Quick question, I have the rMBP bought this year. When I play Simcity on it, it gets really hot and the fans go non stop... Is this safe and can it damage my computer?
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Heat Question
- Thread starter Maclver
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No, it won't damage your Mac. If you're not already doing so, use iStat Pro (free) or iStat Menus ($16) to get accurate readings of your temps, fan speeds, etc., rather than relying on your sense of touch or sound. A forum member has posted a copy of iStat Pro that has been "tweaked" to enhance compatibility with recent OS X versions. You can download it here.
The Intel processors used in Macs are designed to automatically shut down to prevent damage if they truly overheat. CPU Tjmax = 105C (221F), GPU Tjmax = 100C (212F) on i3, i5, i7 processors. (Source: Intel)
Unless there is a rare defect in a Mac, most temps are well within the normal operating range, considering the workload being put 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.
It is also quite normal for your Mac to become extremely hot to the touch during intensive operations. The aluminum body transfers heat more effectively than other materials used in computer casings, so you will feel the heat more. This doesn't indicate that it's overheating and will not harm the computer to be hot to the touch.
Your fans are always on when your Mac is on, spinning at a minimum of 2000 rpm (for MBPs) or 1800 rpm (for MBAs, MBs and minis). iMacs have 3 fans with minimum speeds in the 800-1200 range. They will spin faster as needed to keep temps at a safe level. If your fans are spinning up without increased heat, try resetting the SMC. (PRAM/NVRAM has nothing to do with these issues, so resetting it will not help.)
The intake and exhaust vents are in the back of the computer near the hinge on all Mac notebooks (except the new MBP with retina display, which has intake vents along the sides at the bottom). The iMac vent is a slot on the back near the top of the computer. Make sure the vents remain unblocked to allow your computer to perform at its best. For Flash-related issues: - Find your Flash version and make sure it's the latest version available.
- Install ClickToFlash (Safari), Flashblock (Firefox) or FlashBlock (Chrome) to control which Flash content plays on websites.
- Use the YouTube HTML5 Video Player to watch YouTube videos, when available. (May impact fullscreen viewing. See link for details.)
The machine will shut down before it fries itself. Read the specs on the chips. It is totally in-spec to run a temperatures that would burn your skin. Well that is the chip dies. The outside of the aluminum case can get warm/hot but again don't worry about it.
Heat transfer is actually more efficient if the case is higher temperature then the absent air.
It is not safe, and it will damage your computer slowly, over a couple of years. It is likely to die when your Applecare expires.
Show us a link on bad quality, and damaged notebooks from Apple due to heat on the 2012/13/ and 2014 MacBook Air or Pro ?
You have a whole bunch of negative posts and nothing concrete to add or prove..
If you don't want to google Radeongate and Nvidiagate, then at least back up your own claim...
The OP isn't talking about manufacturing defects (which occurred with another manufacturer.) If there is an overheating problem created by a defect, that has nothing to do with the OP's stated use. They're talking about normal use of a normal MacBook Pro. As I clearly stated in my post:
My statements are accurate.