US at the moment and they did not find anything. The ram is the original that came with it.

Mar 13, 2017 12:00 AM in response to K Shaffer

The only thing i did not do is try another RAM, i have not replaced or removed the HDD (the apple representative may have since i did take it up for service) nothing else around it is more than 45c. i even had 2 more fans directly on the Mac Mini and cooled the whole machine down but it did not change the memory temperature.

sounds lie a physical damage to the connection from the sensor location to the chip.

but you really provide good info. thank you.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

mac mini high memory temperature

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.