I have been closely monitoring the temperature of my M4 Pro Mini, focusing on both the die and the SSD, in addition to an external SSD. From my observations, a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius is not particularly alarming. During usage spikes, I have recorded temperatures reaching 66 degrees while running just a few applications.
It appears that the device prioritizes energy conservation, which includes keeping the fan running at an idle speed of around 1000 RPM until absolutely necessary. Under full load conditions, I have noted that the temperature hovers around 110 degrees, with prolonged heavy use resulting in temperatures climbing to 118 degrees, where it stabilizes. I have been utilizing large language models (LLMs) that fully engage the GPU for extended periods, and this is when I observe the temperature peak at 118 degrees.
During this time, the fans kick up to maximum speed. Additionally, while playing several 3D games at 4K and 5K resolutions, I’ve seen the device maintain a temperature close to 110 degrees, with the fans constantly operating at around 2500 RPM. My main point is that this machine operates hotter than any Mac I have previously owned, yet it is also the fastest.
My experiences with the M1 and M2 Air models showed distinctly different temperature behaviors. Before claiming that the device is running “too hot,” it’s crucial to understand the engineering specifications for maximum junction temperature (TJ Maximum), which Apple does not publicly disclose. It is also worth comparing the temperatures experienced on M4 Pros with other latest-generation silicon, which seem to run hotter than I am used to.
Unless you notice performance throttling, I would bet that your machine is functioning within normal parameters—or at least what is considered normal by Apple’s engineering standards.