Mac Mini 2018 + Pro Tools 2021 Fan Noise
 

Hi All,

I bought a fully maxxed out 2018 Mac Mini last year. It's an extremely fast and powerful machine but have noticed that with the system usage (in PT) rating at around 58-65% the fan goes noticeably full on. There's plenty of overhead in all the cores, only 20% of the memory used and the SSD is running ar around 2-5% so In my eyes this should not be happening.

Is this just the ay Pro Tools codes things? Logic is noticeably quieter. I have elevated the Mac mini woth some Iso acoustic stands so that there is airflow all around it and only have one SSD plugged in via usb-c and only the bare minimum connections to keep the load light.

I also checked for dust in the fan and it seems pretty clear. Does anyone have any techniques to deal with this? I've read about apps to control the fan but that sounds like it could damage the computer in the long run.

I saw the SPEED mini coolin base but wonder whether anyone has tried it? https://www.speed-designs.com/speed-...i-cooling-base

I would have to import to the UK and returns would be tricky after Brexit etc if it doesn't make a difference.

Anyone had similar issues?

Thanks
Iwan

Re: Mac Mini 2018 + Pro Tools 2021 Fan Noise
 

Try turning off Turbo Boost on the Mac Mini. A utility like Turbo Boost Switcher will work.

http://tbswitcher.rugarciap.com/

Re: Mac Mini 2018 + Pro Tools 2021 Fan Noise
 

I've read that some folks actually remove the bottom cover and place a high velocity fan to expel the heat. The miniaturization of the Mac mini limits the air flow between the components within the mostly-sealed case. I suggest getting a long HDMI cable for the monitor and using a wireless keyboard and mouse so you can place the computer in a separate room or air-conditioned booth. These may seem like over kill but may be necessary to tame the heat from the Intel i7 and noise of the fan. The Intel i7 and I9 MacBook Pro also has heat and fan noise issues. This (along with the supply issues) is the primary reasons Apple is moving to their M1 family of processors in newer models.

Re: Mac Mini 2018 + Pro Tools 2021 Fan Noise
 

Also, if you're not working with video, disable the Protools video engine by unchecking it in the Playback Engine window ("Setup" menu).
That helped calm down my MBPro fans.

Re: Mac Mini 2018 + Pro Tools 2021 Fan Noise
 

This.

Solved my fan noise issues and I have the same machine you do.

I only hear it when using RX and that’s been diminished greatly as well since using Turbo Boost Switcher.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: Mac Mini 2018 + Pro Tools 2021 Fan Noise
 

I actually use both Turbo Switcher and Macs Fan Control. I find it gives me the full manual control that I want. I keep turbo boost off until I feel I need it (that's off most of the time), that takes the general temp down 10-20C°. And I have the base fan speed higher than the factory auto settings' base (1700rpm). Anything under 3000rpm is silent for me. So my mac is really cool when not under any stress. If I see the temperature rising too much, it's a simple click in the menu bar to temporarily kick the fan a bit.

BTW, this is my 4th mini this past year. I've been thru an i3/16gb, i5/32gb, both 2018 and an M1/8gb and now a i7/32gb. I never had a problem w/fan noise on the i3 and i5, and most certainly not the M1, that thing stayed so cool.

Re: Mac Mini 2018 + Pro Tools 2021 Fan Noise
 

I find that the best position for cooling the 2018 Mac mini is with the back panel on top. That way, gravity is pulling cool air through the vent slot and hot air has the easiest escape route. It may be less attractive from a cosmetic standpoint, but it provides easy access to the cable patch points.

Here's the stand I use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XU1GDZM/

Best,

Geoff

Re: Mac Mini 2018 + Pro Tools 2021 Fan Noise
 

As mentioned above, Turbo Boost Switcher Pro resolve my fan noise issues (with this same machine). The only noticeable detriment on my rig was slightly slower off-line bounces. But you can easily turn it on when doing long bounces. My understanding (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) is that in normal use, Protools does take advantage of the Turbo boost function anyway.

Re: Mac Mini 2018 + Pro Tools 2021 Fan Noise
 

Thanks for all of your replies. TB Switcher was installed this morning and I'm quite amazed with the difference it's made. I've also just flipped it on it's back and am about to dive back into a mix so we'll see how that goes.

Re: Mac Mini 2018 + Pro Tools 2021 Fan Noise
 

Just so we're clear, my cpu benchmark score drops quite significantly w/turbo off. like 20-30%. but most of the time I don't need those extra cycles so…
Check your cpu score:
https://browser.geekbench.com/