Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Habberkuk

macrumors member
Original poster
Mar 2, 2013
62
0
Denmark
Hey guys. I have an old iMac from 2006 (2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo 3 GB RAM 10.8.6).
I use iStat Pro to see the temperatures inside the machine. I've heard that heat kill hard drives, and it looks like my hard drive is too hot.
Is it too hot?

Thank you in advance :)
 

Attachments

  • Skærmbillede 2013-06-20 kl. 17.52.35.png
    Skærmbillede 2013-06-20 kl. 17.52.35.png
    14.3 KB · Views: 463

benwiggy

macrumors 68020
Jun 15, 2012
2,352
159
One of the dangers of using iStat is that you start to worry about the information it gives you.

You've got a 2006 iMac. You can, and should, expect the hard drive to die anytime soon. It might continue to work for another few years; or it might pack up tomorrow.

Make sure you have a backup, and you'll be prepared.
 

GGJstudios

macrumors Westmere
May 16, 2008
44,507
907
Is it too hot?
It's not even close to being too hot. Your temps are quite normal and safe for heavy workloads. 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 Mountain Lion. 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:
 

rabidz7

macrumors 65816
Jun 24, 2012
1,205
3
Ohio
Hey guys. I have an old iMac from 2006 (2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo 3 GB RAM 10.8.6).
I use iStat Pro to see the temperatures inside the machine. I've heard that heat kill hard drives, and it looks like my hard drive is too hot.
Is it too hot?

Thank you in advance :)

That temperature is perfectly fine.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.