08-31-2007, 09:07 PM

The hard-drive fan on my 24" intel iMac suddenly started running at high speed (5600 rpm). istat usually reports hard drive temps of 126 C -- clearly wrong! When the machine first wakes up the fan is running slowly but hard drive temps jump around, and may range as low as -50 (again, clearly wrong unless I'm nitrogen cooled!). According to istat the temp usually settles at 126 at which point the fan runs constantly at high speed until the mac goes to sleep. This sounds like a sensor fault to me, but could conceivably be software.

Is this something I can fix myself? Or am I off to the Apple Store?

08-31-2007, 09:15 PM

iStat could be wrong. Firstly, does it feel hot? And are you working it hard? But I would guess as you have said, a hardware/software issue.

Hi pnjreid.

My first fix would be to download some other temp monitoring software but if it does feel hot look for some other reason like a blocked air intake. PC's and Mac's can suck in dirt and dust, or maybe you have something up against restricting the airflow. Failing that I would be off to the Apple store.
Good luck with your quest.

09-01-2007, 09:36 AM

The machine is clean, vents are open, case is cool, istat reports all other components functioning normally. Lacking any other advice I guess I'm off to the store!