Hi, I have ordered an iMac Mini M4 (24/512), should arrive by the end of the week and was going to store it under my desk. However as you can see in the attached photo, there will only be about 1cm of air space between the top of the iMac and the timber desk, will this be enough air space to allow for adequate cooling? Let me know your thoughts, thanks.
Nice!
You'll need a self-powered hub or dock to power multiple external drives from a single Mac mini port.
If you only have those two external drives, then you can get and use a USB-C to USB 3.0 adapter for each one.
for some examples:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PDLQ555/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Z768LCW/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?
https://www.target.com/p/philips-usb-c-to-3-0-usb-a-female-adapter/-/A-79804275
It's hard to tell how wide and deep the inside of that rack is.
The M4 Mac mini is 5" x 5" x 2" tall and the power button is on the bottom rear corner.
Plus the Air Intake and Exhaust vents are located around the bottom cover.
If the M4 Mac mini does not fit down in or on the rack. There are several after-market mounts that can be used to hang the M4 Mac mini on the bottom of the desk or on the back wall. see > m4 mac mini mount
It’s about 5 1/2” deep. I think I have a better solution, I’ve bent a 5-6” section of the end of the rack down so the Mac sits at the bottom level of the rack which would leave a 2” gap between the top of the Mac and the bottom of the desk (the box in the box is the same dimensions as the iMac mini), hopefully this will allow enough air cooling?
All nicely hidden under the deck, can access the power button very easily too! Loving this setup! What is the best usb-c to usb-3 4-port hub to use with these for my extension ssd and a Time Machine drive?
Like you, I've ordered an M4 which I don't have yet. But judging from my experience with the M1 Mini, I believe you should be fine with that setup, cooling-wise. The M1 never gets more than barely warm to the touch in my experience and I've never heard the fan (and I have mine in an enclosed cabinet under my desk). It just doesn't get that hot. It's possible the M4 may generate more heat, but I would doubt it. And you have the bottom open where the fan will be blowing, so that's a good thing, also.
gpedley wrote:
It’s about 5 1/2” deep. I think I have a better solution, I’ve bent a 5-6” section of the end of the rack down so the Mac sits at the bottom level of the rack which would leave a 2” gap between the top of the Mac and the bottom of the desk (the box in the box is the same dimensions as the iMac mini), hopefully this will allow enough air cooling?
Yes that should work fine.
Thanks for the feedback, one more question, obviously the power button will be a little less accessible with the iMac in this location. Is the iMac on to be left on all the time? Even if used a few times a week, or should it be powered down every day?
Thanks I’ll check those out, I’m using two rear ports for dual screens, was planning on getting a TB4 4TB extension SSD for the third rear port. I also have another usb—c going to the monitor (the BenQ monitor has a built in USB hub), then will use another usb port on the Mac for the Time Machine drive. Will also use yet another port for a manual backup drive, but can plug into the monitor usb hub for this. Just want to best utilise the higher transfer speed.
You're welcome.
Yes you can safely leave the Mac mini on 24-7.
Plus, you should be able to reach the power button thru the openings in the rack if and when it is needed.
If you need several extra ports, I like the OWC Thunderbolt hub. A little pricey, but gives some good added capability. https://www.owc.com/solutions/thunderbolt-hub
iMac Mini M4 Air Clearance for Cooling
