High CPU temp on new SR MBPs

Oh dear, after receiving my system (June 6th), I just had to have a sneak peak at the handy work, just to conform are the rumours true!

On dismantling the system, after removing just about every visiable screws, I was able to take apart the entire system.. I was presented with a MBP with way too much Yellow sticky tape. It's on everything!!! On removing the logic board I discovered there's enough thermal gunk for about five additional systems!! Apparently this is Apple's idea of using Thermal Paste..
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1142/544386383337feecde7b.jpg

Modified with and replaced with high performance thermal paint... no more harboring excessive heat back on to the chips.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1281/544280522aba5a3c267b.jpg


Warning, doing this with your Mac will almost definitely void your
warranty. You've been warned. Explore and experiment at your own risk.

So, how well does it perform regarding heat... after your modification?

Just wanted to follow up that I did run the Disk Utility first and repaired some permissions. That did the trick and my Mac is up and running again. As my computer is all of 3 days old, I will take it in to the Apple Store on the weekend and see if it they can make any conclusions regarding the kernel panics.

Hi there,

Well, my stock system used to idle around 45-54°C, for a system that's not doing much other then surfing the web; that's pretty hot >< and that's without the SMCfanControl software running.

Currently, it's kinda idle, with photoshop running in the background.., the temp is floating around 38-44°C mark. For experimental purpose the fans are still on the lowest setting (about 1998-2003RPM).

I'd would say there's definitely some improvement, though under heavy load it does peak around 60-65°C, which is a load more healthy than the average 78-90°C that other people seems to be getting. Setting the SMC software to 2200-3000RPM seems to keep the system much cooler, even under load, but I assume one would be sacrificing battery life for a cooler mac. Personally, I'd like my machine enjoy a longer life!

I wonder, how many people would take maters into their own hands, and modify their machines, knowing they're voiding the warranty. Would you mod your machine?

This is appalling, I've had such a horrible experience with these laptops, i had to exchange/replace my second Gen. MBP 7 times or so to have stable, quiet, intact machine, I'm going for replacement number two in this third Gen. MBP 2.2 stock, these thermal paste pictures make me want to vomit, I've been phoned by one of his steveness'es assistants arranging that i meet with a genius on my next exchange and check everything before i leave with the new unit. Those pictures scare me. I don't understand why these machines are made so carelessly. Help me out I,m debating if i should accept the replacement or get a refund, ill never be able to know if the thermal paste was applied correctly, unless i bring it in again for service. this *****. i need comforting.

I am not a technician only a customer so I'm talking by my experiences with Mac , right now I have also a black Macbook and it runs very hot(internally) althought not like the MBP(externally), anyway it's hard to belive that after a lot of problems , forums pictures showing clearly the thermal past wrongly used and a lot too MBP returned ,this people(Apple) did not fixed it?.They can't?
I thought this machines were well made and for the price it should be ,no?

The harsh point is the temperature matter not yours do not worry.
I care too because I became a fanatic of Mac , and I do not like to fry my leggs??
Anyway we should push Apple trought this forums to do the things properly.
Belive me they will read this comments.

Well, Intel says the CPU will operate up to 100°C and more, but in actual fact, the hotter your CPU becomes, the short it's life span will become. Since the processor is the heart of the machine, I think it's wise to take care of it.

For example, we all know our hearts keeps us alive and we know too much salt is bad... right? So we as healthy humans reduce our salt intake to prolong our life... if that's true, why shouldn't we try to reduce the heat in our Macs? I think it's a wise move.


I actually returned my first MBP to apple, as there were some odd problems with the left USB port but I didn't mentioned anything about the internal modifications, the store was happy to do a non-quarrel exchange, like for like.

On dismantling my replacement system I was more shocked, as there were even more thermal compound smothering the chips than on the last system. Here's more photos:

There's an nVidia chip here somewhere :


the poor processors :


the Processors, from another angle :


the Processors, looking like new!! :


the Case, minus lots of bits :


the Case, minus some bits :


the Case, sticky taped thermal sensors
- it's gonna get hot!!! Will they come off? :


This last photo is truly unbelievable!
Apple has actually attached/stuck the thermal heat sensors to the case with nothing more then some sticky tape...
and we all know what happens when the glue gets hot!!!

So what is the operating temperature for these chips. I think someone said intel rated them at 100C if that is the case what is all the fuss about. Are we assuming that lower is better? With each new generation of chips sometimes the old notions change. I my self would like to see some documentation that these computers are out of speck before we slam a manufacturer.

I returned my Sr MBP for a new one. I haven't gotten my new one yet. I used iStat and I remember my CPU being around 83-84 C. Both fans stayed at 1996 rpms to 2000 rpms. No one has confirmed what has happened to my laptop. I suspect it could have overheated but, It was kept on my desk on a Targus Chill Mat all the time. It is probably something simple like the Core Duo macbooks and the firmware needs to be adjusted.

People using PC platforms have spent loads and loads of money on specialised cooling modules and gadgets, just so they can over-clock their processors make their machines run faster a little faster!! But generally the faster you go, the hotter it'll get. When those chips get too hot, they'll self destruct. And if heat isn't a issue, they wouldn't have place specially designed heat pipes in your Mac and installed power consuming fans for cooing the units.

Ideally, a processors should run at a lower temperatures because they're more efficient with energy requirements. Generally speaking a hotter processor will require more current, thus reducing the usage time of your battery - remember it's a laptop!

So even if your chip can operate at 100°C, would you wanna place the boiling hot lump of metal on your lap and not complain it's burning you, or it's causing discomfort? I don't know about you, but it's supposed to be a "laptop" system - this tells me I can use it on my lap. Right?

However, I personally don't need to place a scorching hot machine on my lap, especially if it's gonna exceed 60-70°C. Nor do i need a system with a fully charged battery giving me no more then two hours of usage.