MacBook Pro CPU temps

[DanHolderman]

I have already searched the forums and googled my question as well without finding the answer so if this has already been posted and I missed it, I apologize.

My question: What is the max CPU temp that a MacBook Pro can handle for long periods of time?

I thought my MacBook Pro might be running a little hot so I installed a temperature utility and noticed that under load my MacBook Pro runs at 97 degrees celsius for hours at a time. If I'm only cruising the web, then it seems to run at a cool 44 degrees celsius.

I am worried that I might be working my laptop a little too hard and am causing some sort of damage.

 

[snaky69]

I have already searched the forums and googled my question as well without finding the answer so if this has already been posted and I missed it, I apologize.

My question: What is the max CPU temp that a MacBook Pro can handle for long periods of time?

I thought my MacBook Pro might be running a little hot so I installed a temperature utility and noticed that under load my MacBook Pro runs at 97 degrees celsius for hours at a time. If I'm only cruising the web, then it seems to run at a cool 44 degrees celsius.

I am worried that I might be working my laptop a little too hard and am causing some sort of damage.

The processor will shut down if it reaches around 105C to prevent damage, you haven't reached that, so you're good to go.

 

[GGJstudios]

I have already searched the forums and googled my question as well without finding the answer so if this has already been posted and I missed it, I apologize.

Actually, it's been posted several dozen times, at least, so I'm surprised you couldn't find it. Here it is again:

Your Mac is not overheating. 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). iStat Pro will give you accurate readings of your temps and fan speeds, among other things.

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.

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). 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. PRAM/NVRAM has nothing to do with these issues, so resetting it will not help. Also, make sure you don't block the vents, which are located at the rear, near the hinge.

Learn about the fans in your Mac
Apple Portables: Operating temperature

• Find your Flash version and make sure it's the latest version available.
• Install ClickToFlash (Safari), Flashblock (Firefox) or FlashBlock (Chrome) to control which Flash content plays on websites.
• Use the YouTube HTML5 Video Player to watch YouTube videos, when available. (May impact fullscreen viewing. See link for details.)

 

[DanHolderman]

Thanks for the quick responses! You guys are great. I feel much better now about the temps that I am seeing. Again, I apologize for my inability to find the answer on my own.