New Mac Mini Clicking Noise (October 2009)

[weatherproof]

Hi,

I bought the new Mac Mini (Model MC239LL/A) and turned it on and immediately started hearing a clicking noise that is not present on my previous Mac Mini (MB138LL/A). This new mini has the 5400 RPM, 320GB HDD.

I've recorded the sound I'm describing which you can listen to here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPMKX4Ma23Q

The sound happens immediately after the power button is pressed and continues for the entire duration the computer is turned on.

Does anyone know if this is the hard drive or the fan hitting something inside the case? I'm unsure if I should get a replacement, it sure is annoying as my previous mini is almost completely silent with no clicking noises whatsoever. Since this is a brand new computer, if the hard drive is going to fail I'd rather replace it now before all my data is migrated over. By the way, I also tried the migration assistant and it hung on "Transferring time zone settings..." even though it said it had 1 minute left, it still said the same thing after an hour. I haven't got far enough through the basic setup to install any patches.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

[doug in albq]

I listened to that sound.

Return you mini, its broken.

 

[scottrob]

Sounds like a fan clipping a cable. Should probably get it replaced before the fan or cable wears out.

 

[weatherproof]

Thanks for the replies. I don't have any experience with service at a genius bar, but would you think it would be better to return it to Amazon or take it in to the genius bar? I just don't want to walk into the genius bar and have them try to tell me it is nothing to worry about. I'm also wondering what they do, if they will replace the fan on the spot for me or just replace the whole mini itself or tell me to return at a later date.

Thanks.

 

[Gathomblipoob]

I'd hit the Genius Bar.

 

[Thrilledge]

Return it.

 

[uuaschbaer]

I can't help imagining a screen with a giant 3 in the middle and a circle around it. The circle retracting by the second until it's gone, the 3 segues into a 2 accompanied by a beep... 1 ... and fade in.