Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Attachments

  • IMG_2628.JPG
    IMG_2628.JPG
    2 MB · Views: 283
When you spread it out, it should be about the thickness of a piece of paper.

Ok great thanks, I think that's where I went wrong. I relied on the heat-sink to spread it but there was a lot of movement so I reckon spreading it will help. Shall report back!
 
This thermal pad looks fine:
  • 5W/MK is excellent conductivity (for thermal pads)
  • IIRC, 1mm is the right thickness for both the southbridge and the Thunderbolt controller. Even if it's not thick enough, add a second layer.
  • 120 x 20 mm is way more than enough: look (step 12) at how tiny the surfaces to cover are ;)

Hi Roman. I know these is a very old treat. but i needyou advice.
IMG_0351.jpgIMG_0349.jpg
On the late 2011 13inch MacBook Pro I7 also have those. i replace the old pad since a couple of year ago, i save my mac from liquid spill. I did do it right away and save it. I change all mine and i replace with paste. If i get that thermal pad will work the same on these models. here are the pictures. What is the mm on those 2 pads so i can get the correct ones.

I got Mac Fan Control. I make a test using youtube video, Parallels with windows 10 pro Preview, mail and temps are way to high. A huge will will be most welcome.
IMG_0350.jpg
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0349.jpg
    IMG_0349.jpg
    868.6 KB · Views: 160
  • IMG_0350.jpg
    IMG_0350.jpg
    836.2 KB · Views: 131
  • Screen Shot 2015-07-04 at 5.47.45 AM.png
    Screen Shot 2015-07-04 at 5.47.45 AM.png
    56.1 KB · Views: 136
Last edited:
Everything went better than expected! Overall difficulty is about a 3/10 if you’ve got the proper fine-tipped screwdrivers and picks and go slow with a steady hand. Also installed an OWC DataDoubler while I was in there.

I decided to use Noctua NT-H1 thermal paste instead of Arctic Cooling MX-4 due to my familiarity with it and it's equal performance.

The MacBook Pro is reassembled with all components working and no extra or missing screws. When maxing the CPU using HandBrake, temps have dropped from 95C to 84C and my idle temps dropped from 63C to 39C. The fans rarely spin up anymore and the bottom of the laptop and the upper keyboard area are now cool to the touch; much nicer to have on my lap. 1.25TB of internal storage is pretty nice too!

Pictures are here: http://splaingard.smugmug.com/Compu...acBook-Pro/18715344_NJ7fLG#1447846004_XFsjr7Q

Other random thoughts: Not hearing the Superdrive make noise when you turn on your MBP is nice! Not being able to run the SSD in the optical bay is poop. My HDD is no longer protected by the sudden motion sensor but I don’t plan on dropping the thing. The plastic case OWC sells to put your Superdrive in isn’t great quality but it’ll work for the three times a year I’ll need to burn a DVD. These things absolutely could have a removable battery if Jobs wasn’t so anal about the bottom not having a seam in it.

Good Morning To all. 50thVert. the thermal pad that you use, what is it. Please check my pictures. I have being working with MX-4 but i will try the Noctura. I need to order the pads. but I am still finding out the correct mm on those.... Can you help?
 
Bumping this old thread.

Hi folks, I just got my hands on a used Early-2011 Macbook Pro that apparently sat on a shelf with an expanded battery for a year and a half before my friend's company threw it out...and she gave it to me. I replaced the battery, got it back up but am seeing these high-CPU temps like everyone else was seeing. Was wondering if replacing the thermal compound really did help folks, and if so what kind did you use? Must say, this 2011 MBP blows my 2014 Macbook Air out of the water performance-wise, so I would love to keep using it.

Thanks for the input, love this board and looking forward to being a more active member of the community.
 
Pretty much any good quality paste can be used. Google to see which ones people prefer for PC usage.

Anything applied sparingly will be better than the huge blobs Apple use.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.