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

Mid 2010 15" Overheating Problem (+80-100 C)

C

Candunc

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 5, 2012
42
0
Canada
Hello,

I have a mid 2010 Macbook Pro (15 Inch, dual core, quad thread) and when I do anything my temperatures spike. Overtime, my general operating temperature is going up (Running at 57 C with app store doing updates) My fans are at 6000+ RPM whenever I am booted, and I am wondering whether I will need to open up my computer and reapply thermal paste to the heat sinks.

Temperatures when playing games (Usually)

CPU - 80-90 C
CPU1 - 85-95 C
GPU - 60-70 C
Heat Sink Rarely goes above 50 C

When recording or converting videos, is isn't uncommon for my CPU temps to hit 103 C.

I just want your opinion on this, I'm getting annoyed with having to use 3rd party solutions to try and keep it cool (Cool it down from 100 to 85C when in use, only a temporary fix.)

What do you think I should do?
 
The temperatures are normal.

If the computer truly overheats it will shut itself down.
 
They are normal for those tasks, yes. Just don't put it directly on your lap when it's hitting 90-100C, as you can get genital fungal infections from the constant heat to your lap.

If you want more information about MacBooks and overheating check out: http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-prevent-your-mac-from-overheating
 
The Intel processors used in Macs are designed to automatically shut down to prevent damage if they truly overheat. CPU Tjmax = 105C (221F), GPU Tjmax = 100C (212F) on i3, i5, i7 processors. (Source: Intel)

If you're not already using it, iStat Pro (free) or iStat Menus ($16) 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.

It is also quite normal for your Mac to become extremely hot to the touch during intensive operations. The aluminum body transfers heat more effectively than other materials used in computer casings, so you will feel the heat more. This doesn't indicate that it's overheating and will not harm the computer to be hot to the touch.

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). iMacs have 3 fans with minimum speeds in the 800-1200 range. They will spin faster as needed to keep temps at a safe level.

If your fans are spinning up without increased heat, try resetting the SMC.
(PRAM/NVRAM has nothing to do with these issues, so resetting it will not help.)

The intake and exhaust vents are in the back of the computer near the hinge on all Mac notebooks (except the new MBP with retina display, which has intake vents along the sides at the bottom). The iMac vent is a slot on the back near the top of the computer. Make sure the vents remain unblocked to allow your computer to perform at its best.

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

For Flash-related issues:
 
I am using iStats to measure my temperature, and using it I've made my fans 6000 RPM. Thanks for reassuring me about that stuff, I was worried about my temps.
 
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