Whirring Mac Mini?

[sikkinixx]

I just got my 2.26ghz phat mini in.

Aside from being surprised at how big the power brick I like it...

except the constant whirring noise coming from it. Actually, there are two noises. The whirring noise sounds like it's rotating going from loud to quiet to loud to quiet over and over.

The other is a rather high pitched humming sound.

Neither is LOUD but just hits a pitch that is extremely annoying and is always there.

I don't think it's a fan issue, I updated fully and tried using SMC fan control to crank up the fans from their idle speed of 1500rpm to about 4000rpm and they got louder (obviously) but the hum/whir was still there.

Any ideas? Seems like a hard drive thing maybe?

 

[BlindSoul]

Is it a used Mac Mini? Like 2nd hand?

 

[sikkinixx]

no, refurb from Apple...

 

[talmy]

This doesn't sound right. I've got two late '09 Minis (the basic one and a server) and they both are silent. I don't use any fan control software. However, some points to check:

1. No DVD or CD in slot.
2. Check CPU to make sure it is idling. Heavy CPU use could speed up the fan.

If that checks out, call AppleCare or take to an Apple Store.

 

[sikkinixx]

Yeah I think I will have to call Apple. Nothing is in the DVD drive and the CPU was sitting at around 5% use. Temps were all in the low 40's c.

 

[BlindSoul]

Refurb is basically used. So yeah, Don't expect from used things to work perfectly.

 

[sikkinixx]

Refurb is basically used. So yeah, Don't expect from used things to work perfectly.

Well Apple says it's supposed to be as good as new, and provide a warranty that is the same as new so I expect it to be as good as new

 

[MacSignal]

I have no idea on the source or cause of the sound you describe, but I think it would be reasonable to expect/ask Apple to evaluate it for you. My Mac Mini refurb runs with zero problems or issues. To my ear, it is silent most of the time. When I hear something, it is the HD or DVD running.

 

[talmy]

I've bought three refurb Macs and they were all indistinguishable from new except for the plain brown box. The only reason I haven't bought all refurbs was for CTO options or for Christmas gifts where I wanted the shiny box.

 

[sikkinixx]

So I fired it up this morning and got ready to call Apple... whirring is gone.. Damn it all. The higher pitched hum is still there but I don't know if thats somewhat normal or not....

Again it's not LOUD... just there... My macbook used to be pretty much silent so I imagine this should we as well (expect, obviously, when the fans go nuts)