How does the rMB perform in hot weather?

[east85]

Let's say like 75-85F ambient temperature while sitting outside at a table doing some more demanding tasks for a few hours. Would it likely just shut down? Anyone have experience around these temperatures with their rMB?

 

[SteveJUAE]

Let's say like 75-85F ambient temperature while sitting outside at a table doing some more demanding tasks for a few hours. Would it likely just shut down? Anyone have experience around these temperatures with their rMB?

It's normally a bit hotter than that here in UAE but taking my rMB down to my boat has never been a problem but I do not use it in direct sunlight more for glare than anything else

 

[Queen6]

No issues across much of South East Asia, equally in very hot conditions it seems prudent to elevate the rear of the Notebook, same as any other.

Q-6

 

[Admiral]

Actually, I have direct experience with this, yesterday. Somehow I found myself in an overheated room (probably heated to 90° F (32° C)) in Beijing yesterday evening trying to catch up on some downloaded television programs. (All right, all right, it was porno.)

While the Retina MacBook usually plays 1080p H.264 MP4 videos a full frame rates without overheating, yesterday I found that the MP4s it usually handles just fine could only manage 12-15 fps, which is pretty jittery and stuttery. Windows Media files (WMVs) were complete disasters. Playing a WMV would almost instantly produce throttling and a cool-down message. This was on a desktop or tabletop — a flat surface which should ordinarily be expected to have sufficient airflow.

Normally, I use the computer in an air-conditioned office where the temperature is more like 74° F (23° C) or cooler. At a normal, comfortable temperature it's all right.

Note, though, that the Retina MacBook is not much of a multitasker when playing back video. That 1080p MP4 achieves normal frame rates provided that I'm not launching web browser windows or switching to an application.

 

[Queen6]

Actually, I have direct experience with this, yesterday. Somehow I found myself in an overheated room (probably heated to 90° F (32° C)) in Beijing yesterday evening trying to catch up on some downloaded television programs. (All right, all right, it was porno.)

While the Retina MacBook usually plays 1080p H.264 MP4 videos a full frame rates without overheating, yesterday I found that the MP4s it usually handles just fine could only manage 12-15 fps, which is pretty jittery and stuttery. Windows Media files (WMVs) were complete disasters. Playing a WMV would almost instantly produce throttling and a cool-down message. This was on a desktop or tabletop — a flat surface which should ordinarily be expected to have sufficient airflow.

Normally, I use the computer in an air-conditioned office where the temperature is more like 74° F (23° C) or cooler. At a normal, comfortable temperature it's all right.

Note, though, that the Retina MacBook is not much of a multitasker when playing back video. That 1080p MP4 achieves normal frame rates provided that I'm not launching web browser windows or switching to an application.

Elevate the rear it will help significantly with heat dissipation, I have used my own 1.2 in excess of 35C without issue. For intensive CPU loads a small powered cooler works miracles, with the 1.2 holding 2GHz + (turbo) as long as you need it.

Q-6

 

[Admiral]

Yeah, but I bought this thing because of the premise of working without a fan. And it's thisclose. If not for video playback, I'd say the MacBook is a perfect machine. Maybe the Skylake refresh will make this struggle a thing of the past. Or, God willing, an ARM-based MacBook. Apple's A9X in the iPad Pro handles video smooth as butter.

 

[Queen6]

Yeah, but I bought this thing because of the premise of working without a fan. And it's thisclose. If not for video playback, I'd say the MacBook is a perfect machine. Maybe the Skylake refresh will make this struggle a thing of the past. Or, God willing, an ARM-based MacBook. Apple's A9X in the iPad Pro handles video smooth as butter.

Don't need to run a fan, just useful to know that one will have a positive effect under extreme conditions, mostly I elevate the rear for ergonomics be it rMB or 15" rMBP. Skylake GPU will be 30% - 40% stronger so I would expect so.

Q-6

 

[maflynn]

I've used my computer in temps of 100F without no problems. While I don't normally see those temps in Boston, it has reached triple digits on occasion.