I have been using an M1 Mac mini for years, along with a Satechi hub.
I recently upgraded to the new M4, and decided to try using the hub by turning it upside
down and connecting it to one of the thunderbolt ports on the back. I did this to provide
ventilation to the M4, and as a side benefit give me easy access to the power switch.
Does anyone know if there is any issue with running the M4 upside down?
Now that is about the best graphical representation I’ve ever seen for just how much smaller the new M4 Mac mini is from the M3 and previous.
It depends which way the fan is running inside - if the fan is pushing the air out, it probably wouldn’t be a problem, but if it’s pulling it in that might be.
Where are the ventilation holes for the air to enter/exit? Are they blocked? Are there any ventilation holes at all?
I think it will be fine upside-down. But never fear, help is on the way …
If I remember correctly, it pulls air into the front (of the bottom) and pushes it out of the back (of the bottom)
Nothing in the photo above should block any airflow
It does do exactly this. Mine gets warm on top (especially when in standby mode), so my thoughts is the case is also acting like a heat sync. Therefore, upside down with it’s supposed to be top touching another device that might also be generating heat, might be less than ideal. Maybe run one of the apps that can graph heat and see if anything changes?
How often do you need to use the power switch though? In almost 3 years of owning a Studio, I use the power button about 1-2 times a year. My Mini I have turned off once because of an incoming storm.
The Apple website doesn’t list any requirements about operating position, so upside down should be fine, as long as the operating temperature is within 50º to 95º F, relative humidity within 5% to 90%, and altitude not more than 16,400 feet.
