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MacBook idling at 72 degrees celcius

S

ShootingStars

macrumors member
Original poster
May 13, 2011
56
0
I have these on:
msn
jdownloader
skype
chrome
istat menus

Is this temp. normal?

it is a mbp 15" hi res i7 dual core 2.66ghz (2 cores, 2 threads) 2010 version
 
ShootingStars said:
I have these on:
msn
jdownloader
skype
chrome
istat menus

Is this temp. normal?

it is a mbp 15" hi res i7 dual core 2.66ghz (2 cores, 2 threads) 2010 version
Click to expand...
The Intel processors used in Macs are designed to automatically shut down to prevent damage if they truly overheat (around 100C/212F - 105C/221F, depending on your processor). Unless there is a rare defect in your Mac, your temps are well within the normal operating range, considering the workload you're putting 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.

Your fans are always on when your Mac is on, spinning at a minimum of 2000 rpm (for MBPs) or 1800 rpm (for MBAs). They will spin faster as needed to keep temps at a safe level. If they're spinning up without increased heat, try resetting the SMC. Also, make sure you don't block the vents, which are located at the rear, near the hinge.
 
My girlfriends MBP(7,1 2.66) used to hover around 75* with just Chrome Dev(this was before Canary had dropped for Mac) with one tab open on google.com; chrome was eating tons of resources. Tried updating, was already the latest. Uninstalled then reinstalled the same version, temps dropped down to normal. Just fwiw since I see you're running chrome.
 
If it's clogged with dust, you'll have heat issues. Have you opened up the bottom and blasted it with the good ol' can-o-air?
 
The 2010 models have automatic graphics switching, don't they? Download gfxCardStatus and check out if you're using discrete graphics, they tend to generate a lot of heat even when your computer is idling.
 
What are your ambient temps? Mine is running at 70-80 C currently with low(ish) CPU load but the ambient temp > 30 C.

I don't believe that it is "okay" to run your computer at that kind of temperatures. The CPU will shut itself off to prevent instant damage but it is never good to let electronics run close to their limit. If your CPU load is high, there isn't much you can do if you need those apps open but if your ambient temps are low and the CPU isn't taxed, then the fans may not be cooling your system properly.
 
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