Mac Mini fans at full speed without case

[jpcoelho]

Hello!

I am trying to adapt a late 2009 Mac Mini to a Mac G4 Cube case, but when I boot the mini without its case, the fan automatically speeds up to full blast... does anyone know what contacts in the case are responsible for this?

Thanks in advance...

best regards,
Pedro

 

[rrl]

Post some pictures.

 

[jpcoelho]

Post some pictures.

thank you for the input, but I'm not sure I understand... pictures of what exactly? the mac mini without the case? the mac mini case?

 

[DeltaMac]

What modifications have you made to the mini - beyond just removing the top cover?
If the hard drive temp sensor is not connected, then the fan will default to run at maximum speed. That one sensor would not normally be disturbed just by removing the top cover. Have you modified the mini to bypass the interconnect board (where both the hard drive and optical drive connect?) That board is where the IR sensor, the fan, and the speaker connect. There's also another connector at near the outside edge of that board, for the hard drive temp sensor. That would be it...

 

[jpcoelho]

What modifications have you made to the mini - beyond just removing the top cover?
If the hard drive temp sensor is not connected, then the fan will default to run at maximum speed. Have you modified the mini to bypass the interconnect board (where both the hard drive and optical drive connect?) That board is where the IR sensor, the fan, and the speaker connect. There's also another connector at near the outside edge of that board, for the hard drive temp sensor. That would be it...

Hi,

The only modification that was done was removing the optical drive, but the interconnect board and hard drive are still in place...
I believe it could be some contact that the case makes when in place, because as soon as I fit the top case (with the mini running), the fan spins down to normal speed...

 

[DeltaMac]

...
The only modification that was done was removing the optical drive, but the interconnect board and hard drive are still in place...
I believe it could be some contact that the case makes when in place, because as soon as I fit the top case (with the mini running), the fan spins down to normal speed...

There's nothing in the top housing that contacts anything electrical.
The connector for the sensor is fairly close to the case, so you should check that. It's labeled J204 on that interconnect board, if you need to verify that you are looking at the right connector. It might be moving just a little when the case comes off, then is loose enough to lose connection, causing the fan the spin up. Reseat that connector, even if it looks OK.

 

[jpcoelho]

There's nothing in the top housing that contacts anything electrical.
The connector for the sensor is fairly close to the case, so you should check that. It's labeled J204 on that interconnect board, if you need to verify that you are looking at the right connector. It might be moving just a little when the case comes off, then is loose enough to lose connection, causing the fan the spin up. Reseat that connector, even if it looks OK.

Thank you for your assistance, I will try that and see if it resolves the issue!

 

[jpcoelho]

There's nothing in the top housing that contacts anything electrical.
The connector for the sensor is fairly close to the case, so you should check that. It's labeled J204 on that interconnect board, if you need to verify that you are looking at the right connector. It might be moving just a little when the case comes off, then is loose enough to lose connection, causing the fan the spin up. Reseat that connector, even if it looks OK.

You were completely right, the J204 connector on the interconnect board was not completely inserted and was causing the issue... thank you very much for your help!

Cheers,
Pedro