Does Using Macs Fan Control to lower fan noise kill MacBook battery in the long term?

[subaiku]

Hi guys, am asking because currently am using a mid 2012 MacBook Pro. Bought it second hand 4 years ago. I also have it constantly plugged into power (if that tells you anything). In 4 years my cycle count is only 21.

I use Macs Fan Control because the fans just get loud very quickly whenever I use open just about any app. Recently the battery started to drain to zero really fast without being plugged in. Also getting a "Service Battery" alert.

 

[headlessmike]

Age and heat both degrade batteries. Running the Mac hotter with a lower than optimal fan setting won't help, but in your case I suspect that being 10 years old and seldomly used is the main reason it's failing.

 

[subaiku]

Age and heat both degrade batteries. Running the Mac hotter with a lower than optimal fan setting won't help, but in your case I suspect that being 10 years old and seldomly used is the main reason it's failing.

Thanks for the reply, but oh wait, I do constantly use it, it's my main work machine, sorry if I was unclear about that.

 

[MajorFubar]

The heat and fans will be as a result of the thermal paste turning to concrete over a decade.
The battery is not holding its charge because it is ancient.
By preventing the fans from doing what fans are supposed to do, you risk letting your CPU critically overheat.
Replace both the battery and the thermal paste, and you will get longer battery life, the fans won't fire-up as often nor as fast, and you will get better performance from your system.

 

[headlessmike]

Thanks for the reply, but oh wait, I do constantly use it, it's my main work machine, sorry if I was unclear about that.

I meant that the battery is not being used very much if you are always running off of a charger. The charger will keep the battery at 100% charge which isn't great for batteries over long periods. If you rarely use the battery, keeping at 80% is about the ideal value for longevity (which can be done with different tools). However, 10 years is pretty old for any battery and is probably why it's dying.

As for the cooling. Replacing the thermal paste can make some difference. Making sure that the heat sink and fan(s) are clear of dust makes a bigger difference in my experience and is easier to check.

 

[subaiku]

The heat and fans will be as a result of the thermal paste turning to concrete over a decade.
The battery is not holding its charge because it is ancient.
By preventing the fans from doing what fans are supposed to do, you risk letting your CPU critically overheat.
Replace both the battery and the thermal paste, and you will get longer battery life, the fans won't fire-up as often nor as fast, and you will get better performance from your system.

Ah ok, will open up the Macbook and take a look. Thanks!

 

[subaiku]

I meant that the battery is not being used very much if you are always running off of a charger. The charger will keep the battery at 100% charge which isn't great for batteries over long periods. If you rarely use the battery, keeping at 80% is about the ideal value for longevity (which can be done with different tools). However, 10 years is pretty old for any battery and is probably why it's dying.

As for the cooling. Replacing the thermal paste can make some difference. Making sure that the heat sink and fan(s) are clear of dust makes a bigger difference in my experience and is easier to check.

Ah ok, what's the best practice regarding battery if you're constantly using it though and don't have it constantly plugged in? Have started looking for replacement batteries too but there are so many third party ones..