Ubuntu on Macbook...Can it overheat, damaging the internal components?

Luigi239 · Jun 25, 2007, 10:16 AM

Hello all, first I know this isn't a Linux form, and there is not a linux forum, but thought this would be the best place to put this, because I supose it applies to windows as well.

Anyway, I have a CD rev A Macbook, that I just installed Ubuntu with. I love it, but I am afraid one day it will overheat and cause my processor to melt. Is that possible? I have heard that if it gets to hot, that the thing will just shut off, but I don't want to take any chances. So, do you think it is safe to run Ubuntu? Will it kill my components?

Thanks

TBi · Jun 25, 2007, 10:31 AM

The fan in your laptop is controlled by the firmware so there is no* way that ubuntu can cause your laptop to over heat.

*Unless of course you do something really stupid like tell linux to start overriding the firmware in relation to fan speed. However you'd have to be a really advanced user to know how to do this and more than likely an advanced user would already know the answer to the overheating question

Luigi239 · Jun 25, 2007, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBi

The fan in your laptop is controlled by the firmware so there is no* way that ubuntu can cause your laptop to over heat.

*Unless of course you do something really stupid like tell linux to start overriding the firmware in relation to fan speed. However you'd have to be a really advanced user to know how to do this and more than likely an advanced user would already know the answer to the overheating question

Ok, great, thanks.

However, it does seem to get hotter while in Ubuntu. Do you think it would be a bad thing to set the min. fan speed to something around 3000rpm?

GlitteringLynx · Mar 21, 2009, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luigi239

Ok, great, thanks.

However, it does seem to get hotter while in Ubuntu. Do you think it would be a bad thing to set the min. fan speed to something around 3000rpm?

The only reason why you might want to let the computer control the fans is to save power. If you're connected to an external power source feel free to up the minimum speed. Just remember that others can hear it too

MAG. · Mar 21, 2009, 01:27 PM

Don't worry about it. The fan is controlled by the BIOS not the OS. There is no way Ubuntu will make your computer overheat.

bradenwh · Mar 22, 2009, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAG.

Don't worry about it. The fan is controlled by the BIOS not the OS. There is no way Ubuntu will make your computer overheat.

BIOS? On a Mac? Since when?

Jun 25, 2007, 10:16 AM	#1
Luigi239 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jan 2007	Ubuntu on Macbook...Can it overheat, damaging the internal components? Hello all, first I know this isn't a Linux form, and there is not a linux forum, but thought this would be the best place to put this, because I supose it applies to windows as well. Anyway, I have a CD rev A Macbook, that I just installed Ubuntu with. I love it, but I am afraid one day it will overheat and cause my processor to melt. Is that possible? I have heard that if it gets to hot, that the thing will just shut off, but I don't want to take any chances. So, do you think it is safe to run Ubuntu? Will it kill my components? Thanks
	0

Jun 25, 2007, 10:31 AM	#2
TBi macrumors 68030 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ireland	The fan in your laptop is controlled by the firmware so there is no* way that ubuntu can cause your laptop to over heat. *Unless of course you do something really stupid like tell linux to start overriding the firmware in relation to fan speed. However you'd have to be a really advanced user to know how to do this and more than likely an advanced user would already know the answer to the overheating question __________________ <BLANK>
	0

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
IPAD2 Bought in USA ( with ATT/Verizon) - can it be used outisde of USA?	zachzach8888	iPad Tips, Help and Troubleshooting	3	Apr 14, 2011 02:10 AM
Trying to install linux ubuntu on macbook via virtual box	chosen1920	MacBook	1	May 10, 2009 06:14 PM
Install Ubuntu on MacBook Air	christof	MacBook Air	24	Aug 25, 2008 11:46 AM
Ubuntu on IMAC Can I use boot camp to install?	BigRed3373	Windows, Linux & others on the Mac	2	May 22, 2008 08:28 PM
Ubuntu on MacBook?	caffeeneaddict	MacBook Pro	13	Apr 10, 2007 07:05 AM

Mar 21, 2009, 01:27 PM	#5
MAG. macrumors member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: NYC	Don't worry about it. The fan is controlled by the BIOS not the OS. There is no way Ubuntu will make your computer overheat.
	0


MacRumors Forums > Apple Systems and Services > Windows, Linux & others on the Mac