User profile for user: bayerthomas
bayerthomas Author
User level: Level 1
9 points

Mac mini M4 Pro gets hot during gaming — fan doesn’t ramp up

Hi,

I use my Mac mini M4 Pro (20-core GPU) for gaming on a USB-C monitor with a 2560 × 1440 resolution at 60 Hz.


However, after a while, the top of the case gets very hot, and I don’t hear the fan spinning up at all.


I compared the readings using Macs Fan Control:

  • After startup: GPU: 40 °C (104 °F) – Fan: 1000 RPM
  • During gaming: GPU: 70 °C (158 °F) – Fan: 1000 RPM


When I manually set the fan speed to 2500 RPM, the GPU temperature drops to around 50 °C (122 °F) , and the case becomes much cooler to the touch.


Shouldn’t macOS automatically ramp up the fan speed much earlier in this situation?


macOS version: 15.6.1 and 26.0.1

High Power Mode activated

Mac mini, macOS 26.0

Posted on Oct 15, 2025 6:19 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
User level: Level 10
89,620 points

Posted on Oct 15, 2025 7:58 AM

Yes I would setup the automatic fan control. That way you can go back and forth between normal use and gaming without manually having to fuss with the fan speed. The trick is set it up so that the fan slowly increases on demand and then returns to default under normal use.


To do that:

Set the Automatic Fan Control on the Power Management Die Average sensor

Set the Temperature that the will start to increase at around 125 °F

Set the Maximum Temperature at around 195 °F

View in context
4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
User level: Level 10
89,620 points

Oct 15, 2025 7:58 AM in response to bayerthomas

Yes I would setup the automatic fan control. That way you can go back and forth between normal use and gaming without manually having to fuss with the fan speed. The trick is set it up so that the fan slowly increases on demand and then returns to default under normal use.


To do that:

Set the Automatic Fan Control on the Power Management Die Average sensor

Set the Temperature that the will start to increase at around 125 °F

Set the Maximum Temperature at around 195 °F

Reply

Mac mini M4 Pro gets hot during gaming — fan doesn’t ramp up

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up