2011 Macbook HOT when using external monitor

Discussion in 'MacBook Pro' started by BalaBoom, Apr 13, 2011.

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  1. BalaBoom, Apr 13, 2011

    BalaBoom macrumors newbie

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    Apr 1, 2011
    #1
    I have a base 15 inch macbook that usually runs at a temperature of 40C (CPU temp). Every time that I connect an external monitor to the macbook, the CPU temperature goes up to around 62C (GPU temp around 55C, palm rest area is uncomfortably warmer at 32C). I know these numbers are well within the safe limits, but why such a drastic increase in stress? anyone with similar observations?
     
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  2. Srirama, Apr 13, 2011

    Srirama macrumors member

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    Dec 4, 2010
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    Chennai
    #2
    quite simply,you are stressing the GPU to run at a higher resolution.
    Its natural that it will be hotter.
     
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  3. Hellhammer, Apr 13, 2011

    Hellhammer Moderator

    Hellhammer

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    #3
    Are you using it in clamshell mode? Some heat is dissipated through the keyboard so having the lid closed will block that and thus it may increase your temps.

    If you are not, then the only logical explanation is that the external monitor requires a discrete GPU which then increases all of the temps. When only using the internal display, you can use the IGP.
     
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  4. striker33, Apr 13, 2011

    striker33 macrumors 65816

    striker33

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    Aug 6, 2010
    #4
    Thats not strictly true. I use mine with a BookArc stand, and it actually runs cooler than normal when using the discrete graphics with just the laptop monitor. The stand itself actually conducts some of the head, albeit not very well, but it does help with removing heat from the bottom.

    But yeah, the discrete graphics chip will always run at 55-60c at idle, but mine never goes above 75c, even when running at full load.
     
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