2011 Imac running hotter than usual.

[Cory Cooper]

Hello and welcome.

The temps could slightly increase over time in an iMac, simply due to the build up of dust inside the cabinet, which could hamper the cooling system. In addition, as the ambient temperature in the room increases, especially in the summer months, the fans/cooling system have to work harder.

Any prolonged use of video streaming and intensive gaming will surely cause the internal temps to rise and the fans to spin up to higher RPMs. This is completely normal.

The sleep issue could be several things. You could try a few things:

-Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac
-How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac
-Repair disk permissions with Disk Utility
-If your Mac doesn‘t sleep or wake when expected

Let us know if any of those help,

C

 

[Elcca]

Thank you for your reply!

I am not too sure about the ambient temperature. I usually notice it running slightly hotter during the summer, but we're in a very air-conditioned environment. The temperature might change a few degrees, but really not by too much.

The CPU fans kick in at 3800 RPM and I get temperatures of 80C on the GPU maybe twenty-thirty minutes into starting up a game. I tested this morning after an overnight shutdown, so it definitely seems to be heating up very quickly. At least quicker than it has been in the past month or two.

Would you say the computer is in danger regularly running at an 85C GPU? Should it be taken somewhere where it can get a better cleaning than I can provide?

For the sleep issue, I've tried most on that list except repairing the disk permissions! I'll give that a shot. If that does not work I'll see if another user account might give me a better idea of what the trouble is. Thank you very much!

 

[Cory Cooper]

No worries.

I believe the GPU upper temperature limit on most Macs is over 100°C, so yours sounds normal running at under 90°C during gaming. The iMac will actually power off if the temperature exceeds the limit to protect itself.

Like I previously stated, the average temps could rise over time slightly, as well as seasonally. Humidity can also affect the temperature threshold You could take it to an Apple Store to have it fully tested and they may be able to blow the dust out of the internal case for you. Not sure if they would charge for that however, but it wouldn't hurt to ask them.

You can power off the iMac, gently lay it on the display glass on a flat-surface (with a towel for scratch protection), and use compressed air to blow out the perforated vent holes along the bottom-side of the case. Of course, be sure not to tip the can and have to propellant spray out into the vents.

I don't think your iMac is in any danger with those temps.

Definitely let us know how it goes with the sleep issue, and we can make additional suggestions if need be.

C