Does anyone know how I can make my fans more aggressive?

[thefriendshipmachine]

I just got my 2014 iMac serviced for the 4th time for image retention. This time they told me the GPU on the logic board got so hot that it burned the screen and in addition to the standard retention problem that is incredibly common with LG panels, my iMac had a big blue stain in the screen where the GPU sits behind.

I use an app called Temperature Gauge and it would tell me all the time that the GPU was 99C. This is bad and I was wondering if anyone uses an app (or something) to make the fans more aggressive. What I want is a rule that says "if temperature gets above 85C then max out the fans and throttle the GPU if possible".

Throttling is not something I want to do but I don't know what else to do to it to prevent it from over heating. I run an external 4k monitor in addition to the 5k so maybe I could get rid of that or even run it on an eGPU?

I was also going to buy that new iMac Pro that they're releasing at the end of the year but now I think it's going to overheat like crazy. It's insane to me that my iMac GPU got so hot to the point where it caused actual damage. I run xcode + 4k external + slack + chrome on it and I thought it was handling it all very well but I guess heat wise it was very angry at me

 

[redheeler]

That's awfully hot, even for a GPU under heavy load. Definitely seems like the cooling system or GPU in your iMac is defective.

Have you been getting your iMac serviced through Apple? If so, typically they will do a full-machine replacement the fourth or fifth time you go in needing a repair.

To answer your question about speeding up the fan, use the free app smcFanControl.
[doublepost=1504032306][/doublepost]Just realized you're talking about a Late 2014 iMac 5K. Yes those are bad with the retention and run pretty hot as well. I personally saw retention developing on three different panels, but was eventually able to get the full-machine replacement from Apple (to newer 2015 model).

 

[thefriendshipmachine]

That's awfully hot, even for a GPU under heavy load. Definitely seems like the cooling system or GPU in your iMac is defective.

Have you been getting your iMac serviced through Apple? If so, typically they will do a full-machine replacement the fourth or fifth time you go in needing a repair.

To answer your question about speeding up the fan, use the free app smcFanControl.

The lady at the repair store told me the next time it needs a repair they will likely just replace the whole thing but my apple care expires in october. But, I opened this latest ticket with them in May and the senior advisor never got back to me and stopped answering my emails and calls (I'm guessing he might have quit or something). They told me they "dropped the ball" with my case (because in June they approved the repair but I had to call them in August to find that out). I want them to extend my apple care for a few months because of this ^ but they say they have no way to do it. But maybe I should call them today and tell them even after replacing the logic board and display the GPU runs at 92C with just firefox open!

 

[redheeler]

The lady at the repair store told me the next time it needs a repair they will likely just replace the whole thing but my apple care expires in october. But, I opened this latest ticket with them in May and the senior advisor never got back to me and stopped answering my emails and calls (I'm guessing he might have quit or something). They told me they "dropped the ball" with my case (because in June they approved the repair but I had to call them in August to find that out). I want them to extend my apple care for a few months because of this ^ but they say they have no way to do it. But maybe I should call them today and tell them even after replacing the logic board and display the GPU runs at 92C with just firefox open!

Can only wish you luck that the image retention will be bad enough by the time your AppleCare expires to justify a full-machine replacement to a newer model. Certainly might be.

 

[294307]

I would call AppleCare and ask to speak to Apple Customer Relations about getting your iMac replaced. It's quite unfortunate where you live as you have fewer consumer rights than we do in the UK, and it's situations like this when people start to realise why they are so important. My 2015 iMac had the same image retention problem yours has but thankfully didn't need to go through four repairs as we can ask for a refund or replacement here if a repair fails. Even so, Apple usually does the right thing if you diligently, but firmly, express your concerns and how unhappy you are.

 

[niteflyr]

Macs Fan Control will let you build your own fan/temp profile.

https://www.crystalidea.com/macs-fan-control

 

[HippyRabbitFish]

Based on the title of the thread, alone, my first thought was to stop feeding them but give them lots of encouragement. Fans=fanatics, not actual spinning fans in a Mac.

 

[cynics]

I would say to check the obvious (dust build up, abnormally high ambients, intake/exhaust blocked) but I've heard of 99c and higher on the 2014 iMacs quite a bit.

There are a few applications for this (someone mentioned Macs Fan Control as one). You'll need to see which you prefer.

I use TG Pro. You said you use "Temperature Gauge", is that the program you are referencing? If so you can upgrade version 4 from the Mac Store to TG Pro for free that is on their webpage I linked above.

From there is relatively easy.

Set a profile for the main (only) fan to increase to whatever percentage you want (100%) when the component (GPU) is above whatever temp (85c). On the bottom you can change the amount of time it ramps up to the percentage you have set from 5 seconds to 1 minute.

The above image is from TG Pro however I'm sure other programs can do similar things as well. TG Pro has a 10 day trial period for you to see if it can accomplish what you are looking for before you buy it.

Throttling is done on a hardware level at the GPU. There maybe programs in Windows to decrease frequency based on sensor temp I don't think there is anything on MacOS.

Also keep in mind if there are times that the fan is at 100% and the GPU is at 99c a program doing what you want like illustrated above will slow it down but it will still get to 99c with enough time.

 

[propower]

You have Apple Care and the GPU runs at 92degC without anything significant running and has burned your screen. Call Apple Care and get your case bumped up to a senior person. You have every right to get that machine replaced (IMO). 4 repairs is also outrageous.