Cases and thermal performance

[im_ashley]

Hey everyone. How are you doing? I would like to know whether there is any disadvantage in using the hard cases/rubberized cases for MacBook Pro (specifically 2015 15inch). Will it affect thermal performance of the Mac in anyway?

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

Hey everyone. How are you doing? I would like to know whether there is any disadvantage in using the hard cases/rubberized cases for MacBook Pro (specifically 2015 15inch). Will it affect thermal performance of the Mac in anyway?

Putting any physical barrier around a device will negatively impede its ability to regulate thermals. However the majority of heat dissipation is from the fans, and these should never be covered up.

So yes it will affect the thermals, however whether this is an issue or enough to cause an issue is the question. Which is no, not really. The main disadvantage is sticking an ugly bulky plastic case on an expensively designed computer, that's just my opinion though; it's like buying a nice new car then putting a cover over it...

 

[darksithpro]

As long as the case doesn't block the vents the small internal fans use to dissipate heat, there shouldn't be a problem. If the case blocks the vents it can cause damage to the GPU and CPU.

 

[peraspera]

I use a Thule Vectros bumper for by 2015 15" MacBook Pro and have never run into any thermal issues. However, I typically use my MBP on a stand on my desk that allows for all-around air circulation. The bumper doesn't block any vents and if you don't use a stand the height of the case and the feet raise the MBP off a desk or table to allow for some air space.

The bumper protected my MBP when I stumbled over one of the dog's toys and knocked it into the corner of a cabinet but it is not lovely to look at and was slightly fiddly to install.

 

[jerryk]

I use a clear case on my 15" rMBP and have never noticed any effect on the thermals. The temps do not change much with or without the case.