Off Topic - The Mac is Humming

[N Grossingink]

My rusty, trusty 2010 vintage Mac Mini has recently started making a faint humming noise whenever I start it up. It reminds me of what is commonly known as a "60 cycle hum", anotherwords an electrical-related noise. When first booting up the computer it is loudest and over 5 minutes diminishes to barely audible, but it's there. Putting the computer to sleep stops the hum, but it resumes upon awakening. At its loudest, touching the case reveals vibration.

I'm hoping some knowledgeable members might weigh in. The computer is 7 years old and has served me extremely well, and I have a brand new Mini at the ready. Still, I hesitate to retire this one if there is anything that can be done.

Thanks,
N.

[motet]

Is there a fan in it?

[N Grossingink]

Is there a fan in it?

Yes

[motet]

That would be my guess--a bearing in the fan.

[N Grossingink]

That would be my guess--a bearing in the fan.

That's a good guess. The only thing is, the fan never came on during startup. In fact, the only time I've ever noticed it running is when a program will lock up or start to run very slowly and sporadically. Restarting the software usually fixes that. Still, there might be something that's causing the fan to run continuously.

N.

[motet]

Transformer? Disk drive?

[miker]

Whatever it is: Back it up NOW! Do you have time machine running? Are you backing up to an external drive?

[N Grossingink]

Whatever it is: Back it up NOW! Do you have time machine running? Are you backing up to an external drive?

Done did it!!

N.

[miker]

Good. Now you can relax, and work on the problem. It could be a failing fan, or a failing drive.

Is it worth fixing?

Since you have the other one, I would be inclined to go there now. If it won't cost too much to repair, do that, and keep this one as a spare against future need.

[MikeHalloran]

It started loud then got quiet?

Do you have an HHD or Hybrid (Mechanical drive) or an SSD (solid state drive)?

Ih SSD only, it's probably a fan and it will get worse before you replace it.

If you have an HHD, time to buy an SSD. You can do better than these prices but they're a good benchmark:
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-2-5-Inch ... RFFAS?th=1

Use Migration Assistant or Time Machine Restore to move everything over and you'll be all set... but faster.

In rare instances it can be the power supply but I have never heard of one humming when cold. Not saying it can't happen.

[N Grossingink]

Belated thanks for the replies.

I can install a new fan and hard drive for under $100 so decided that's the way to go.

N.

[Michel R E]

maybe it's humming because it likes the music you're working on?

[N Grossingink]

maybe it's humming because it likes the music you're working on?

It had better like it because that's what will pay for its rejuvenation!

N.

[MikeHalloran]

Belated thanks for the replies.

I can install a new fan and hard drive for under $100 so decided that's the way to go.

N.

Have you already done these and did it fix the problem?

[N Grossingink]

Belated thanks for the replies.

I can install a new fan and hard drive for under $100 so decided that's the way to go.

N.

Have you already done these and did it fix the problem?

Not yet - just ordered the parts and a few specialized tools.

Here's the lowdown on the installation - nicely presented.
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac+Mini+M ... ement/3113

N.

[MikeHalloran]

If you bought the OWC toolkit or something similar, the T6 and T8 drivers will be magnetized — big help, especially on reassembly.

Those are easy once you get the case cover off.

The hardest part is getting the cover back on. If it's not perfect, it will hang. Took me a few tries the first time.

It doesn't mention the NV RAM battery. When you have it apart, that should be replaced, too. The original is a BR2032 and some Macs should use only that one due to heat issues. The ubiquitous CR2032 battery found in any drug store works fine when extreme heat is not an issue.