Loose exhaust fan in 2011 mini?

[leroy020]

I bought a 2.3 ghz 2011 mac mini about a month ago and installed 8GB ram. In the first couple of days I noticed that when the exhaust fan sped up to around 4000 rpm, i could hear a buzzing sound like the fan was rubbing against something. I took a look inside and noticed that there is a little bit of play (maybe 2-3 mm) on the back part of the fan. I tried to tighten up the screw with a torx bit, but it was already tight, so now I'm thinking maybe the problem is with the little rubber spacer. Anyway, it looked like the fan was rubbing on the removable part of the case, so I pressed it "in" as far as it would go and put the case back together. It doesn't rub any more, but I wonder now if the efficiency of the fan is affected. I haven't had the computer shut down from overheating but the CPU temp is about 88-92 Celsius, and ambient is high 50's Celsius when ripping dvd's with handbrake. Based on what I've found online, these temps seem to be within normal limits, but what do you all think? Are your machines this hot under a similar load? Should I take it in to the store? Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Omnius]

minis run hot. If you check the apple site, you'll find a similar answer. I'm not sure it was advisable to play around with the fan yourself though. If you only added ram, the apple store probably would have fixed the fan for you.

 

[leroy020]

If I take it in they'll still fix it, pressing on the fan assembly doesn't void the warranty. Just wondering if anyone else has encountered a loose fan and if they have taken it in to get fixed, if so did the computer run cooler, etc.

 

[Omnius]

That's probably not an endemic problem that you'll hear from many of us about. However, I would just have them fix it anyway. It may result in problems down the road if you don't. Anything mechanical that is too loose, is bound to cause an issue eventually.

 

[leroy020]

Ok, thanks for the input Omnius. I agree, it's probably better to have them look at it even if its not causing major problems now.