External cooling system for mac mini?

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Level 2

420 points

External cooling system for mac mini?

I am currently planning to buy an external cooling fan for my mac mini 2018 which is always hot, sometimes even in log-off mode. Not even talking when i’m using zoom or ms teans which can makes it burning…. I use the mac fan app on this, it helps, but constantly need to set it “full blast”.

Found something with good reviews on Amazon (almost dimensions of the mini). Many say they remove the bottom of the mini so they get the fan direct under. Some say the mac even perform better. I just wonder if that could eventually bring in dust into components.

Any opinion on such approach ?

Posted on May 20, 2022 11:23 PM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

81,784 points

May 21, 2022 4:51 AM in response to lanstrad1

Sounds like you may not have MacFanControl setup quite right. I say that, because I never have to adjust or manually run my 2018 Mac Mini's fan full blast.

Which section sensor of your 2018 Mac Mini is showing the highest temperature in MacFanControl?

While individual cores can spike higher, my CPU PECI generally runs the warmest and so that is what I use for the Auto Control.

Using the above settings, my fan ramps up to between 2000-3000 rpm when it is working hard, then drops back down to the default 1800 rpm during normal usage. I set it up this way years ago and have never had to re-adjust or manually run the fan full blast to cool it back down.

As for your aftermarket cooler question??? I would leave the bottom cover on and let the external cooler push air thru the narrow intake gap between the bottom cover and case.

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Answer 2

tbirdvet

Level 6

14,243 points

May 21, 2022 4:19 PM in response to lanstrad1

Not sure why your Mini would be running hot. I had 2 Minis and both ran cool in any mode and I never had to use a fan control app. I also made sure to clean the vents for dust that had accumulated.

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External cooling system for mac mini?

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