Mac Modular Desktops Troubleshooting Mechanical Issues
Troubleshooting a computer that feels unusually warm, has unusual odors, or emits excessive noise, hum, or vibrations
Identify issues
Read these articles if you notice any of the following issues:
The computer feels unusually warm
Note: Desktop computers may run hotter and louder during periods of heavier use, as well as during initial setup and Spotlight indexing. This is normal behavior and isn’t considered a service issue.
The computer emits a burning, smoky, or other unusual odor
Note: Odors can be intentional or related to product newness. For example, there may be an unusual odor emitted from some USB-C cables. This odor is intentional to deter chewing by infants and pets.
The computer emits noise or vibrations
The computer emits excessive fan noise
About fans and fan noise in your Apple product
If your issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.
Try quick troubleshooting steps
Compare the computer’s operating temperature to a similar computer. Be aware that temperatures and fan speeds fluctuate within a normal range depending on processes running and attached peripherals. Fan speeds may take several minutes to return to idle after heavy processor or I/O activity has ceased. This is normal behavior and isn’t considered a service issue.
Disconnect all peripheral devices from the computer.
Move the computer to a different location and plug the power cord into a different electrical outlet, then check whether any noise is eliminated. Noise may be related to interference from other electrical devices operating near the computer or plugged into the same power outlet.
Ensure that the computer is on a flat, hard surface in an area that doesn’t block vents, then check whether temperature issues are eliminated.
Inspect the computer for indications of liquid spills. A liquid spill can short internal circuits and stop fan operation.
Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
If your issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or checking for potential causes, run these diagnostic and manual tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:
Run the Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite.
Note: This test will gather diagnostic information and verify that thermal sensor readings are within limits. Check MRI results for any power, fan, or thermal warnings or failures.
Open and inspect the computer
If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the computer’s repair manual to open and inspect the computer. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.
Follow repair manual procedures to open the computer.
Inspect internal components and the enclosure for indications of physical or liquid damage, contamination, or burned or darkened areas.
Inspect the area around the heat sink and each fan for dust or debris. Use an ESD-safe vacuum or compressed air to carefully remove dust and debris from the heat sink and fans. Ensure that each fan spins freely and is not obstructed.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the computer’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Replace the part
If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the following parts one at a time in the order shown. After you replace the first part, repeat the troubleshooting steps to determine whether replacing a part resolves the issue. If it still isn’t resolved, replace the next part.
Replace the affected fan or blower.
Replace the logic board.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the computer’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.