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

MacBook Pro temp. concern while playing a game.

N

Nublet

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 8, 2011
6
0
Hello guys, I need your expertise!

I just got first Macintosh system a week ago. It's a late 2011 MacBook Pro, with a upgraded screen, 2.4Ghz i7 and 7200 HD. I'm so happy!! :D

Although my MacBook isn't a gaming machine, I'd like to play a game once in a while. This is the games i could possibly play: Braid, Counter-Strike: Source, DiRT 2 and League of Legends.

So far I had a couple of games and I have to say: A MacBook Pro handle games pretty good – but not without the fans on hard work! So here's my concerns:

  1. When is my MacBook Pro overheating / what is the temp. limit?
  2. Is it okay to play games on a MacBook Pro or should I stop?
Games obviously makes it hot, but I have no idea when it could be in danger for my computer, so I'm hoping some of you could help me. :(

Thanks in advance!

Best regards,
Nublet
A complete Macintosh newb.
 
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, among other things.

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, 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

Launch Activity Monitor and change "My Processes" at the top to "All Processes". Then look to see what apps may be placing high demands on your CPU/GPU.

There is not an overheating problem with Mac portables. There is only a perceived overheating problem. That's partly due to the fact that the aluminum casing transfers heat better than some other notebook materials, so they may feel hotter to the touch than notebooks made of other materials. It may even become hot enough to be uncomfortable to rest on your lap. This, too, is normal. Because a user is unfamiliar with the heat normally generated by a Mac portable doesn't mean there's a problem with the Mac. Only on rare occasions is there a defect that causes true overheating.
 
Wow, thats a great answer! Thank you so much!

My computer is only getting hot when I play DiRT 2.
According to my Activity Monitor, DiRT 2 is taking around 200% CPU usage. (This is new for me. I've always been used to 100% is maximum. Is it because my i7 have four cores?)

But let us for example say that my CPU is 80-85C hot when I'm playing a game. Is that normal?


Again, thanks for the help. Much appreciated!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back