MBP mid 2010 - fan speed

[LaFrentz]

Hey guys, I own a pretty outdated MBP 13" (mid 2010) upgraded to 8GB RAM.

I have the impression that in the last weeks (or couple of months) my laptop gets quiet hot and the fan gets loud although I don't run demanding programs. Even surfing the web with a couple of open tabs in Firefox lets the fan start spinning loud. Any import of pics to the Lightroom library anyhow.

Do I need to get concerned or is this usual for an outdated MBP?
Is there anything I should/can do reduce workload?

I am running OS X El Captian 10.11.6

Thanks for support!

 

[Decimotox]

Not outdated at all - I have the same MBP.

What are the usual conditions of the MBP when you use it? On a desk? Lap (duh, lol)? Plugged in vs. not? Thought about upgrading to Sierra? What are the current energy saver settings looking like?

Mine's fan will turn on if I'm watching videos, but it's not heavy nor loud. Usually it won't turn on for basic web browsing.

 

[LaFrentz]

Not outdated at all - I have the same MBP.

What are the usual conditions of the MBP when you use it? On a desk? Lap (duh, lol)? Plugged in vs. not? Thought about upgrading to Sierra? What are the current energy saver settings looking like?

Mine's fan will turn on if I'm watching videos, but it's not heavy nor loud. Usually it won't turn on for basic web browsing.

Well thanks. Indeed, usually I have it on my Lap, plugged in or not doesn't seem to change anything. I am currently downloading some files in iTunes via WiFi and the fan turns on. Firefox "consumes" about 60 according to the activity monitor with just 4 tabs open.

 

[Decimotox]

Well thanks. Indeed, usually I have it on my Lap, plugged in or not doesn't seem to change anything. I am currently downloading some files in iTunes via WiFi and the fan turns on. Firefox "consumes" about 60 according to the activity monitor with just 4 tabs open.

Let's try resetting the Mac's SMC (system management controller), that might help.

Shut down your MBP, make sure it's plugged in.
Press shift-control-option and then press the power button at the same time.
Release all keys and then hit the power button again to turn on your MBP.

Here's the support doc for your reference: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295