Macbook Core Duo - CPU Temperature 82ºC (179ºF)?

It's quite normal that encoding processes take the core temp up to the high 70s, or even low 80s. However, this tends to be greatly affected by circulation. There are a few things you can do:

* buy a laptop cooler pad like this: http://www.ebest24.co.uk/products/computer-networking/new-3-fan-notebook-laptop- cooler-pad.html

* make sure the bottom of the machine is clear - put it on a hard surface so it's sat up on its feet

* check the temperature and airflow in the room it's in. A warm room will mean a warm computer (e.g. 28C room versus 20C room can make 15-20C difference to core temp, in my experience). If there's a ceiling fan or something, circulate the air.

There's not really any danger in running it for a while at that temperature. I regularly run mine at 78C while encoding stuff and find that the steps I just described do help. The machine has a safety cut off that will shut the machine down cold if it's likely to be damaged by heat (some people mistakenly think this is RSD showing up, but it's not). If that doesn't happen, then I wouldn't worry too much.

Hi Jimi - what you're experiencing is completely normal. Handbrake uses all the CPU power it can put its hands on (its a great program that rips DVD faster than any PC program I've come across).

When the CPU is under full load it will heat up and fans will spin at full 6200rpm.
If you're using smcFanControl 1.2 or newer - to monitor your CPU temperature, you should probably know that it doesn't take the temperature directly from the CPU but from a cooling pipe near the CPU. Thus the temperature readings are about 5 deg C higher than the actual CPU temperatures. So if you're showing 82deg C using smcFanControl your actual CPU temperature is about 75-77deg C. IT'S COMPLETELY NORMAL and won't damage your computer. Intel CoreDuo specifications state that the CPU can reach 100deg C and still be safe.

When I use Handbrake I see temperatures of about 76 to 80 deg C, and so will everyone using MacBooks =)

You don't use Handbrake 24/7 so don't worry about damaging your computer

CHeers

I also use handbreak and have seen as high as 88 degrees! which concerned me. Thanks for answering.

What is it that is so hot? Is it the hdd or the ram or the processor?
Thanks
Nick

Jimi, yes, 82C is indeed kinda high when the CPU load is pushed to 100%. But as the others said, it is still normal. One thing i wanna add is that you don't have to be nervous every time when you stress out the CPU, cuz the computer is supposed to be able to handle that as long as it's not over 100C although that is kinda pushing it. If, God forbid, your computer failed because of that, the bright side is Apple will definitely fix it for you as long as ur still in the AppleCare coverage (so i suggest you to extend the warranty if you haven't), and ur Macbook probably comes back as a much cooler unit.

This is what happened to me. My MB used to be the same as yours. The CPU temp climbed up to low 80's as soon as Handbrake was running to rip DVDs. It went into Apple's repair center for random shutdowns couple of months ago to get its heatsink replaced. Now the CPU temp never gets over 70C no matter how i push it.

Also, make sure you have the SMC firmware updated to the latest version, which regulates the fan behavior of ur MB. it can help a lot in cooling the unit, too.

Not so high really. Compare here.

http://www.intelmactemp.com/list