New Macbook Pro overheating... should I switch to an Air?

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Level 1

8 points

New Macbook Pro overheating... should I switch to an Air?

I just purchased (seven days ago) a new Macbook Pro (13 inch with 2.4 processor and 16 RAM, so it was an upgraded version). It replaced a six-year-old Macbook Air. The new Pro is running extremely hot versus my old Air -- bottom of computer is quite hot to the touch and the heat radiates somewhat to the keyboard.

I took to the Apple store and they ran diagnostics and said computer was fine -- this is just how it works. They suggested running Safari instead of Chrome, using a laptop desk (I tend to rest the computer on the arm of my favorite chair, though I'm not really sure I'm blocking the fan) and a few other things. I'm in the process of trying all of that, but so far nothing is making much of a difference.

I also admit I'm a bit confused: They said computer was fine, but I almost never hear the fan turn on. (I think it's turned on just once since I've used it.) But in any case, they said diagnostics showed no issue with fan.

But I'm still in the return window and I'm just wondering if I should return this and get a new Air instead (or perhaps a Pro with the lower processor)? Would that make a significant difference in terms of the heat? (It would also save me money, of course.) I do want speed and ease of use, but all I use computer for is web surfing (though I tend to keep lots of tabs open) and word processing. It will be a huge pain to buy a new machine and set things up again, but if that will solve this issue, I'll do it.

Anyone have thoughts on this? And/or other possible solutions?

MacBook

Posted on Feb 1, 2020 10:03 AM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,943 points

Feb 1, 2020 10:16 AM in response to chazpbg

You can certainly do that in your fourteen day window. But you should understand that all Mac laptops utilize the case as part of the cooling system. You claim it is overheating but provide no specific evidence that is the case. Furthermore, resting the computer on the arm of a chair completely blocks the case bottom's heat dissipation ability. That will cause the computer to run hotter. I have a 2018 version of what you have. It does run hotter than my old MBPs but that's to be expected given the CPU/GPU processor.

You may want to download an app that monitors various temperature sensors in the computer. You can report the information along with the applications that were in use when the observations were made. Only then can one determine if the computer is truly overheating. I recommend iStat Menus.

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Answer 2

Kappy

Level 10

362,943 points

Feb 1, 2020 7:18 PM in response to chazpbg

If that's all you will use it for, then you don't need a Mac. But if a Mac is what you must have, then get the MBA. It is slower and less powerful than the MBP so it will be cooler.

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Answer 3

chazpbg Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 1, 2020 2:50 PM in response to Kappy

When I say it's overheating, I just know it's very hot on the bottom and the keys themselves become warm. Don't know actual temps or anything -- and have not tried any software or anything to determine that. I'm really just trying to figure out if an Air would work without having the same issues -- meaning would it run cooler -- given the limited range of what I do (web surfing and word processing).

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New Macbook Pro overheating... should I switch to an Air?

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