Computer Question: Hot Macbook

No. This is not a hookup thread for my macbook.

Latetly I've noticed that my macbook runs too hot. I have no idea what caused this as it wasn't always this way. It's starting to become a danger for my wooden-glass tables. I'm afraid the heat will cause them to crack.

How do I fix this? I don't mind buying a new ventilator or w/e but I'm hoping to do it without. The ventilator still works btw but it only seems to activate sporadically. Any tips, help, comments is appreciated! Thanks in advance


Ps:I'm really not a computer genius as most people in TNE can tell. I once tried to cool down my computer by putting it in the freezer. (Not this one) :/

Pps: I'm sorry if this thread is completely out of place but effectively nobody in my immediate environment knows anything about computers. (I swear you guys are not my second choice)

Heat problems could have a myriad of reasons with Macbooks. There have been series of Macbooks with heat issues a few years back, so my first question would be how old, and what model it is.

In particular the battery series might need to be checked. To see if there's been a recall issued for your model, an easy way is generally typing in your Macbook model and year in google with the key words "heat problems".

Laptops get often dragged along all kinds of places causing them to suck up dust like a vacuum cleaner. If you have an air compressor, or a vacuum cleaner, try to clean the ventilation exits from dust. This tends to gravely impact the cooler's performance.

If these didn't fix the problem, then it's becoming likely it might be a more severe concern. It could be the graphics card isn't cooling sufficiently any longer, causing the rest to overheat. But again, that would depend on the model / year of the model.

I have a Macbook 4,1 (Black). I have no clue what year these fellows were issued in however. Where can I find this information?

I've been meaning to buy one of those cans with compressed air in it to blow out the dust in my laptop. I heard those can do wonders.

Edit: According to wikipedia, they were first brought out. February 26, 2008 (Early 2008.) It was the last macbook they made in Black I believe.

With heat problems, first thing you always do is clean out the fan(s). Opening the bottom up so that you can get better access might help with that. As long as nothing is in the way and power isn't on you can do this with your breath as long as you don't inhale. (The compressed air cans are much nicer).

This topic may interest you:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=636217

A few quotes:

I recently took a hairdrier on the cool setting, blowed it into the vent at the back... It's a fantastically different machine now, running cool and quiet.

Might save you a buck on compressed air.

So I found SMCFanControl, this programme is great, allowing you to set fan Parameters in either Default or Higher RPM settings (im sure you guys know about these programmes then me so i will carry on)

This can be found here:
http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/23049/smcfancontrol

Should've got a PC.

But I hope this is solved /compassionate troller

Vectoria wrote:Should've got a PC.

The only proper operating system for PC is Linux. Though Windows 7 is putting up a good show so far.

If this were Linux, you could probably steer the machine so efficiently it wouldn't heat up. And that would prove an easier solution that writing your own fan/ventillation-drivers.

Jeanpierre wrote:

Vectoria wrote:Should've got a PC.

The only proper operating system for PC is Linux. Though Windows 7 is putting up a good show so far.

If this were Linux, you could probably steer the machine so efficiently it wouldn't heat up. And that would prove an easier solution that writing your own fan/ventillation-drivers.

I-i like.. ..In one ear and out the other JP

But how am I supposed to warm my feet if the pc doesn't warm up?

A proper Linux fanboy has fluffy pinguin slippers.

My problem (only problem) with Linux or other unix systems...
The good windows emulators are costly, yet I believe still needed for most games I want to play. >:

Although I don't own a Mac myself, my laptops have had a long history of overcooking, especially when used in the summer. I've found that a fan-table (or whatever they're called. They're small surfaces on which you can put your laptop to help ventilate it better) works wonders, as it allows for more space for the laptop's vent to blow out into, as well as some additional fans from the table itself. They tend to be pretty cheap-ish, so you could check for those at your local dealer.

Nithel, i've got a macbook pro and the only signs of heating issues are when I have it in my lap (without a surface) for too long. Otherwise it's peachy. I was just going to suggest the same as JP did. Carefully remove the back and give it a good shot of air and let it vent for a short while before putting it back on. I haven't seen the model you use however but 8/10 that should do it. You could always invest (as Koz said) with a small stand with built in fans to keep the bugger cool also, but chances are once you've cleaned it out it should be rosy. If there's one thing to be said about a macbook, it's built solid.

First of all, Thanks thanks thanks so much for the replies. You guys are amazing!

So I gave her a little love with the dust sprayer I bought. Cleaned out all the dust with the air and boy was there a lot of it. I've downloaded SMCFanControl but I'll refrain from using it until I see no improvement.

Might look into buying one of those cooling/fan pads Koz mentioned. Looked at some in the shop. Any suggestions on the brand/type or is the difference neglectable?

doesn't really matter which brand, they'll all do the job

The only thing you might want to keep in mind is the size. I have a fairly big laptop and the pads are usually for average-sized laptops. I suppose since you have a Mac, size might not be that big of a problem though. There's different kinds, though I think the difference is mostly in the kind of material used, so the more expensive ones don't necessarily have to be better either.

Are you sure you didnt just spill coffee on it at the starbucks while suffering from your hipster writing block? APPLE USER.

Quin wrote:Are you sure you didnt just spill coffee on it at the starbucks while suffering from your hipster writing block? APPLE USER.

I use apple because I'm swimming in money like Scrooge McDuck and I need something to throw my gold at considering burning it is illegal. Same reason why I drive a Gallardo and not a MINERVA.


All serious though; stuff is working like a charm. I shall go to buy one of those cooling pads for when I want to laptop it on my lap.

So thanks everyone for the help!! I really appreciate this as I'm so clueless on the subject.

Sweet little Acer looking for hot mac to-- Oh. Damn. Uhm. I have nothing to add to this, except a HI NITHEL.

HI NOXY

Since you are pretty cool. Will you date my macbook Noxie?

Only if we take a dive in money, like Scrooge.

You know we will. Everything for family.

Started messing around with SMCFanControl. What temperature should laptops be running at? Mine seems mostly around 40° which seems to be a lot to me.

I assume having your fans run at 5000rpm all the time is going to diminish the life your fans live too :/

Hm. Beats me. Last time I bother checking temps of my processor was an old Thunderbird 800, that used to run smoothly at about 36-40 degrees.

Is that the CPU or the GPU temp? Either way, 40C is perfectly fine.