Skip to main content

Originally released on January 22, 2005, the Mac mini is a small form-factor desktop computer made by Apple Inc. Currently, it is one of the four desktop models in the Macintosh lineup, and serves mainly as an alternative to the all-in-one iMac.

868 Questions View all

FAN on full speed after hd upgrade

Gang,

I figure why not DIY my new mini so I got 8G of memory and a OCZ Agility 200G SSD drive. I have put these in several older mini's. Ok So I replaced the drive and did all the stuff put the DVD install disk in and formated, partitioned and transfered the OS. The problem is the FAN is running full speed. I tried the SMC reset by removing the power cord and pressing the on button for 5 seconds. I reset PRAM no luck... I opened the $@!$ thing 3 times and cannot see anything wrong.

There is one thing I cannot figure out. On the Toshiba drive I swapped out there was a little PCB and a two wire connector on the front. Not sure if that is it... does not seem to be anything required.

Help?

Thanks

gordon

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Score 1
4 Comments

That PCB and connector may be a Heat Sensor, and if you did not install on the new drive it may cause your fans to go full speed. But, I have no experience with this machine so I'll let someone else chime in. Just a suggestion.

by

Majesty,

Thanks worked like a charm... All is well.

Gordon

by

Glad I was able to help Gordon, good luck and enjoy your machine.

by

What did you do?

I have the same problem

by

Add a comment

2 Answers

Chosen Solution

Just did a little research and it turns out that there are 2 Thermal Sensors, one on the sata connector and one glued to the drive. If you have eliminated these sensors it might cause your fans to blare at full speed being that the temperature is not being monitored. Read this post....

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.p...

One of the PO's speaks of these sensors.

Was this answer helpful?

Score 4

4 Comments:

+ research

by

Majesty,

Thanks a bunch... the second one is sitting with the drive in a box. Guess I will attach it and see what happens.

Thanks again,

Gordon

by

No prob Gordon, if my answer resolves your issue, please reurn and "Accept" it.

by

+ Ralph

by

Add a comment

If you get all the connectors back in place and the fan still runs at max speed...

First, try smcFanControl: http://www.eidac.de

If that doesn't fix it, solder a 1/8W 2kΩ resistor between the two center wires on the 4-wire fan connector (leaving all the wires connected). This will drop the fan to about half speed, still a bit audible but nothing like the full-speed cyclone.

Was this answer helpful?

Score 0

1 Comment:

@Jon - This is a very old question. I'm sure Gordon has long since resolved the problem. As for fan control software over time we've learned it's not as good as it was intended. Fixing the underlying hardware issues is by far the smarter repair. Often it's a matter that of cleaning the dust buildup, replacing the fan unit or refreshing the thermal paste. In some cases switching out the hard drive without addressing the HD's thermal sensor will cause this. But today we have the needed parts to off set even this. Basically, if you think you needed you have problems which will wear out your system prematurely. P.S. We don't use current controlling resistors to fix this either.

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

Gordon Rankin will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 2

Past 30 Days: 7

All Time: 8,535