The Fan failed on my Mac mini M4 Pro after two months, is this a rarity?

Question

The Fan failed on my Mac mini M4 Pro after two months, is this a rarity?

I had a Mac mini with base M4 Pro. Only upgrade was to a 1TB (Apple) SSD. After two months, it started glitching (wouldn't wake from sleep, wouldn't complete bootup). Apple Store diagnostic test revealed the fan had failed. They allowed me (with some pushing) to return it (since they weren't just willing to give me a new one). I am now wondering if this could be a common problem, in light of many reports of lots of internal heat and fans firing up on this version of the Mac mini. I don't really remember my fans spinning up much at all.

I'd consider just getting the regular M4 Mac mini instead of the M4 Pro, but I plan to use the Mini as the brains of my home recording studio, so might not be enough for me. I also looked at Apple Refurbished to see if there was a Mac Studio, but the cheapest one was over $4,000, so that's a no-go.

The specs of the M4 Pro Mac mini with 1 TB HD fit my needs pretty much perfectly, but I am now wondering if I should get another one, or wait until May/June to see what options are available for the Mac Studio (which is kinda overkill for my needs but might last longer).

Posted on Jan 24, 2025 06:07 AM

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Answer 1

hcsitas

Level 6

13,958 points

Jan 24, 2025 06:45 AM in response to Michael Kinzer

In my opinion, the M2 mini has substantially increased in value after the introduction of the M4 mini, so the ones listed here Refurbished Mac Deals - Apple are a steal (to say the least).

Hurry! Take your pick! Limited time offer!

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Answer 2

tbirdvet

Level 6

16,721 points

Jan 24, 2025 07:14 AM in response to Michael Kinzer

I purchase my Mac Mini M4 pro went it first came out. I have had no fan issues. Unit remains cool unless under heavy loads where the fan speed goes from~1000 to ~2500 RPM. Mostly stays at 1000 RPM. Fan is also very quiet. You may be the exception and the base Mini M4 may use the same fan design/strategy so not sure using the base would do any good. I love my M4 pro and would buy again. I would just get another M4 pro. Warranty is good for a year.

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

88,804 points

Jan 24, 2025 08:30 AM in response to Michael Kinzer

It sounds like Apple and your Apple Store did you right on this one. Still painful, but much better than replacing the fan and sending you home with a half cooked unit.

Personally I would order/buy another 1T M4 Pro Mac mini instead of going backwards to an M2 Mac mini or across to an M2 Mac Studio.

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Answer 4

Jan 24, 2025 08:42 AM in response to Michael Kinzer

Apple doesn't typically replace a computer with hardware problems, they would fix it (either in-store or send it out.) Managers do have authority to authorize a return beyond the standard return window but again, this is not normal.

Why didn't you just have a warranty repair?

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Answer 5

Jan 24, 2025 09:26 AM in response to downstairsdave

I had already brought it to the store once. Then AppleCare said wipe the drive and start over (5 hours of reinstalling, etc.). Brought it back, said hardware issue, they didn't have the parts, would take a week to get them, then they'd do the repair, then get my computer back (crossing fingers that the fan was actually the problem, but maybe not). The computer is less than two months old. It is my secondary computer (have MacBook Pro main computer). So, after maybe 30 hours of use total, and it has all these problems? No, I want a new one.

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Answer 6

hcsitas

Level 6

13,958 points

Jan 24, 2025 09:43 AM in response to Michael Kinzer

It's your choice - do you want another Ford F-150 https://insideevs.com/news/746016/ford-f150-lightning-suspension-recall/ i.e. M4 mini, or start afresh with the Cadillac CT5 https://www.theautopian.com/the-2025-cadillac-ct5-v-blackwing-precision-package-looks-like-the-most-hardcore-cadillac-ever/ i.e. M2 refurbished?

The F-150 is good for the Climate (unverified), nevertheless I'd still go with the Cadillac IIWY. Way better transportation

Good luck!

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Answer 7

Jan 24, 2025 01:42 PM in response to hcsitas

An M2 Pro is slower than a base M4 and the M4 will likely have 1-2 years more support, at least. I can't think of any reason to prefer the M2, and no the USB-A ports don't convince me.

I do understand not being happy waiting for a repair. Apple didn't have to do a return as it was outside the return window. Fans are a common failure part on all computers and you just got unlucky.

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Answer 8

hcsitas

Level 6

13,958 points

Jan 24, 2025 01:53 PM in response to downstairsdave

The jury is still out on that https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mac-mini-2023-m2-pro-vs-mac-mini-2024-m4.2441564/

Tiring spec boasts yes, but perceivable difference? Unlikely. Proven in field? Nope. Growing pains? A growing list.

All the best!

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Answer 9

Jan 24, 2025 02:40 PM in response to downstairsdave

Did you see the part where I said it was my second trip to the store, that I'd already been on the phone for two hours with AppleCare, that I'd only used the computer for maybe 30 hours and it was dead in the water, that I'd already invested nearly 9 hours with tech support, travel. to the store, reinstalls, and that the computer was less than two months old (more like 6 weeks)? And they knew all of this. And you're thinking Apple did me a favor by replacing it? I expected it, and at that point was not willing to accept anything less (even though they tried to push me in that direction). I was kinda shocked they didn't offer a replacement much sooner. Crappy store. I'll be looking at other options.

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Answer 10

hcsitas

Level 6

13,958 points

Jan 24, 2025 10:01 PM in response to Michael Kinzer

Do that, 👍👋

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The Fan failed on my Mac mini M4 Pro after two months, is this a rarity?

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