Ideal Running Temperature

[PIZZY]

I've been trying to find what the ideal running temperature should be on the mini. I have a 2009 model?

[Chris..S]

My 2007 C2D mini runs at around 60C most of the time. My 2006 CD mini ran at around 50C. Obviously, the temperature will go up if its busy - around 90C when transcoding videos. I use smcFanControl and have clicked up the base fan speed from 1800 to 2050 rpm.

The 2009 mini CPU has a lower TDP (25W v 35W I think) which should mean it runs cooler than the previous model.

From the processor point of view I don't think the temperature matters that much as long as it has some "breathing room" for when it needs to get busy for an extended period of time.

[Smithcraft]

Like Chris..S said, it depends on what you are doing. Your baseline temp is the temp for it just sitting there, and then the max temp would be when running Handbrake or some other very CPU intensive program.

My Intel mini was getting up to the mid 90s so I installed a fan control program. I let it run the fan as fast as it can/needs to to control the temp.

SC
_________________
Grumpy old man of computing.

[Desktop] G4 mini - 1.5Ghz 1GB 80GB HDD - Newer miniStack v2 500GB - 10.5.8

[Media System] Intel i5 mini - 2.33Ghz 8GB 500GB HDD - 4 x Hitachi 2TB HDD in a qBOX-SF - 10.7.5 (Thanks Phil!)

Make sure it has pins!

[Wedge]

The thermal shutdown point on the processor is the same as previous generations (100° C), so any temps above 92° C are probably a bit dangerous.

However, since the TDP is lower, it should run cooler under normal use than the previous models at the processor core, but that may be offset by different air cooling that Apple has designed in this model.

[PIZZY]

Well I did boost my ram to 4 gig and replace the HD to a 7200rpm 320gig Hitachi. I know the HD speed will increase the temp...

[Fazzy]

My 2009 Mac mini seems to be planted between 47C and 51C most of the time. The fan clips along at around 1500 rpm. I haven't has a chance to push it with HandBrake or iMovie yet, so I can't report on those numbers.