Question High CPU Temps ?

[emergekeep]

I'm using a Mac Mini M2 as my main workstation and I'm seeing really high idle CPU temps (40-45°C) with just Chrome + Mail running. Activity Monitor shows nothing unusual. Running latest macOS Sonoma 14.3.1.

Tried:
- SMC/NVRAM reset
- Clean macOS install
- Different power profiles
- Monitoring with iStat Menus

Room temp ~22°C, Mini sits horizontal on desk with good airflow.

Are these temps normal for a Mac Mini M2? My old Intel NUC idled around 35°C. Should I be concerned?

Specs:
- M2 Base Mini (8/256)
- 2 external displays (1440p)

 

[Misgar]

Are these temps normal for a Mac Mini M2? My old Intel NUC idled around 35°C. Should I be concerned?

No need for concern. Some NUCs use low power processors, e.g. 10 to 15W, with resultant cool running.

Modern Silicon runs hot. Intel up to 100C, AMD up to 95C, so I wouldn't be surprised if Apple CPUs are similar.

It you want to worry yourself, run a stress test on the Mac Mini and watch the CPU temperatures soar. The fans will speed up and system will thermal throttle if it senses it's getting too warm.

My AMD CPUs sit at 75 to 85C for hours on end and peak at 95C. All perfectly normal.