macbook pro 2011 - severe overheating issues

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macbook pro 2011 - severe overheating issues

I just recently received my 2011 15" 2.2 GHz Macbook Pro from Apple. (It came via FedEx Monday morning.)

I noticed right away how quickly it heats up and how often the fans kick in; even when simply browsing the web using Safari. I began using it for Music Production, which is the purpose I intended to buy it for in the first place, using programs such as Logic Studio, Abelton Live, and even GarageBand, and notice that it became hot to the touch within 10 to 15 minutes. The entire aluminum enclosure heats up; especially on the bottom: so hot that I could feel the heat against the desk in which I have it sitting on. It also heats up around the speakers, power button, certain places on the keyboard, and the trackpad. It shut off twice within one hour after reaching what I can only assume were very high temperatures, temperatures most likely unsafe for this machine. Right before it shut off the last time I noticed that something smelt like it was very hot, almost burning, you know that smell?

My question is, since I do not have the AppleCare (not as of right now, that is. I definitely plan to by the end of the day,) but it is a completely new Macbook Pro, can I take it to Apple to have them at least take a look at it without it costing me anything (at least up front)?

macbook pro (2011)

Posted on Mar 8, 2011 11:29 PM

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Answer 1

saxas Author

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25 points

Mar 8, 2011 11:50 PM in response to saxas

it will not allow me to edit my post, so I apologize in advanced for any issues caused by my double post.

Edit: I should mention that I also noticed a small nick on the side of the aluminum enclose, where the enclose meets the display. It is not a huge deal, it just causes concern, for me at least, that something may have happened to this machine during production.

I also should note that, at times when the fans rpm are very high, i experience extreme slow downs in most applications, no matter what is running, and at times the entire OS locks up.

Message was edited by: saxas

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Answer 2

Mar 9, 2011 12:58 AM in response to saxas

The high temperatures you are experiencing and the slowdowns are not normal. Your new Mac should be able to do all those things you want with (at worst) becoming slightly warm with the fans kicking in occasionally (you will note my address, and I do not have air-conditioning).

Make sure that all the vents are clear. Also have a look at Activity Monitor (in the Utilities folder) to see if there is a specific application that is taking up too much processor and for too long.

If this is a new machine, then AppleCare should not be a question as you have 12 months warranty: it will cost you nothing for a look (or even replacement if it is shown to be a defective computer). The only oddity is the nick in the side and you may have to convince someone at the Genius Bar (where you should be heading today if possible) that this was not caused by you. If necessary, if this is not accepted, you may need to ask for a supervisor.

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Answer 3

saxas Author

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Mar 9, 2011 1:31 AM in response to Graham K. Rogers

Thank you for the reply, Graham.

I had figured that I may have to do some convincing about the nick.

I have been checking the Activity Monitor on most occasions; I like the check what applications do what to the processor and the RAM usage.

I am definitely heading to my nearest Apple Store later on today given the chance. Hopefully somebody there will be able to help me out.

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Answer 4

Mar 9, 2011 2:15 AM in response to saxas

That nick is sure to bring about questions. I have no way of knowing its size/position/cause of course, so just suggest you go along gently and explain. Do you have any idea where it came from: was it there when you opened the box?

I take it that, if you have been checking Activity Monitor, there is nothing unusual there? And you did check the vents? There was one Mac a few years back that had some problems as there was a plastic cover at the back that some folks forgot to remove.

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Answer 5

saxas Author

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25 points

Mar 9, 2011 3:09 AM in response to Graham K. Rogers

I have checked the venting, and made sure that the laptop is flat on my desk with nothing immediately surrounding it.

Nothing within Activity Monitor strikes me as being anything of concern so far. Nothing unusual there to report.

The nick is very small, only really noticeable because it is a black mark against the aluminum enclosure. It was indeed there when I opened the box, I can say this for a fact. All I did was remove it from the box and place it on my desk, where it has been for the past two days (since arriving.) I do not see how it would affect the cooling (or lack there of, as the case may be) at all, since it is on the lid, but as I said, it makes me worry about what may have happened to it before it reached my hands.

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Answer 6

dnakad

Level 1

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Mar 9, 2011 4:21 AM in response to saxas

This happened to me aswell the first days using it, i spoke to apple and they suggested a fresh install och snow leopard, after doing this, its much much cooler, give it a try.

/d

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Answer 7

Mar 9, 2011 5:09 AM in response to saxas

Is this one of the latest machines? Or is it the series before with the i7 or i5 processor (I have one of these). An early strip down of this latest version (iFixit) suggested that there was a bit too much thermal paste which might lead to problems. From what you write, all appears normal (Activity Monitor, etc.) but just the heat and runaway fans. That sounds more like a processor problem or a sensor failure.

The idea that dnakad has is a good suggestion. I always do this as a matter of course when it comes out of the box anyway. As long as any important data is backed up, in will not do any hard. Remember that with Snow Leopard it only writes over the top whereas if you do want a clean install, you would need to use Disk Utility (on the install disk) and erase the hard disk first. Despite the apparent seriousness, it is not a hard or risky job (as long as that data is backed up).

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Answer 8

saxas Author

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25 points

Mar 9, 2011 5:24 AM in response to Graham K. Rogers

I appreciate that suggestion, as well as the reply, Dnakad. You too Graham.

If I get the chance, I will try a fresh install of Snow Leopard before I head to the Apple Store some time today. Quick question on reinstalling the OS, Graham, you said that it writes over the top: what did you mean by that?

Also, I did read the iFixit post about the thermal paste, that also has me concerned. That had me concerned even before purchasing one (To answer your question, it is indeed one of the latest machines - the 15" 2.2 GHz Quad Core Intel Core i7 model.)

I am hoping that the people at the Genius Bar will tell me something as simple as a fresh install of Snow Leopard will solve my problems, and that works; and that it is not something as dire as a processor problem or a sensor failure.

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Answer 9

Mar 9, 2011 5:51 AM in response to saxas

I may not have been clear. It does not install a fresh copy, it just changes/adds/removes any components that need adjusting. I am not explaining this too well. Before it used to write over the OS, now it (sort of) adjusts it. That was why I suggested to get a new installation might need an erase first. However, if the Snow Leopard install fixes things, it does it quicker and you lose nothing.

OK, one of the latest machines (jealousy creeping in: not even arriving for another 2-3 weeks here).

It is best to start with the simple and build up. That simple install may do it.

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Answer 10

saxas Author

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Mar 9, 2011 7:49 AM in response to Graham K. Rogers

Haha, no worries. It is a little hard to explain, I realize. I understand though, that is what I figured. I will try a new install of Snow Leopard. How do I erase before doing a clean install? Never done that before.

The new machines are nice, heres hoping that not all of them have such issues as I am having (I highly doubt it), but they are definitely capable of handling anything and everything. The benchmark scores that I have seen are something that I would not have even dreamt of.

I appreciate all of your help so far.

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Answer 11

saxas Author

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Mar 9, 2011 10:28 AM in response to saxas

Sorry for double posting yet again.

Just thought that I should update: I called 1-800-My-Apple, they told me to reset the SMC and the PRAM. I did so and all was fine for about an hour and forty-five minutes, after which the fans began to crank up again, the enclose got hot, and inevitably the machine shut itself off once more. I called Apple back and they set me up for an appointment this afternoon at a Genius Bar.

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Answer 12

iyacyas

Level 4

1,536 points

Mar 9, 2011 11:35 AM in response to saxas

Not to interrupt the great advise given so far, but I cannot resist...

Here are my thoughts:

The machine is broke with hardware issues.

It is new the machine is designed to shut itself off if temp reach dangerous damaging temps.

This has happened, what 3 times at least.

SMC/PRAM reset is likely not going to fix this problem and a fresh install, well, em' probably not. I would be surprised. Only because your machine keeps shutting itself off. Not sure if the other poster had their machine shutting down on them or just a temp heat problem.

Here is my suggestion when you take it to the genius bar.

1. be patient and let them check it out.

2. If they want to do a reinstall let them, but make sure you have your data backed up before you go.

3. If you do a clean install at the Genius bar, DO NOT leave the store with out testing it thoroughly.

4. You have 14 days after purchase to return any Mac.

5. If you are with in this 14 days, Do Not let them convince you to send the machine in for repair. Do an exchange or return.

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Answer 13

saxas Author

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Mar 9, 2011 11:43 AM in response to iyacyas

Thank you, Iyacyas. I am worried about what hardware may be the issue here. I don't really want to have them send the machine in for repair, but I have the high resolution model, and they did not have those in the store when I purchased my Macbook Pro, so I had to order it. I figure that if, thinking worst case scenario here, I have to replace the machine, I will probably have to get it sent it. I am hoping that it is simply something that they can take care of in store, but I do agree, it does seem to be some sort of hardware failure... So chances are it will need some type of repair (or the need to be swapped out.)

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Answer 14

Mar 9, 2011 1:10 PM in response to saxas

I can't believe I am still reading posts expressing that the overheating is due to the excess of thermal paste applied to the processor, etc. Come on, hasn't Apple fixed this issue? When I bought my macbook back in 2008, supposedly that was the issue and now about three generations later still is.

This is an engineering problem where Apple does not know how to dissipate the heat and decided to use an aluminum enclosure(what a great idea). Having a nice looking laptop doesn't do any good when I can't even put it on my lap wearing pants...Sorry, I thought we were talking about lap-tops.

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Answer 15

Mar 9, 2011 1:29 PM in response to saxas

I just got my 13-incher on Monday, and I've NEVER heard the fan kick in.

I'd ask for a replacement.

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