Mac Book Pro gets extremely hot!

Monitor you fans and temps with iStat Pro. Also, see if there are any processes in your Activity Monitor that are using an excessive amount of CPU power.

Try resetting your SMC and PRAM.

Resetting the System Management Controller >>

Dave M.
MacOSG Founder/Ambassador  An Apple User Group  iTunes: MacOSG Podcast
Macsimum News Associate Editor  Creator of 'Mac611 - Mobile Mac Support'

http://www.apple.com/downloads/dashboard/status/istatpro.html

It's OK to reset SMU and PRAM

Dave M.
MacOSG Founder/Ambassador  An Apple User Group  iTunes: MacOSG Podcast
Macsimum News Associate Editor  Creator of 'Mac611 - Mobile Mac Support'

I think you want to keep your macbook pro under 60°C or so. Your fan control should tell you the temp so you can monitor it. I like to keep my macbook pro at or under 57°C, so it doesn't scorch me 🙂. If it goes over 70°C, mine shuts itself down, so that tells me 70°C is way too hot. My runs around 50°C when it's normal and not working extra hard, and can get as hot as 60°C and be okay.

If the fans do not work at all, you may need to replace them. When you install your fan control program (I use smcFanControl), you will be able to turn the fans' RPM up to cool the computer down. Then you'll know if they are broken or not, because if they are broken, they won't work even if you turn them up. I discovered one of my fans was broken this way, even though it didn't show up on a hardware diagnostics test.

The Macbook Pro is not a laptop. Make sure your computer is getting proper ventilation. If your computer is not getting proper ventilation, this can cause a hot Macbook Pro.

Per your user manual: Do not operate your MacBook Pro on a pillow or other soft material, as the material can block the airflow vents. Never place anything over the keyboard when operating your MacBook Pro. Never push objects into the ventilation openings.

From MacBook Pro: Care, Use, and Safety Information
For prolonged use, place your MacBook Pro on a flat, stable surface. Do not place your MacBook Pro on your lap or other body surface for extended periods of time. Prolonged body contact can cause discomfort and potentially a burn.

My CPU is running at 149 degrees F.
Base is 103 degrees F.
GPU 164
Heatsink A:131
Heatsing B: 115

Think I have a problem?

Oh and this is on a kitchen table.

Patrick F. wrote:
My CPU is running at 149 degrees F.
Base is 103 degrees F.
GPU 164
Heatsink A:131
Heatsing B: 115

Think I have a problem?

Nope. These are relatively average temps. Maybe a bit high if MBP is not doing anything, maybe a little low if it's doing heavy-duty gaming. It would probably run a bit cooler just by raising the rear about two inches.

Message was edited by: tjk

Kristina Latour wrote:
Hey there - CUP at 149 degrees? Really?! Then I guess I have nothing to worry 'bout.
I tried raising the rear, and it seemed to only get hotter.

Something doesn't sound right. Try raising it with a small block under each rear corner. I also raise the front about half an inch. It increases circulation and mine definitely runs cooler this way.

But, if you all don't think any of that's a problem, then ok - just wanted to check and make sure -- thanks much!

Again, it's "normal."

I have just been to the Genius Bar with this question, among others. They recommended that I download "SMCFancontrol", also recommended above by EyeHeartDesign. It's available free at http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/31029. Like iStatPro it monitors temperatures, but it also allows you to set a faster default fan speed and a target max temperature.

At the Genius Bar I was also advised to clean out the vents with compressed air and to make sure that I am not blocking the vents while I use the computer.

We'll see if this all works, as it has been running hotter than usual lately. I was afraid that components were getting fried, but was assured that the other issue this computer has (keyboard and trackpad stop working) is unrelated. Looks good so far - with fans at the new default of 4000 rpm, temp is 40º C.