MacBook Pro exceeds 70 degrees C

Question

Level 1

8 points

MacBook Pro exceeds 70 degrees C

My MacBook Pro seems to get VERY hot. Almost to 80 degrees C. That's getting close to boiling point of water! Is this normal?! Sometimes I can't even touch it because it's too hot.

I've downloaded smcFanControl which seems to cool it down a little, but is that right that you have to download a third party application to cool your overheating MacBook Pro down? I shouldn't have to do that right?

Anyone suggest anything?

Mac Pro 1, 1, MacBook Pro 15" (2010), Mac OS X (10.6.3), (Y)

Posted on Jun 7, 2010 8:01 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 7, 2010 9:22 AM in response to sixam

sixam wrote:
My MacBook Pro seems to get VERY hot. Almost to 80 degrees C. That's getting close to boiling point of water! Is this normal?! Sometimes I can't even touch it because it's too hot.

Yes, it's normal. If you put a load on the CPU or GPU, the temperature will rise significantly.

I've downloaded smcFanControl which seems to cool it down a little, but is that right that you have to download a third party application to cool your overheating MacBook Pro down? I shouldn't have to do that right?

No, you shouldn't and you don't. You can of course use smcFanControl if you prefer to keep your temperatures as low as possible, but the laptop is capable of managing heat on its own. The fans will spin up as necessary.

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Answer 2

sixam Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 7, 2010 9:30 AM in response to Shaggywerewolf

Okay so the MacBook Pro may be able to take the extreme temperatures, but I certainly can't! It gets way too hot for my on my lap and even when it's on the desk I can't touch it sometimes. Do you think investing in a stand of some sort might solve this?

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Answer 3

Jun 7, 2010 1:55 PM in response to sixam

Hello, I have been concerned about the temp too since I am running folding@home 24/7
The CPU at about 70c is fine (from my research, Im no expert) and it should be okay up to 90c. the outside should not be more than 35c. And those numbers are under max load. hotter than that and I believe you have a problem.

I use my BF's old Dell as a heatsink/lap pad

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Answer 4

sixam Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 7, 2010 2:02 PM in response to flyingponytail

Oh so that's what Dells are for! xD

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