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High CPU temp on new SR MBPs

I have posted this on other (not apple.com) forums, without many replies. I am hoping that posting it here will reach more SR MBP users.

I load tested a Santa Rosa MBP (stock 2.4 GHz model) at a local Apple store, running 3 quicktime videos and one Final Cut Pro demo video to fully load the CPU (and GPU). Monitored the temp and CPU load with istat. The MBP was on a flat display table and the store was your usual mall room temp.

The CPU ran between 82-91C, averaging about 84C. Really high. The fans stayed at a constant 2000 rpm, if I remember correctly -- I only looked at the fan rpm a couple times.

(1) Has anyone else seen this high a CPU temp on a SR MBP?
(2) Has anyone opened a new MBP up to inspect the thermal paste application?
(3) Would the Apple Store exchange a brand-new MBP for another one, if running at 85C or higher was its only problem?

I am worried about buying a new MBP now, because of heat. Thank you for any replies.

SR MBP 2.4 GHz stock model Mac OS X (10.4.9) in-store

Posted on Jun 11, 2007 4:46 PM

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54 replies

Jun 11, 2007 6:10 PM in response to iVmichael

I almost didn't include the fan info, because I'm not certain of it. I was mostly paying attention to the load and temp. Sorry; just being complete. If I get a chance to go back to the store and test that same machine, I will do the things you mentioned (and pay closer attention to fan speeds).

Really hoping to get further info from people that own a SR MBP and can stress test it.

Jun 11, 2007 6:15 PM in response to bcbarnes

Hi there,

I have an own the latest MBP to hit the market, for a couple of days I've notice the CPU temp floating around 59-61°C and this is just idling, doing nothing other then playing itunes. After spending sometime working in Photoshop the temp sores to 71-75°C, the system feels like it's slowing down ><

Then after some online searches i came across this cool application that access the SMC, allow the use to reset the fan control speed.

Apple's default seems to be around 2000rpm, but by tweaking this to 2100-2150rpm, you can reduce the CPU's temp to 55°C which feels so much comfortable. However, if you then tweak fans to 3880-4000rpm the temp will drop to 47-48°C - bare in mind, faster fans, more juice used.

<a class="jive-link-external-small" href="http://">http://www.conscius.de/~eidac/software/software.html

Jun 11, 2007 6:21 PM in response to UltraNEO-__

I have an own the latest MBP to hit the market, for a
couple of days I've notice the CPU temp floating
around 59-61°C and this is just idling, doing nothing
other then playing itunes. After spending sometime
working in Photoshop the temp sores to 71-75°C, the
system feels like it's slowing down ><</div>

Using Photoshop with (presumably) one core loaded or sporadic load on both cores, and getting a CPU temp of 71-75C would seem to correspond well to my report of ~84C under full dual core load. Did your fans not go up in rpm as the CPU temp got higher, or the CPU load increased?

It seems that the default fan configuration in SR MBPs, or perhaps the actual application of thermal paste inside (remember that old problem?), leads to systems that run extremely hot. This will shorten the life of the MBP, and it's just plain less comfortable to use!

Not good. Thank you for the reply; hopefully more first-hand reports are coming.

Jun 12, 2007 9:31 AM in response to bcbarnes

I've been watching this discussion. My MBP has stayed between 50 and 60 celsius. RPMs are ranging from 1993 to 2010.

I'm curious if increasing the fan speeds will do anything else to the machine other than run the power down faster. I support a lot of end users and I'm interested in the smcfancontrol sofware but don't want to install it and have someone destroy their hardware.

MacBook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Jun 12, 2007 10:56 AM in response to bcbarnes

How do you measure the temperature of the CPU?

My 17" MBP experienced a kernel panic (black screen, with instructions to restart in several different languages) twice last night. On both occasions, I had been watching a DVD, and had the laptop on my lap. I'm wondering if excessive heat was the cause.

Jun 12, 2007 8:11 PM in response to TheFishyFew

Thanks (and sorry, I didn't see that original link above). I tried out a freeware program called Temperature monitor. My Macbook Pro has been experiencing consistent kernel panics, and I think it's related to heat. I had been watching a DVD with the laptop on my lap, and each time (three, to be exact) I experienced a crash. Unfortunately, I didn't all the Temp Monitor specs up at the time, but I could read that the outer case (bottom) was 39C/102.2F.

So, I guess my solution is: don't place "notebook" on lap. I'll try out Tech Tool to make sure that all the hardward is running correctly. But I'm curious: does anyone think I should be taking this machine back to Apple?

Jun 13, 2007 5:01 AM in response to dyee

In my past experience, Tech Tool has created more problems for me than being helpful. I strongly recommend against it, although my experiences may be different from others.

My first line of attack is usually to run disk utility and repair permissions. The trick is to make sure ALL programs are off.

If it still acts up, I then try running Disk Warrior. This software has proven itself over and over again.

After this, I would consider reinstalling the system or wiping the system completely down. Don't install any of your third party apps until you're sure its free from bugs. Then install them one at a time to make sure one of them isn't the culprit.

If all the above doesn't work, you pretty much have figured out that its hardware related and you might want to take it to Apple.

I know its a time consuming process but I've had to troubleshoot macs for over 10 yrs now. This has been the best method and has always narrowed down the issue for me. Good luck!

Jun 13, 2007 10:33 AM in response to bcbarnes

Hi
First of all, the Microprocessor is capable to run up to 100 C.
The MBP have some protections if the MP reaches that temperature.
Second because the case of the MBP (are made in aluminiun) it appears to run hotter than other notebooks(laptops before the MBP )
In a normal use like browsing the internet it will run +- 53C
when you burn a music cd 63/65.
After 30 mins. of normal using the iddle temperature is +- 61
and finally if you are using handbrake or encoding it will reach 89 ,at this temperature the coolers will be running all the time or mostly ,and will get 75/79 its normal.
I do not know exactly which is the speed of the coolers but belive me the MBP is prepared for this behavior.
But let me give you and advise , do not try to modify the original specifications ,this machines are very well designed for people who knows what are doing.
I hope this answer your doubts.

High CPU temp on new SR MBPs

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