M4 Mac mini - Buzzing/Vibration sound

My first M4 mini has the same buzzing noise in 110v (Canada) as well. This sounds like hardware design issue or low transformer quality. I am wondering why Apple did not design a separated external supply then the problem would have been solved. May be it worth trying with ones from another batch after sometimes or may be wait until they official announce the fixes. :)

Other people here with the same problem. https://www.reddit.com/r/macmini/comments/1gnkp4l/m4_mac_mini_noise_problem/

This might be the underlying issue:

I would return it.

Same Problem here. Got the standard entry-level M4 spec.

Monitor connected via a Thunderbolt-to-DisplayPort Cable which never had any issues. Monitor is a 2K 60 Hz Eizo screen.

When connected with the MacMini the buzzing increases, even when the Mini is turned off.

It also occurs with other monitors via HDMI, so no difference to USB-C / Thunderbolt there.

I suspect it comes from the power supply (PSU), as it occurs always when the Mac Mini is plugged in regardless wheather it is turned on or off.

It is not the fan. As stated before, it is also buzzing when the Mac is turned off and plugged into the power outlet.

Also the fan is not running when the Mac in not under heavy load and a fan would make a very different type of noise.

Just an FYI Apple have just called me from Texas (Im in the UK) regarding the issue and asked a ton of questions about my set up etc. I sent them video/audio that I had recorded of it. The rep didn't say explicitly this is a widespread issue but it does seem they are aware there are a few M4 Mac Minis out there with the issue.

I’m experiencing the same issue. Initially, I suspected it might be related to my display (I have the Studio Display). However, after experimenting with a different monitor, I discovered that it’s actually a static problem. Even if the display isn’t physically connected to the Mac mini, if you hold the Mac mini in one hand and a USB-C or other cable with a metal head (which can be connected to a display or just a power supply), the noise occurs.

This is very distracting

Recycling and renewable energy has nothing to do with it.

Transformers all vibrate. How much depends upon the load.

I suspect the new design has more load placed on the transformer.

Voltage levels into the transformer might be at issue as well.

The sign wave for a 110 volts AC power is less than that of a 240 volt AC power input. Different input frequency as well could cause a different vibration.

The overall system design may not dampen vibrations very well.

Hi. I was wondering if there is any news on this issue?

I had the same problem with 2 base m4 mac minis. Buzzing noise when connected to a screen. And if you put your ear to the top of the unit, also a chirping sound. So yes, it is the converter. (220V)

I really like the performance of the mac mini but the noise is not acceptable. So I was wondering if there is an aknowledgement of the issue, and perhaps a design fix by Apple? Want to be sure before I would consider trying again.

Noise is created by something vibrating. It might be the speaker vibrating but I doubt it. The transformer is the next possibility. There might be some other coil that vibrates on the PCB.

A case can be designed to amplify sound with a careful chamber design.

But recycling has nothing to do with it.

My M4 pro fan runs at ~1000 rpm. No sound at all. I connect to my Studio Display via TB cable. Not sure what your sound is from. If it is related to HDMI then perhaps another user can comment on their experience.

Hi all, exactly same problem.

If power cable is connected (only of MacMini), buzzing starts. (Place your ear on housing)

If any cable (HDMI or USB-C) is connected, it increases.

Power cable alone I nearly don't hear it on my desk. But with USB-C connected, I recognize it and I´m not happy about.

So you are having this issue using a TB cable connected to your Studio display? I have that setup and no noise/vibration at all. Seems strange unless there is a quality control problem between units.