Hi, I haven't used my macbook for gaming much, but the few times I have i've noticed it gets quite warm. I plan on buying a game for it soon. I will be running it on an external monitor with wireless keyboard and mouse and plan on keeping the macbook in clamshell mode while I do this. I had a few questions. I have read up on macbook cooling and have learned that elevating the computer will help in cooling it and that the air is dispersed through the hinge area of the screen and keyboard and not underneath the computer. Will a laptop cooling fan do any good in further cooling it from underneath? Do the cooling pads without fans that simply disperse the heat have a worthwhile effect? And lastly how does clamshell mode effect the cooling vents? Does it not cool as well while closed? Thanks for the help.
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Cooling fans vs cooling pads. Clamshell mode
- Thread starter SanAntonio
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The vents work just as well with the lid closed, but since heat radiates in all directions and dissipates through the aluminum enclosure, closing the lid may reduce that dissipation a bit. Under normal circumstances, it shouldn't make a big difference in temps. If you're putting extreme demands on your system, such as intensive gaming, you might consider operating with the lid open. There are mixed opinions on the effectiveness of cooling pads.
The right way is to take your MBP apart, you'll likely find (as I have) that it's got gobs of excessive, sloppily applied thermal paste. Trapping in the heat, it makes your Mac run hotter than one that has been properly assembled.
Once you've re-done the job that was botched at the factory, your Mac will run cooler and quieter. I've done each of mine and the results are very satisfying.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/199840/
Once you've re-done the job that was botched at the factory, your Mac will run cooler and quieter. I've done each of mine and the results are very satisfying.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/199840/
I've used the Roadtool Traveler Coolpad for years. A nice feature is that it rotates 360 degrees which is very handy when sharing the display with another person. It's also small enough to fit in a small bag; I could put it in my Waterfield Designs Sleevecase, which is about as slim it gets when it comes to a padded sleeve.
When my MBP is at home I use it in clamshell mode with an NEC display. The MBP runs cool as a cucumber...
http://www.roadtools.com/ $19.95 Staples may carry it; I saw it in a store a year or two ago...
When my MBP is at home I use it in clamshell mode with an NEC display. The MBP runs cool as a cucumber...
http://www.roadtools.com/ $19.95 Staples may carry it; I saw it in a store a year or two ago...
Yeah I'm definitely going to get something to elevate the macbook while playing. But as far as the fans made to sit underneath the laptop and the heatshift pads, are they effective considering the macbook does not have vents underneath?
Me thinks that you are way too concerned about possible excess heat. I cannot imagine that cooling fans are worth the trouble and expense. Better to spend the money on an extended Applecare warranty from B&H Photo or the L.A. Computer Company and enjoy your Mac.
I always game with the MBP flat on my desk.
While the MBP has no vents on the bottom, the table still gets quite hot, so creating some air space between the bottom and the table will help a bit.