User profile for user: jinoandmidhu
jinoandmidhu Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Mac Mini M4 (32GB) Overheating While Using Lightroom Classic

Hi everyone,


I'm a professional photographer and recently upgraded from a Mac Mini M1 (2020) to the new Mac Mini M4 with 32GB RAM. Ever since I started using Lightroom Classic on the new machine, I've noticed that it heats up unusually fast—almost like an oven—within minutes of editing.


Here are some details:


  • Software: Adobe Lightroom Classic (latest version)


  • Connected devices: Only a NAS is plugged in via Ethernet.


  • Room temperature: Around 28°C (normal working conditions in India)


  • OS: Latest version of macOS


  • Tasks performed: Culling, RAW photo editing, exporting batches


I contacted Apple Support, but the experience was disappointing. They ran some basic diagnostics (protocol test) and found nothing. But the heating issue still persists—especially during Lightroom use. It wasn’t like this on the M1 Mini.


Has anyone else experienced this with the M4 Mini?

Is there any way to monitor GPU/CPU heat and performance more effectively?

Any help or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Mac mini, macOS 15.3

Posted on Apr 7, 2025 9:43 PM

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User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
User level: Level 10
85,288 points

Apr 8, 2025 7:31 AM in response to jinoandmidhu

I been using MacFanControl on my Mac mini's for years.

https://crystalidea.com/macs-fan-control


MacFanControl has both manual fan control and automatic sensor-based fan control on a chosen temp. sensor.


The auto control is a little tricky to learn at first.



On my setup, I have the fan slowing starts ramping up at 129 F and set to go max at 190 F.

Under a load, the Mac mini settles in well below the max 190 F with the fan running at half speed.

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User profile for user: jinosampanayil
jinosampanayil
User level: Level 1
0 points

Apr 7, 2025 10:04 PM in response to TheLittles

Thank you. I had already searched Google and tried some common Lightroom tweaks to improve performance. This is a Mac Mini M4 with 32GB RAM, and I believe the issue is more about the thermal design than software settings.


Interestingly, I also have another Mac Mini M4 with 16GB RAM, and it’s showing the same overheating behavior when using Lightroom Classic — temperatures go up to 85–90°C during editing sessions.


I’m reaching out here mainly to understand if other Lightroom users on M4 machines are also experiencing this. If this is a common issue, it could be something Apple needs to look into more seriously.


Looking forward to hearing from others facing a similar situation.

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User profile for user: woodmeister50
woodmeister50
User level: Level 7
20,749 points

Apr 8, 2025 4:59 AM in response to jinosampanayil

When it gets this warm, do you hear the fan running? At these temps I would expect the fan to be running quite high.


How are you monitoring temps? Does the app have a fan control/monitor function? If the app has the capability of setting the fan to come on at a lower temperature that may help. If not, there are a few apps out there that you can tailor the fan speed at different temperature points. Setting it to ramp up at lower temps could help to cool things down some.


Also, is the Mini in a location with ample air flow? Also, 28C is a pretty warm environment, so you may need to find a way to get more airflow around and under the Mini.

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User profile for user: jinoandmidhu
jinoandmidhu Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Apr 8, 2025 5:19 AM in response to woodmeister50

The Mac Mini M4 doesn’t seem to have any fan noise — it’s completely silent even when it gets very warm during Lightroom Classic sessions. That made me wonder if the fans are kicking in at all or if they’re just running very quietly.


I’m currently monitoring the temperature using Fanny. It shows the CPU temps going quite high, especially while batch editing. I haven’t used any fan control app yet — if you have any recommendations for safe and reliable ones, I’d love to try them out.


The Mini is placed on a wooden desk with around 6 inches of clearance on all sides and nothing above it. 28°C is the average room temperature here in Kerala most of the year, so airflow might still be an issue.


Appreciate your suggestions and will definitely look into fan control options!

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Mac Mini M4 (32GB) Overheating While Using Lightroom Classic

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