How to directly control temperatures of MacBook Pro processors

[Mr_MG]

Dear everyone,

I find many threads concerning issue with processor temperatures in MacBook Pro. Using a fan-control app is the only solution I found. The noise is disturbing, but I do not think it wise to limit the fans.
I look for an alternative way that goes at the source of the "heat" problem. I once had a Windows laptop where I could control the processor performances, with 3 levels: economy, medium, performance (my guess is by controlling the wattage or top clock speed). Thus the user could manage the procesor's in accordance to the desired performances and workload.
I have a MBP 15 inches (late 2019). I see that my temperatures easily go into the 90°-s, and fans start to be loud. Annoyingly, this occur for "mild" work load as well. There are processes/works that could be done "slower" and I would not mind, but the processor ramp up to 100% immediately, gets hot quickly, unnecessarily so.
Since I want tot improve the longevity of the machine, I would like to ask if anyone know of apps or programs that would allow to control directly control the performance of the processors, and in turn the heat they generate.

I thank you all in advance and wish a nice day

Mr_MG

 

[dave255]

search for and Install Turbo Boost Switcher and disable the CPU turboboost to keep your mac quieter and cooler

 

[leman]

I see that my temperatures easily go into the 90°-s, and fans start to be loud.

Which is normal behavior for this laptop.

Annoyingly, this occur for "mild" work load as well. There are processes/works that could be done "slower" and I would not mind, but the processor ramp up to 100% immediately, gets hot quickly, unnecessarily so.

Your definition of "mild" might not be the same as CPU's definition of "mild". Unfortunately, not many software developers pay proper attention to how their apps utilize the power, so by default they will try to grab all they can.

Since I want tot improve the longevity of the machine,

You won't improve the longevity of the machine. The only effects will be that you will have a quieter and slower computer. I have a suspicion that you might have chosen a wrong laptop model.

I would like to ask if anyone know of apps or programs that would allow to control directly control the performance of the processors, and in turn the heat they generate.

You can use Xcode instruments developer tool to turn off hyper threading on your machine and limit the number of active cores. There are also tools available to limit the maximal speed of your CPU. Using these tools you will effectively turn your CPU into a cheaper, less powerful version, which will help with power consumption.

 

[Mr_MG]

search for and Install Turbo Boost Switcher and disable the CPU turboboost to keep your mac quieter and cooler

The App work nice, it is more or less what I was looking for, thank you dave255

Which is normal behavior for this laptop.
...
You won't improve the longevity of the machine.

Dear leman,
I agree in part. It is "normal", but I believe it is not good. If the chip was to always work at 90°C and remain at such range, I would not consider it a problem for the chip longevity. My worry is the quick and constant changes within a "wider" range of temperature (measured 65° to 100°). This transision leads to repeated cycles of thermal expansion within the microcircuitry. There are a wide range of materials making the cuircuitry and each has its own thermal properties. Ultimately this could wear them at the level of junctions and lead to higher rates of failure.
(That at least is my "educated" theory from what i remember of electronics classes decades ago)

 

[leman]

Dear leman,
I agree in part. It is "normal", but I believe it is not good. If the chip was to always work at 90°C and remain at such range, I would not consider it a problem for the chip longevity. My worry is the quick and constant changes within a "wider" range of temperature (measured 65° to 100°). This transision leads to repeated cycles of thermal expansion within the microcircuitry. There are a wide range of materials making the cuircuitry and each has its own thermal properties. Ultimately this could wear them at the level of junctions and lead to higher rates of failure.
(That at least is my "educated" theory from what i remember of electronics classes decades ago)

First and foremost, I want to make it clear that I am not trying to argue with you or to belittle your opinion. You know your needs best and if limiting the power of your machine will make you happy, that is your call. The opinion you voice is a popular one and it is not without its internal logic, but I wanted to caution you against overestimating these effects. Modern CPUs are designed and meticulously tested to rapidly undergo cooling/heating cycles like these. In fact, this has been the cornerstone for personal computing for the last 10+ years and the reason why we can have machines that combine great performance and great battery life. There is no empirical evidence whatsoever that operating the CPU across this kind of temperature ranges will meaningfully impact the expected lifespan of the computer. It is the same for another frequently quoted concern: electromigration at higher temperatures. So if your main priority is optimizing the lifespan, please don't fall into this mental trap. Your computer will fail because of some random microscopic fluctuation that is unavoidable with modern industrial production and there is very little that you can do to prevent it.

Another, more relevant, issue is the user experience. Some users just prefer a cooler running machine, because they are disturbed by the fan noice or just don't like the laptop to get warm. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the user that Apple is targeting. Apple uses high-performance parts in compact enclosures and they exploit the entire operational ranges of their components. You can circumvent it by limiting the maximal power draw of the CPU, which means that you are essentially turning your $2000+ laptop into a $500 one (albeit with better components). If quiet operation at the expense of performance is essential to you, there are better choices on the market.

And since I am already ranting, I do agree that the problem is real and I think that a lot of it has to do with how developers approach software design. Energy efficiency is unfortunately not a common concern. Apps are usually "greedy" by design, they trigger high-performance made even they don't need it. By the way, I expect the new ARM Macs to improve the situation somewhat due to their asymmetric design.

 

[Mr_MG]

By all means, do not worry leman: I invite a nice conversation and exchange of opinions and I thank you for it.



Using a >2000 $ machine as a 500 $ is a waste, I agree. My work (scientific computing) does require the >2000$ machine and I push it every day when needed. As you mentioned before, some of those programs and algorithms are not optimize, and I believe that mine might fall in this category. Indeed they are greedy and processors temperatures spike even for rather mild workload.

My knowledge of cooling/heating come from old times. So it is reassuring what you say, that todays’ fluctuation do not have a consequential impact on the lifespan of the machine.

Still, from a user perspective, I desire less heat and noise when I am doing mild work and testing. Turning off the TurboBoost seam to do the trick.



I too look forward for more “quiet” machine with ARM processors, though I worry about the speed at which software companies will transition to the new architecture.



Thank you again leman for the exhaustive answer

 

[filmbuff]

Apple computers have run scorching hot since the PPC days and I have several of those lying around that still work great. Processor heat damage is the absolute last thing that will kill a Macbook.