CPU temperature really high...

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Level 1

13 points

CPU temperature really high...

I have a temperature monitor program downloaded on my computer, and it's been showing my CPU A sensor reading around 180 degrees F with heavy activity (burning dual layer DVDs etc). This seems awfully high, so I downloaded a fan controlling program and cranked it all the way up. at 6000 RPMs, I'm getting the temp down to 155 degrees or so.

I've recently had problems with both my power supply (battery completely shutting down at 89% and not turning back on after only 20 cycles) and the optical drive (the drive will not recognize dual layer disks that I burn, yet they'll be recognized fine on my PC, in a DVD player, or other mac).

I'm wondering if it's possible that the motherboard was somehow damaged by the high temperatures and my computer's inability to adjust properly. any ideas?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.2), 3GB RAM 2.16GHz

Posted on Apr 20, 2008 1:15 AM

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Answer 1

drsailer

Level 4

1,537 points

Apr 20, 2008 5:54 AM in response to JohnAMo

The upper safe limit for the CPU cores is 212 F. You aren't close so no damage would have occurred. In fact, the fans won't normally kick in until you reach around 180 F for a short period. The computers have built in circuitry to prevent computer harm from heat. If you temps were too hot for too long, the computer would have shut itself off. Logic boards problems won't be heat related in this situation.

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Answer 2

Aleksejs

Level 1

30 points

Apr 20, 2008 6:09 AM in response to drsailer

But there another problem with high CPU temperature. It has some influence on another computer components. Especially in MBP, where is not so many space for normal air circulation. High temperatures can damage a battery and a hard drive.

So... If you need to run some CPU intensive tasks, then places your computer on same stable surface and keep clear area around your computer. It will help a little bit to reduce heat.

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Answer 3

drsailer

Level 4

1,537 points

Apr 20, 2008 6:37 AM in response to Aleksejs

In the current MBPs, the CPUs are the only items that can get even close to max temp before the machine shuts off. If your computer is running correctly and is properly ventilated heat won't be an issue for producing damage.

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Answer 4

mayaman

Level 1

10 points

Apr 20, 2008 2:17 AM in response to JohnAMo

my MBP also goes to hi temp 80 c. and i guess it can handle pretty well. anyway i´ve bought an external accessory with two fans so when i need more ventilation under i put it on.

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Answer 5

Apr 20, 2008 4:54 AM in response to JohnAMo

My fans don't start to speed up until I hit 75 degrees C on the cpu. As long as it doesn't approach 100 degrees C you should be fine. The highest I have ever seen is 85 degrees C.

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