Hot MacBook Pro

Question

Hot MacBook Pro

My MacBook pro constantly gets way too hot to have on my lap. My fans constantly stay on and I recently had my MBP repaired because of the logic board fried. Is there anything I can do(I have used software smc thing) like ask for a replacement or anything really so I don't get burnt from using my laptop.

MBP 15' 2.5ghz 512mb gt8600 4 gb ram, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Dec 20, 2010 9:57 AM

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Answer 1

joeuu

Level 5

5,089 points

Dec 20, 2010 10:03 AM in response to Justin Van Dyk

Your profile shows only 512mB RAM and running 10.5.8.

Is this correct? If so, you may want to stay away from gaming and flash intensive sites.

Joe

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Answer 2

Dec 20, 2010 10:13 AM in response to joeuu

I bought the upgraded videocard specifically for gaming. Do newer macbook pros have this problem with an upgraded videocard causing overheating?

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Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,856 points

Dec 20, 2010 10:18 AM in response to Justin Van Dyk

What is way too hot? Please be specific about the temps then we can tell you if your machine is getting too hot. You can download iStatPro and it will provide various temps as well as other useful information about your MBP.

Roger

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Answer 4

vadx

Level 1

0 points

Feb 8, 2011 8:04 PM in response to Justin Van Dyk

smcfancontrol will help keep the book cooler. up the rpms

http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/23049/smcfancontrol

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Answer 5

eww

Level 9

53,028 points

Feb 9, 2011 3:03 AM in response to Justin Van Dyk

The machine does NOT belong on your lap, especially not if you're using it for gaming. Your lap or any other soft surface prevents it from cooling itself efficiently (and as you've noticed, using it on your lap also makes you quite uncomfortable). So don't do that. The MBP needs to be on a hard, flat surface, with airspace underneath the bottom of it to aid in convective cooling of the bottom case. That's why it has rubber feet on the bottom of it.

Gaming is the most demanding use you can make of your computer, so it generates more heat than any other activity. You've shot yourself in the foot by cooking one logic board already. Give your new one a chance at a long life by using your MBP as it's designed to be used, with air circulation all around it.

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Answer 6

BOYT

Level 1

0 points

Feb 9, 2011 7:47 AM in response to Justin Van Dyk

I had the same problem until I went to walamart and got a little lap rest stand, made by Belkin, with a cooling fan attached. The design is made so you can use it on your lap and it will not prevent air from escaping the MBP. Also, you just plug the attached fan into the usb port and it really keeps the bottom cool. I havent had any problems since!

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