Does the screen angle change the fan efficiency?

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jack2011 Author

Level 1

8 points

Does the screen angle change the fan efficiency?

After my last question, I decided to settle down and play a game. My machine started to get a little hot, so i popped it on to my cooling fan thingie. As it started to cool down, I got wondering and thought of a rather random question- does the angle of the screen change how the fans work? Since (to my knowlage) the fans are at the hinge of the Mac, does putting the screen to a near close make the fans have more intake? Or this this area fon the outtake fans?

So many questions! Urghhh.

Thanks in advance, I really do appreciate getting replies and everything 😝

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3), 13 Inch Base Model :)

Posted on Apr 24, 2013 3:00 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Shotgun00

Level 2

220 points

Apr 24, 2013 3:36 AM in response to jack2011

Actually having the screen almost closed or closed all the way, like in clamshell mode, will restrict the air flow. If you put your hand over the area just above the keyboard you can feel the air coming out. Restricting that air flow by partially closing the screen forces all the air flow out the bottom which is restricted by whatever it is sitting on.

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Answer 2

Shotgun00

Level 2

220 points

Apr 24, 2013 6:27 AM in response to jack2011

That area is both intake and exhaust. Air is drawn in from one part of it and expelled from the other side. So the system is recycling some of the air.

Not sure how it all works but I suspect this is one reason Mac notebooks get so hot and stay hotter longer even after the CPU & GPU has stopped being taxed by programs you are running.

Now on the retina models there are side vents that may work as intake vents. Not really sure as I don't own one of those.

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Answer 3

Shotgun00

Level 2

220 points

Apr 24, 2013 5:24 AM in response to jack2011

That area is both intake and exhaust. Air is drawn in from one part of it and expelled from the other side. So the system is recycling some of the air.

Not sure how it all works but I suspect this is one reason Mac notebooks get so hot and stay hotter longer even after the CPU & GPU has stopped being taxed by programs you are running.

Now on the retina models there are side vents that may work as intake vents. Not really sure as I don't own one of those.

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Answer 4

jack2011 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 24, 2013 4:55 AM in response to Shotgun00

Thanks ShotGun00, you have really helped me. Just another question for you or whoever passes by here- is this a intake or outtake fan? Stupid question I know, but I'm very curious 🙂

Thanks, and wherever you are good night or morning or midday or whatever 😉

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Answer 5

jack2011 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 24, 2013 6:11 AM in response to Shotgun00

Hahaha- there was me thinking that the vents on the side/bottom were speakers 🙂

Your answers were very insightful, but I have done something a tad silly; I have already liked your comments (oops!) so in order for you to get the best answer, you may want to copy your answer and post it again. This is to direct people to the correct answer.

Sorry for the late reply, busy eating my pasta 😉

Thank you once again ShotGun00, you've been a great help 😝.

(Trying to keep the emoticons different is hard!)

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