New 4k max firestick review

So I am very happy with my New 4K Max and troy also has a great review on the newest Firestick edition.
BUT,and this is a new issue that I haven’t had until the last two days, my Max is locking up, becoming unresponsive and the remote doesn’t seem to do anything, although it is working, but the stick is slow initiating the commands from the remote. Now to be sure, this is after over 6 hrs of continuous use. I did a thorough analysis and I isolated it to a heat issue. When I first considered the Max, I was a bit concerned when I read about the faster processors in the Max. As those who have been around computers for a time know, faster processors mean higher temps. I brushed it off thinking perhaps the experts had found a way to resolve this issue with the new Max. WRONG. Of course some programs need more cpu and gpu cycles to run creating more heat, and what triggers my issues, is the Silk browser. There are many ways to help limit the sticks temperature and I do everything necessary on a daily basis and I have resolved, or for now seemingly reduced, my problem, by installing a small fan behind my TV to increase air flow and cool the stick. That’s it for now folks.
Stream On and have fun.

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@Miki

Thank you for the update. :slight_smile:

There was external cooling you could get. Not sure if still around.

Overheating seems to be the biggest issues for alot of units. The firestick doesn’t have ports to vent. As much as I enjoy the reviews they really should have vents on these sticks. They are putting more power into them without cooling or proper heat releases which would cause rebooting.

There is options you can get after some research. Haven’t tried tho.

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This is back to the old days when some rebuilt the outer case with mods like drilling holes, placing the unit inside a homemade housing with small case fans and leaving the cover off, to prying off the original heat shield and adding miniature heat sinks. Necessity is the mother of invention.

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I downloaded the Clean Master app and there is a feature in there to cool down a device called CPU Cooler. I guess it closes down apps that generate a lot of activity ergo heat? Idk, but it is free and worth a shot.

Btw, this app is intended for phone applications, but I use it on my Shield.

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I don’t have any “extra” cpu hogs to close down. So far I’ve isolated it to two apps. Cinema HD and Silk. I deleted Cinema but use Silk every day. May have to think about FireFox. My Max still has 3.6GB of space. Lol. Lean and mean. The fan worked perfectly. No more overheating.

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Solution! lol

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This setup dropped the temp from 80 to 45.
I should mention, the heat sink is held on by 3m heat transfer tape.

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I will have the fan by Friday and I will get a chance to see if it cools enough to stop the restarts; then I will post the results.
Thanks to every one for the replys.

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I look forward to your report. Thank you for taking time to add information on Troy’s site. Every little piece of the puzzle we contribute help’s to get the complete picture.

HAVE FUN AND STREAM ON.

5 days ago I bought 3 of these @ $34.99. Just checked they still are $34.99 each

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For better or worse, I decided to purchase the newest model and thus far I’m glad I did because it’s so much snappier. The previous model I owned was from 2021 I believe and with only the 8GB (not really after the fact) of storage it was struggling with lag…NOT the case with my new 4k Max. Time will tell.

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Way to go @Mxyzptlk. I’m a tad reluctant to take the plunge, but may do so depending if I can get a US model. Please keep us updated with your progress as well as your opinion. I’m curious if the adding of extra storage has improved. Merry Christmas to you and yours. :gift: :christmas_tree:

where did you get the fans?

Most computer shops would have these fans as well as the heat sinks.

Ain’t no way I’m ever going to Tinker with a Fan. If I have to do that I have the wrong Box :rofl:

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U R Correct, that was on a 4K Max tucked behind a TV with a wall mount and virtually no free air flow. Haven’t used a Stick in months now. Shield Pro has an internal fan. Good morning Mr. @MarkxG

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I wonder if killing the power to the stick when your not using it would help with the heat.I don’t have the new stick but I’ve been doing this with the previous version and never had heat problems. I also have a 6 ‘ hdmi cord that keeps it far away from the TV. Stick is on a power strip so I just flick a switch every night before I hit the sack.

That’s exactly what I did with mine. That heat issue was on a customers setup in a 5 million dollar condo overlooking the ocean. If they want to pay me to play and learn, I love it. My personal setup was a max plugged into the powerbar using a powered hub with ethernet and 128GBs externall USB drive for storage. Shut the powerbar down every night, TV, Soundbar and Stick. The hub had a lengthy lead and was velcroed to the lower corner of my TV.