This afternoon I was watching some youtube and cnn videos and my macbook got pretty hot and actually became unresponsive. I powered down and restarted...it seemed a bit sluggish for a few minutes but then seemed fairly normal. Never happened before...could there be a fan issue?
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First time over heat issue with macbook aluminum unibody
- Thread starter Vikinguy
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The Intel processors used in Macs are designed to automatically shut down to prevent damage if they truly overheat (around 100C/212F - 105C/221F, depending on your processor). iStat Pro will give you accurate readings of your temps, among other things.
Unless there is a rare defect in your Mac, your temps are well within the normal operating range, considering the workload you're putting on it. Websites with Flash content, games and other multimedia apps will put higher demand on the CPU/GPU, generating more heat. This is normal. If you're constantly putting high demands on your system, such as gaming or other multimedia tasks, expect temps to rise and fans to spin up accordingly. It's just your Mac doing its job to maintain temps within the normal range.
Your fans are always on when your Mac is on, spinning at a minimum of 2000 rpm (for MBPs) or 1800 rpm (for MBAs). They will spin faster as needed to keep temps at a safe level. If they're spinning up without increased heat, try resetting the SMC. Also, make sure you don't block the vents, which are located at the rear, near the hinge.
Unless there is a rare defect in your Mac, your temps are well within the normal operating range, considering the workload you're putting on it. Websites with Flash content, games and other multimedia apps will put higher demand on the CPU/GPU, generating more heat. This is normal. If you're constantly putting high demands on your system, such as gaming or other multimedia tasks, expect temps to rise and fans to spin up accordingly. It's just your Mac doing its job to maintain temps within the normal range.
Your fans are always on when your Mac is on, spinning at a minimum of 2000 rpm (for MBPs) or 1800 rpm (for MBAs). They will spin faster as needed to keep temps at a safe level. If they're spinning up without increased heat, try resetting the SMC. Also, make sure you don't block the vents, which are located at the rear, near the hinge.
Thanks for the thoughtful response. The only reason I am concerned is that I've had this computer for 2 1/2 years and have never felt it get THAT hot and it has never become unresponsive. I've certainly pushed it much harder than I was today.... I've still got 4 months of applecare so I've made an appointment at the Genius Bar tomorrow.
I just recently purchased one of these unibody macbook's and absolutely love it... I took the rear panel off to take a look and there was a lot of dust buildup on the fan and heatsink assembly. For as old as it is, it's a good idea to get in there and blow out the dust buildup, it'll help with your overheating problem....