While they can run in clamshell, you can't debate that airflow is restricted and the CPU will run hotter. And just because Apple says it can work like that, doesn't mean you should be running your CPU at 100% with the lid shut all the time.
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Can I put my MacBook pro under a pillow to use?
- Thread starter shitoyama
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While they can run in clamshell, you can't debate that airflow is restricted and the CPU will run hotter. And just because Apple says it can work like that, doesn't mean you should be running your CPU at 100% with the lid shut all the time.
Airflow is not restricted in clamshell mode, as the vents are located at the rear, near the hinge, which is unblocked in clamshell mode. There is no venting through the keyboard, as there is a solid sheet under it, preventing any meaningful airflow. Because heat radiates in all directions does not mean heat is vented in all directions. Heat radiates to the bottom of the notebook, but that's not used for venting, either. No one runs their CPU at 100% all the time, whether the lid is open or closed.
Airflow is restricted. If you have a MacBook Pro, you'd be able to check. With the lid open, the exhaust is exposed. With the lid closed, the hinge folds in aesthetically, and also folds in a significant amount of the exhaust. I never said there was air venting through the keyboard, nor have I disputed where heat penetrates, so don't go off topic. The debate is the hinge blocks out some of the exhaust when the lid is closed, meaning the laptop runs hotter.
And I've run my Mac at 100% CPU for 15 hours during a large render. I think if I did that a lot with the lid closed, there'd be long term effects compared to doing that a lot with the lid open and exhaust exposed.
I do have a MacBook Pro and no, the vents are not blocked in clamshell mode. There isn't a significant difference in temps when running in clamshell mode and certainly not enough to cause overheating. I've done it for years with zero issues, as have millions of others. If it caused heating problems, Apple would certainly not give instructions on how to do it. Since Apple designed, built and provides warranties on their notebooks, I'll trust their recommendations over any individual user's opinion.
I never said they were blocked in clamshell mode. I said they were partially blocked. Can you actually not see the gap decrease? There is a difference in temps if you push your CPU caused by this.
But of course, everything Apple designs operates flawlessly and never has any hardware defects caused by design.
It'd be fine if you weren't doing anything intensive. But why don't you try it, you can always see how hot it gets?
You could use the mbp on a pillow if you place it on a hard pad. Perhaps you could cut out a hardwood 15" piece. Or you could get this thermapack for the macbook pro. It allows airflow and cools it through its own chemical proces as well. I use it to use the mbp on my lap as well -- want to keep my count where it is.
