How to clean the Mac Studio from dust?

[majus]

My suggestion is to remove a circular portion of the Mini top surface

That's an unnecessary expense (or my labor) when the bottom hole is already there. When the logic board is removed the black back plate comes out too so that is where the air would then come in. Just turn it upside down and add some stick-on rubber feet from the hardware store (or Amazon).

As you said, the only thing necessary would be a foam filter and that is what I will try first -- and add the fans only if needed (USB powered). It definitely will have a front-facing power button mechanism though.

 

[Shazaam!]

I think that you'll find a problem with the Mini air inlet hole being smaller than their Studio's air inlet grill diameter. You may have to remove the Studio grill (4 screws) or use a spacer plate.

 

[majus]

I think that you'll find a problem with the Mini air inlet hole being smaller than their Studio's air inlet grill diameter. You may have to remove the Studio grill (4 screws) or use a spacer plate.

I had already noticed that and would look into enlarging the hole IF it can be done neatly. A spacer (or feet on the Studio) would be necessary anyway since the bottom of the Mini is not flat.

 

[Shazaam!]

I was thinking something could be done using a Mac Cube since the plan dimensions are the same.

 

[majus]

The Cube would look very nice but they are quite expensive on eBay for something one plans to strip of its parts.

 

[loby]

All of the hassle to keep the dust out of it, how much longer will the unit last compared to just going with the current design flow? Also takes away from the looks of the design (if that matters to some).

Wouldn’t it just be better to pay extra and/or wait for the next Mac Pro? I am sure the Mac Pro will be accessible into the inner parts for whatever, so we should be able to get to the dust.

 

[Shazaam!]

All of the hassle to keep the dust out of it, how much longer will the unit last compared to just going with the current design flow? Also takes away from the looks of the design (if that matters to some).

Wouldn’t it just be better to pay extra and/or wait for the next Mac Pro? I am sure the Mac Pro will be accessible into the inner parts for whatever, so we should be able to get to the dust.

Your computer, your money, your choice.

 

[Killerbob]

There is of course the option of opening up the Mac Studio and cleaning it out - that’s not difficult. Will it void warranty? Possibly, but if you bring it to an Apple certified repair shop, they will do the same for a fee, and it would still be under warranty. You only need to do it once every two years, so basically once, before your warranty, even with Apple Care, would be out anyway…

 

[Killerbob]

Today I installed the Spigen filter stand, and it looks great and fits really well. After 9 months on my office desk, no dust was caught on the intake at the bottom of the Mac Studio, and when I vacuumed the back of the MS, I don't think there was anything to clean out. My core temps are now between 28-32c all the time... This is pretty much what they were before as well.

 

[jim0266]

Today I installed the Spigen filter stand, and it looks great and fits really well. After 9 months on my office desk, no dust was caught on the intake at the bottom of the Mac Studio, and when I vacuumed the back of the MS, I don't think there was anything to clean out. My core temps are now between 28-32c all the time... This is pretty much what they were before as well.

I think I misread your post the first time. I thought you had been using the Spigen for 9 months and found no dust after using it for that period. The mesh screen on the Spigen is .77mm which seems pretty large. They claim 99.99% filtration which seems improbable for what seems like a coarse filter. I'd like to see the Project Farm guy on Youtube test the Spigen. 😁

 

[transmaster]

Do yourself a favor get one if these, it has been my go to duster for years. It pays for itself in a short time when you don't have to fork over for canned air. Mine is the A2 corded.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SI67YRU?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_863VT2Z9DDH21DNKHC7B

 

[NJRonbo]

I wonder if my Studio will overheat using a combo of these two:

Spigen Mac Studio Stand with Built in Air Filter Designed for Mac Studio M2 Max, M2 Ultra, M1 Max, M1 Ultra Desktop Stand Mount PVC Filter Dust Prevention Ventilation Stand - Crystal Clear

Stand clear from dust. The LD202 Desktop Stand lifts your Mac Studio up and out of harmâs way. Filter unwanted particles from slowing down your workhorse and keep it running smoothly every day. We got you.[Long Description] [Section] Dimension 7.91 x 7.91 x 0.94 inches Product Weight 7.8 ounces...

www.amazon.com

and

Uni Filter - BF-1 BF1 12" X 16" X 5/8" 65-PPI Green Fine Foam

Uni filter ATV air filters keep out all the dirt, dust, and mud providing superior engine protection. The principle of how foam air filters work is simple, open cell polyurethane foam is wetted with specially developed filter oil. The sticky filter oil.

www.amazon.com

Basically, I would lay the felt filter over the stand and then sit the Studio into it.

The Spigen stand already works as a filter but the extra felt should double-protect it.

If I were to do this, and regulated the internals, what temperature is too high?

 

[NJRonbo]

Today I installed the Spigen filter stand, and it looks great and fits really well. After 9 months on my office desk, no dust was caught on the intake at the bottom of the Mac Studio, and when I vacuumed the back of the MS, I don't think there was anything to clean out. My core temps are now between 28-32c all the time... This is pretty much what they were before as well.

Wow! I just posted about this in another related thread.

Considering the Spigen stand. It's $70 on Spigen's site but only $34-$36 (went up $2 already) on Amazon.

I take it that it's working out well for you?

Should I also buy this filter and put it between the Studio and the Spigen Stand for extra filtration or do you think that is overkill?

Uni Filter - BF-1 BF1 12" X 16" X 5/8" 65-PPI Green Fine Foam

Uni filter ATV air filters keep out all the dirt, dust, and mud providing superior engine protection. The principle of how foam air filters work is simple, open cell polyurethane foam is wetted with specially developed filter oil. The sticky filter oil.

www.amazon.com

And what is the optimal internal temperature of the Studio? I am going to watch it while using the stand to be sure it's in the proper range.

 

[George Dawes]

I use one of those plastic bulb things photographers use to blow dust out of all my gear

Surprisingly effective plus no static issues

 

[transmaster]

I just had a chat with Apple Support. i was told that if you feel it needs to be cleaned internally to bring it into a tech and have them do it. I have Apple Care for my Studio so I would need to do this to maintain my warranty. In the meantime I have mine sitting on the Spigen stand. In PC cases they use a fine mesh screen to filter the air. In my full tower it does a very good job. Amazon has a wide range of choices for this filter screening.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007EVKIXW?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_ABTFFDGQHC35FGTFHATZ

 

[transmaster]

I use one of those plastic bulb things photographers use to blow dust out of all my gear

Surprisingly effective plus no static issues

View attachment 2176172

I use this swiss made blower designed for watchmakers.

Bergeon 4657 Rubber Dust Blower

Keep watches clean and dust free with the Bergeon 4657 rubber dust blower. The durable design and fine point tip make cleaning easy and effective.

www.esslinger.com

 

[NJRonbo]

I just had a chat with Apple Support. i was told that if you feel it needs to be cleaned internally to bring it into a tech and have them do it. I have Apple Care for my Studio so I would need to do this to maintain my warranty. In the meantime I have mine sitting on the Spigen stand. In PC cases they use a fine mesh screen to filter the air. In my full tower it does a very good job. Amazon has a wide range of choices for this filter screening.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007EVKIXW?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_ABTFFDGQHC35FGTFHATZ

Are you actually using that product with the Spigen stand?

I ask, as I'm ready to buy the stand but I have no idea if that filter will fit inside of it, situated between the Studio and the Spigen base.

 

[transmaster]

Are you actually using that product with the Spigen stand?

I ask, as I'm ready to buy the stand but I have no idea if that filter will fit inside of it, situated between the Studio and the Spigen base.

Not yet I am watching how the built in filter on Spigen stand works, however I have used these filter screens for many years on the Window PC's I assembled and they did a very good job. what you can do is get this, and cut it to size.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011EIIS5K?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_5FW80X2KXNA6V1RWPN3C

or this, The foam works very well but its not as easy to clean as the mesh. Both clean up in soapy water.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRSNZ7X7?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Q2MS2VP38TWKA41SD9YE

 

[NJRonbo]

Not yet I am watching how the built in filter on Spigen stand works, however I have used these filter screens for many years on the Window PC's I assembled and they did a very good job. what you can do is get this, and cut it to size.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011EIIS5K?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_5FW80X2KXNA6V1RWPN3C

or this, The foam works very well but its not as easy to clean as the mesh. both clean up in soapy water.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRSNZ7X7?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Q2MS2VP38TWKA41SD9YE

No doubt, DustEnd is the best thing to use here. It is quite expensive, however, for the scrap amount I would need.

I referred to this product I found on Amazon. Much cheaper and thought I could simply cut out a piece and situate it between the Spigen Stand and the Studio as an extra filter.

Uni Filter - BF-1 BF1 12" X 16" X 5/8" 65-PPI Green Fine Foam

Uni filter ATV air filters keep out all the dirt, dust, and mud providing superior engine protection. The principle of how foam air filters work is simple, open cell polyurethane foam is wetted with specially developed filter oil. The sticky filter oil.

www.amazon.com

Since you have not yet tried adding any filtration I'll stay tuned to your thoughts on the stand's performance. It looks promising, and at best, is better than nothing.

 

[transmaster]

No doubt, DustEnd is the best thing to use here. It is quite expensive, however, for the scrap amount I would need.

I referred to this product I found on Amazon. Much cheaper and thought I could simply cut out a piece and situate it between the Spigen Stand and the Studio as an extra filter.

Uni Filter - BF-1 BF1 12" X 16" X 5/8" 65-PPI Green Fine Foam

Uni filter ATV air filters keep out all the dirt, dust, and mud providing superior engine protection. The principle of how foam air filters work is simple, open cell polyurethane foam is wetted with specially developed filter oil. The sticky filter oil.

www.amazon.com

Since you have not yet tried adding any filtration I'll stay tuned to your thoughts on the stand's performance. It looks promising, and at best, is better than nothing.

That will not work the Spigen stand is a tight fit, and there is an indexing tab on the rear upper right side that fits into a opening in the Studio's case that positions the stand for a tight fit. But you can easily fit a piece under the stand.

 

[NJRonbo]

That will not work the Spigen stand is a tight fit, and there is an indexing tab on the rear upper right side that fits into a opening in the Studio's case that positions the stand for a tight fit. But you can easily fit a piece under the stand.

That's an idea, though it may look a bit ugly.

Keep us posted on how your stand seems to be filtering dust. I'm days away from ordering it.

Appreciate all the help

 

[transmaster]

One thing I just loaded was iStat Menus. It is a total system monitor utility for a Mac. I now can see the temperature readings for all of the studio sensors, speed of its 2 fans, plus I can I can look at CPU use percentages, memory use, storage space and a bunch more network stuff etc. I will know if dust build up becomes an issue long before it becomes a problem.



7.78 watts draw, My last assembled PC drew 100 watts when it was asleep.

 

[NJRonbo]

One thing I just loaded was iStat Menus. It is a total system monitor utility for a Mac. I now can see the temperature readings for all of the studio sensors, speed of its 2 fans, plus I can I can look at CPU use percentages, memory use, storage space and a bunch more network stuff etc,

View attachment 2176340

I have that installed as well. It's a phenomenal piece of software.

Once I install this stand and start monitoring iStat Menus, at what temperature point should I start to be concerned?

 

[transmaster]

I have that installed as well. It's a phenomenal piece of software.

Once I install this stand and start monitoring iStat Menus, at what temperature point should I start to be concerned?

I was curious myself I did know the Apple Silicon cpu are designed to run at a little higher temperature than AMD's and Intel cpu's. looked it up and the M1's operational temperature is around 100°C (212°F). My Studio is presently cruising along at 41°C.😁. What has me smiling is this studio is drawing about 8 Watts. 8 Watts !!!!! my last assembled PC with an AMD 9590 drew 200 Watts just sitting there.

I did notice the temperature topic has been beaten to death elsewhere in this forum. The only reason why I am interested is when you assemble hotrod AMD PC's you are very exacting on coolers for your CPU's. I use liquid coolers over there.

 

[NJRonbo]

I was curious myself I did know the Apple Silicon cpu are designed to run at a little higher temperature than AMD's and Intel cpu's. looked it up and the M1's operational temperature is around 100°C (212°F). My Studio is presently cruising along at 41°C.😁. What has me smiling is this studio is drawing about 8 Watts. 8 Watts !!!!! my last assembled PC with an AMD 9590 drew 200 Watts just sitting there.

I did notice the temperature topic has been beaten to death elsewhere in this forum. The only reason why I am interested is when you assemble hotrod AMD PC's you are very exacting on coolers for your CPU's. I use liquid coolers over there.

That's funny. Just checked my temperature and it's 105 degrees Fahrenheit, which is one-degree more than yours. I have the heat up today so it would run a little warmer.

And that is an amazing temperature when you compare it to your AMD 9590.

These silicon chips are an amazing thing.

Thanks for the help and for providing the proper temps. We are both well below it (by half)