External Monitor Clam Shell

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Level 1

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External Monitor Clam Shell

Hi, I have a new june 2009 15 macbook pro and an external monitor hooked up to it. The awakening and everything works, but here's my question:

The computer gets hot, real hot... What are the effects of the labtop's monitor and internals with using it when it's closed? The top of the computer gets really hot, and the screen, even though not on, is basically touching is while closed. I do high performance video rendering and don't know if I should use my computer in clamshell mode while doing this. My old 17" has screen bending and I don't know if it is because of this.

Thanks,
Sam

Macbook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8), Intel 2.33 Core 2, Intel 2.8 Core 2

Posted on Aug 21, 2009 8:22 AM

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Answer 1

eww

Level 9

53,052 points

Aug 21, 2009 8:35 AM in response to spec09

I do high performance video rendering and don't know if I should use my computer in clamshell mode while doing this.

I wouldn't. Better to leave the machine open (with its built-in display dimmed if you like) and set up so air can circulate freely all around it.

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Answer 2

Aug 21, 2009 9:03 AM in response to eww

Honestly. I run in clamshell mode most of the time, and left Parallels running last night as I often do, forgetting to "suspend". So I wake up to a computer that's running both processors at 100%; CPU temp is about 80C, and fans are running at 6200 RPM. But according to iStat, the temp on the bottom (the hotter part) of the case is 34C. I don't think there is any overheating issue with these machines. The run hot, but they run. I did install SMC fan control, but I've come to think it's unnecessary.

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Answer 3

Mini-Mac

Level 3

825 points

Aug 21, 2009 9:13 AM in response to eww

I leave mine closed all the time (2 MBP's) and have not had any problems. Been doing this for more than 2 years with other MB's and MBP's. I also do video rendering that can take up to 2 hours to complete all along the fans are at maximum speed.

For peace of mind crack the lid open a couple of inches to get air flow. I think the hot air comes out the back anyway. Maybe that's what I'll start doing as well when rendering video.

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Answer 4

spec09 Author

Level 1

0 points

Aug 21, 2009 9:18 AM in response to spec09

I think I'll just crack it open a little bit after I put it in clamshell. Really the only part I'm worried about is the top, in inbetween the top row of keys and where the hinge is. Putting my fingers on that, I notice significant heat, with my CPUs runnning at 140F.

After running for about 15 minutes while fully closed, I opened the computer and felt the bottom of the actual screen: It was pretty hot. That's my biggest fear. Morphing on the bottom, where the lid bows out. It happened to my old 17".

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