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Imac 2020 fans constantly running

I have an Imac 2020 27in intel core i5 running sequoia, the fans have been running on & off but now they are constantly running. I have run the etrecheck, no major problems but heavy CPU usage on apps  /usr/libexec/signpost_reporter &  /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/SkyLight.framework/Versions/A/Resources/WindowServer. I have looked for these but carnt find them to disable.

Any ideas?




iMac 27″, macOS 15.0

Posted on Nov 4, 2024 5:35 AM

Reply
10 replies

Nov 5, 2024 10:39 AM in response to Lawson1105

Getting rid of the fearware is the best first step. However, there are other general factors that affect temps and therefore the speed of the thermostatically-controlled fans.


1—"Piggy" web pages: I have a fan control app on my 2017 iMac and, with only these forums open in about a dozen tabs, CPU temps showing 38-40°C at slowest fan speed (1200 rpm on my model). If I open some sites in the background, temps will go to 55-60C in minutes and the fans will ramp up. Activity Monitor will show you which sites are the fat hogs. Several election night results sites did that to me in 2020.


2—Spotlight activity: Your report does not suggest this an issue now, but it can happen. You can use Spotlight settings to limit what items it indexes. By default it indexes a laundry list of items, many of which do not need indexing or can be searched within an app. Use Settings to reduce the number of items for which you search:

Spotlight settings on Mac - Apple Support


3—Workspace: Did something physically change that may have effected cooling efficiency? A user posted this image here when describing overheating of an iMac and asking why:


The image alone answered his question. For years iMac have taken in cooling air through vents on the bottom edge of the display. The user blocked about 80% of the air intake capability. Space between the work surface and the bottom edge of the computer must be respected.


Another cooling problem reported here, and one I am able to duplicate like a party trick on my iMac 27 5K, is tipping the display too far forward. At the Altar of Minimalist Design, in 2012 the iMac hot-air exhaust vent was moved from above the stand hinge to behind it, like this:



When the display is tipped fully forward, it is very close to the vent, slowing the expulsion of hot air and causing elevated temps inside.


4—The easy one. Have you cleaned the air intakes lately?

Nov 5, 2024 6:27 AM in response to Lawson1105

1) macOS does not require any third-party security app's like Trend Micro. see > macOS - Security - Apple

I suggest that you uninstall Trend Micro as per the developers instructions.

see > https://helpcenter.trendmicro.com/en-us/article/tmka-14475


2) MacFanControl is a great utility and I run it on all of my Mac's. see > https://crystalidea.com/macs-fan-control

Problem is that if it is not set properly, then the iMac's Fan will constantly run faster than the default speed.

If you are having trouble setting it up? see > https://crystalidea.com/macs-fan-control/fan-presets

Nov 6, 2024 11:11 AM in response to Lawson1105

Try the following: reset the SMC two or three times in a row: How to reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support.  Be sure to disconnect all peripherals before resetting the SMC. 


If the above doesn't help please post the Etrecheck report with your reply according to these directions:


Copy the report as shown in this animated screenshot



and use the Additional Text button to paste the report in your reply.



Then we can examine the report and see if we can determine the cause of the problem.




Nov 5, 2024 9:20 AM in response to Lawson1105

Thank you for the EtreCheck report it is very helpful and points to some very serious things that are wrong with your computer and causing issues. First, there is no evidence that you backup the computer. If this is correct then that is a HUGE error and a 100% guarantee you will lose data. If you are not familiar with Time Machine please refer to Back up your Mac with Time Machine. Doing a proper backup will require an external HD, what many experienced users on these forums prefer is the OWC Mercury Elite Pro. A 1-2 TB model would be fine for your needs. Backing up should be your #1 priority.


Next is what has been installed on the computer is causing a mess!


I see some issues in your report. First is you have TrendMicro and some third party VPN apps installed which is considered malware by most experienced users on these forums. Mac OS is catlike in that it cleans itself, Mac OS does not benefit from nor does it require any of the following types of third party apps:


·      Antivirus Apps

·      Cleaning Apps

·      Security Apps

·      VPN Apps

·      Maintenance Apps


What these types of apps do is the exact opposite of what users want. They make Mac OS slow, appear buggy, can damage Mac OS and sometimes create unwanted behaviors. In short, they are really bad news! Also, I am pretty certain they are at the root of what is causing issues with your Mac!!!


So the first order of business for your computer is that you need to locate the developers. uninstall instructions for Trend Micro and the VPN apps and please uninstall them. Because TrendMicro is pretty nasty stuff it tends to leave parts behind after being uninstalled, a testimony to how poorly written the app is! To fully ensure you have uninstalled it please download the free version of FindAnyFile directly from the developer. Then have it search your system for the following:


·      TrendMicro

·      ProtonVPN


Have it Trash anything with those names in them and then ensure the Trash has been emptied. Then run a new EtreCheck report and post it here. We can then look it over to see if there is any evidence of those apps still being installed.

Nov 6, 2024 4:35 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Ok, thanks for the info, I have uninstalled trend micro & proton vpn, have installed macs fan control & will get a external HD to back up with time machine. I used Find any file to get rid of the remaining files of trend & vpn, it got rid of most but had trouble getting rid of all as it said some files were locked or have not got permission to remove.

The fan slowed & stopped for a while but now its back whirring away but not at full blast. Not to sure what to set the mac fan control on. I will post the new report.


Imac 2020 fans constantly running

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