CPU keeps overheating

Since you're already paying attention to the actual internal temperatures (i.e., it isn't simply "my macbook pro gets hot!"), you might try smcFanControl as a way to control the fan speed yourself for greater cooling.

Also, you might find this discussion of MBP cooling of interest.

First do a SMC reset:

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3964

If the temperatures do not fall, run an Apple hardware test;

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1509

You may have to use OPTION D to start it.

Post back indicating what the results are.

Ciao.

When your MBP gets what you believe to be hot post the equivalent images of your MBP of both iStat pro and Activity Monitor. Make certain that Activity Monitor is set to 'All Processes' and %CPU' displays values from high to low.

Ciao.

pghkatrina wrote:

From what I'm seeing this is supposed to control the fan speed - correct? What would be the best/correct one?

I know that the temperature was getting too hot, but really wouldn't know much about that... 😕

In addition to the "Default" setting, which is whatever Apple thinks is OK for temperature vs fan speed, you can create additional custom fan speeds which you can choose from the pull-down menu instead of Apple's Default. What's important to realize is that all you're setting is the lowest fan speed when the computer is running. If it begins to heat up to the point that, even in Apple's design, more ventilation is needed, the fan will still speed up. And since the smcFanControl menu shows both the fan speed and a temperature, it's easy to monitor.

As to which speed is best, the speed would depend on what you're currently doing and the heat that generates. Moreover, you can try different speeds to see what gives an operating temperature you're comfortable with in given situations and then save them as a variety of your custom settings, choosing them as needed.

The temperatures shown on the iStat pro display are on the high side but within acceptable levels for the activity being performed. The operating environment such as room temperature can have an effect on the internal temperatures as well as how the MBP is positioned to allow air to flow freely around it.

I would open the MBP and examine if there is any accumulation of any dust or dirt inside. If so clean it out. The fan is a popular place for contaminant build up. If nothing is found, then for peace of mind you may have an Apple store genius bar technician look at it. There is no charge for that.

I personally do not favor user fan controllers. I have faith in the Apple engineers designing an adequate cooling system. Others have differing thoughts on this.

Ciao.