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saxas Author

Level 1

25 points

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

63 replies

KmS RoX

Level 1

0 points

Oct 22, 2012 11:10 PM in response to GayleFromOz

@GayleFromOz Mine still has not been fixed mechanically by Apple or any representative of Apple. To help cool it down I purchased a Zalman ZM - NC2000 and did some reverse engineering on how it is setup, see below photo's.

Basically I turned the Zalman around and purchased some non-skid risers from Walmart (very inexpensive), and leveled out the Macbook Pro by stacking more risers near the back of the Macbook Pro, and you do want the cooler this direction as the heat is mainly focused in that area and that is where the best cooling section is on the cooler. The cooler is on a slant so the risers are necessary, make sure to get the black non-skid hard risers and not the white non-skid cushy risers, I have both and the cushy ones do not work well but I had to use them so it called for a bit more reverse engineering by adding two metal strips in the back two so the laptop does not fall off. You will also need to put risers beneath the Zalman to level it out. I recommend also putting it on a metal stand with holes in it that will raise it off the flat surface and the air will circulate much better. This cooler makes me cold it blows so much air.

Of course none of this helps at all if you want to use it on your lap however I have had no over heating issues since I have been using this rig. I still have ALL the other issues I posted in previous post and at some point will have to send it in.

Now for the good news... once I got the thing to stop over heating I was able to install Mountain Lion and it works well, much better than Lion and rightly so since Moutain Lion is only a patch for the messed up Lion. I have been running Mountain Lion now for near two months so if your major concern is to get Mountain Lion on it then the steps to follow that will work.

1. First get a good cooler

2. Do a total erase and install of Lion and do not use anything from Time Machine do a full install over the net or from a virgin ISO you may have created when you first installed Lion.

3. Make the necessary updates.

4. Open the App Store and install Mountain Lion.

That will do the trick.

treeyou

Level 1

9 points

Aug 27, 2013 7:42 PM in response to PacificBlue

hey everyone, i created something for this very issue... and just launched it on Kickstarter. Please check it out if you want to stay 'Cool'.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/myworm/cool-apple-macbook-pro-cooler-that-co ols-inside-an

Lowers BOTH internal and external temps... and it's tested and proven! contact me through Kickstarter or treeyou@gmail.com if you have any questions. Thanks and please pass the word!!!!

May 12, 2014 3:28 PM in response to PacificBlue

How does that help anyone? This is a support community....not a snide forum for you to showcase your improper self-perception. The guy asked a question...if you're not on here to help, then shut your pompous mouth.

macbook pro 2011 - severe overheating issues