2018 Mac Mini running very hot without fans responding

[JoshJ]

My 2018 Mac Mini (specs below) is overheating whilst running a moderate Logic session and the fans don't seem to be responding and increasing RPM's accordingly.

Logic is showing Audio Engine Overload warning messages though showing I'm only using around 25% of my CPU in its CPU meter.

The fans is running at around 2550RPM with core temperature hitting 90C. Is it even safe for me to be using the machine at these temperatures? Have been using MacsFanControl app to try and manually turn up the fans when I can.

I've attached some screenshots of more info. Can anyone advise?


Some more Logic info:
My session is only about 30 track with 2 or 3 iZotope plugins running on each track (no software instruments)
Wavs in the project are 24bit 44,100
My buffer it set to 1024 (same was happening with 512)
Multithreading set to Playback and Live tracks (tested just Playback Tracks setting also but no difference)
Summing 32bit.


Machine:
2018 MacMini 3.0GHz 6-Core 32gig RAM
External 2TB Wester Digital MyPassport Ultra USB3 (15GB free space)(Logic project stored here)

 

[pigoo3]

Since this is a 2018 Mac-Mini (not too old)...let's assume for troubleshooting purposes there's a software issue. I would suggest creating a new user account...and try to duplicate the CPU load with this account (with minimal app installs)...don't reinstall MacsFanControl. Check the temps...and see if the fans run faster than 2500 rpm.

- If the fans do run faster & the computer runs cooler...then maybe there's a software issue with the main account.
- If the fans don't run faster...and the temps remain the same...then either this is normal for a 2018 Mac-Mini...or maybe there's a hardware issue.

Probably wouldn't hurt to blast it with some canned compressed air to see if you blow out any fuzz/dirt.

HTH,

- Nick

 

[iggibar]

90c is normal for computers under load.
Logic is also VERY WELL known for throwing out overloading errors. The errors are not caused by the cpu temps! Logic has a crappy way of handling buffer settings and cpu processing. The cpu can get overwhelmed quickly because there is simply too much to do at one moment. Play with the buffer settings and see if theres a change.

The Mac cooling sequence runs at the LOWEST possible fan speed while maintaining a consistent temperature as high as tolerable by the CPU. If the sensors detect a jump above the desired stages of cpu/gpu temps, the fans will increase accordingly.

I would NOT touch the fan controller settings. I use them just because I want to visually see the speed, but not that I want to control anything.

Good luck!

 

[JoshJ]

90c is normal for computers under load.
Logic is also VERY WELL known for throwing out overloading errors. The errors are not caused by the cpu temps! Logic has a crappy way of handling buffer settings and cpu processing. The cpu can get overwhelmed quickly because there is simply too much to do at one moment. Play with the buffer settings and see if theres a change.

The Mac cooling sequence runs at the LOWEST possible fan speed while maintaining a consistent temperature as high as tolerable by the CPU. If the sensors detect a jump above the desired stages of cpu/gpu temps, the fans will increase accordingly.

I would NOT touch the fan controller settings. I use them just because I want to visually see the speed, but not that I want to control anything.

Good luck!

I’ve played with the buffer settings already, no difference unfortunately. I’ve been using macs for nearly 20 years. This just doesn’t seem normal; you can nearly fry and egg on the machine and can barely hear the fans working.

 

[JoshJ]

Thanks pigoo. I’m now thinking it may be a software issue as I’ve fairly recently installed some plugins I didnÂ’t have on this machine before.

When you talk about running a similar CPU load on the new user account, is that as simple as finding a Logic project that registers are 153% CPU (or more) in activity monitor, and seeing how the fans react? Or would I have to have Logic + all the other apps I had open, to replicate this issue? (the other apps I have running in the screenshot barely seem to be using any CPU).

How can I find out what the official fan thresholds are for the MacMini 2018 and if this is normal behaviour. Is there documentation for that?

 

[pigoo3]

When you talk about running a similar CPU load on the new user account, is that as simple as finding a Logic project that registers are 153% CPU (or more) in activity monitor, and seeing how the fans react? Or would I have to have Logic + all the other apps I had open, to replicate this issue? (the other apps I have running in the screenshot barely seem to be using any CPU).

There are probably at least two ways to approach this:

1. Create the new account...install apps necessary to duplicate the conditions when the Mac-Mini was overheating...then do the tasks/project that increased temps. I would only install more "legit" apps...not 3rd party stuff. You want to keep things as simple as possible.

2. Run a stress test on your Mac-Mini. This would very likely be much easier/simpler/faster. You could do this on your existing Mac-Mini's main user account...and a new account. One common/popular way to do this is running the "Yes" test via Terminal. Check out this article...pretty easy & straight forward:

Stress Test Your Mac with the "Yes" Command

A 2nd possible way to accomplish idea #2 is downloading & installing an app called "Prime95". IT's supposed to be a way to "torture test" or Stress Test your Mac. But the "Yes" test via Terminal is probably easier.

GIMPS - Free Prime95 software downloads - PrimeNet

How can I find out what the official fan thresholds are for the MacMini 2018 and if this is normal behaviour. Is there documentation for that?

In my experience...max fans speeds for Apple laptops/notebooks, Mac-Mini's, and probably iMac's as well...is somewhere around 6000rpm. I also came across a link where the person claimed a 2018 Mac-Mini had a max fan speed of 4000 rpm (maybe the max fan speed is lower on 2018 Mac-Mini's).

HTH,

- Nick