Late-2008 MBP with ~80C CPU temp. Is this bad?

[Apollo33]

My CPU seems to run at 70~80C under normal operating conditions. Browsing Firefox, Mail open, iTunes running.

This just doesn't seem "right" to me, but I'm hoping someone else can give me a second opinion. I have AppleCare, so I guess I can always make an appointment and go to the Apple Store's Genius Bar to let them check it out.

Thanks!

 

[pixelated]

on your lap or on a table?
do you live somewhere hot?
i personally wouldn't be too worried, just whack up the smc and enjoy the breeze

 

[Apollo33]

It's on a table, so it's not really bothering me. I just worry about the CPU overheating.

 

[miles01110]

Install smcFanControl and leave it on 2000 rpm minimum, see if that brings it down. Does seem a little high to me though, mine idles at 50C with fans off.

 

[maflynn]

That's too warm imo.

My 2.53 unibody MBP runs around 45 - 55c under a normal load. I'd reset the SMC if you see that your fans are not ramping up. At 80c your fans HAVE to be running faster then 2k.

I'd also recommend that you get smcFanControl so you can manually adjust the fan speed to keep the temps down.

 

[Apollo33]

I reset the SMC and I'll see if that helps. I can increase the fans with the smcFanControl, but I'm thinking that if this isn't normal, I should see if I can get it repaired.

 

[cluthz]

If computer is turned on for a long time Firefox seems to use a lot of resources.

 

[jav6454]

If you are using Flash applications in Firefox that might explain the higher than normal temps.

 

[Apollo33]

Yeah. I thought about that. Flash and Firefox being a resource hog.

Since resetting my SMC... things seem to be running cooler, though. Hopefully it stays that way.

However, I stopped by an Apple Store and a tech said that his normally runs at around 200F.

 

[Greenman85]

smcfancontrol

def dl smcfancontrol

i have it at ~3700 rpm and it hovers b/w 100-110 F

 

[cluthz]

Yeah. I thought about that. Flash and Firefox being a resource hog.

Since resetting my SMC... things seem to be running cooler, though. Hopefully it stays that way.

However, I stopped by an Apple Store and a tech said that his normally runs at around 200F.

200F is not normal, atleast not on mine.
I can only reach those temperatures mid summer after 8 hrs of gaming or encoding video.. Normal use on mine is ~120F, gaming and heavy work ~180F

 

[vant]

Yeah. I thought about that. Flash and Firefox being a resource hog.

Since resetting my SMC... things seem to be running cooler, though. Hopefully it stays that way.

However, I stopped by an Apple Store and a tech said that his normally runs at around 200F.

I don't think my computer has ever hit 93C. That's RIDICULOUS.