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Full fan despite clean install and new thermal paste MBP

P

Psyko

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 26, 2013
71
21
Late 2013 15" MBP. Had 8 GB RAM and integrated graphics. Never liked the newer ones and couldn't afford them so I swapped the logic board to an upgraded one with better processor, dedicated graphics and 16 GB RAM. Mostly for the heck of it. Bought from a reseller recommended by Louis Rossmann.

Clean install and new thermal paste, still the fans kick on early and the computer seems to throttle for nothing. If anything, performance has subjectively deteriorated. Ran 10.14 before, installed 10.15 with the new logic board. Feels like it's running hotter than before but CPU never goes above 70°C, typically in the 50-60°C range. I run it at 3000 RPM (never had to before) to try to improve performance, but not much help.

I know it's old and obsolete, I'm planning on buying the new 16" if it is as good as is hyped, but until it's available and I can afford it I'll need this computer for at least another 3-6 months.

Any help? (Dust free and on a flat surface by the way).
 
The fan is supposed to be automatic. I recommend you stop trying to control it yourself. Your temperatures are well within reasonable bounds. Everything is probably normal.
 
How do you measure throttling? (seriously asking) I don't know why it would slow the processor for reasons other than heat. Perhaps the logic board isn't fully compatible with the case. Perhaps the temperature sensor is faulty or not measuring the right spot. Maybe the CPU has its own monitor and slows itself.
 
Subjectively slows down and kernel_task uses a huge chunk of CPU in activity monitor.
 
My bet would be that either the logic board is defective or something went wrong during the procedure (or both). These kind of upgrades are quite risky, doubly so if you purchase parts from questionable sources.
 
I have a late 2013 15" MBP (16GB). Check the intake vents on the bottom and make sure they are clear of dust. Is your battery swollen? The swelling also can block the intake.

That was my experience. Putting in a new battery and cleaning out the dust bunnies cleared the vent and it breathes much better.
 
Back in the day, runaway print jobs would just endure and hammer the CPU. You should drill down into that kernel process and see what is causing it to eat up CPU cycles.
 
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