Apple Mac mini Late 2009 (Technician Guide) - Manual (Page 78)

Mac mini (Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Mechanical 78 2009-11-03
System Runs Hot
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
System Runs Hot
System feels very hot •
Fan not operating •
Fan running fast •
System is noisy •
Verify that the vents on the bottom are free of 1.
dust and other obstructions that might inhibit
proper airflow through the system.
Verify that the computer is not exposed to
2.
direct sunlight which may heat up the enclosure
making it feel hot to the touch.
Verify the computer is not running hotter than
3.
expected for normal operation.
Launch Applications/Utilities/Activity Monitor.
4.
Determine whether an application or process is
consuming a high percentage of CPU bandwidth.
CPU intensive applications can cause the fans
to run fast in order to maintain the proper
internal system temperatures. If needed, quit the
application or restart the system to resolve the
issue.
Reset SMC by unplugging power cord for ~15
5.
seconds.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Run Apple Hardware Test or 1.
Apple Server Diagnostics. Was
an error generated?
Yes Suspect possible fan or
sensor error. . Check fan
cable connection to the
interconnect board.
No Go to step 2.
Does noise sound like one or 2.
more fans running faster than
expected?
Yes Fan running fast. Reset SMC
by disconnecting power cord
for ~15 seconds then retest. If
issue continues go to step 3.
No Go to step 3.