New MacBook Pro 2019 15" TouchBar i7 --> Overheating, Hot, High Temperature

[ariky]

Hi all!

I've bought a MacBook Pro 2019 - 15" TouchBar, i7 6 cores, 256 GB SSD, Radeon 555, 16 GB RAM model very recently.
(Bought on October 9th, 2019 - with a free Beats Studio 3 headphone)

-It came with the latest Mojave on opening and we upgraded it to latest Catalina 10.15 in the Apple Store with an Apple staff.

-Update file was downloaded but it said it was corrupted and canceled. So we re-downloaded the update file by using About This Mac -> Update. This time no issues and device was updated successfully.

-The next day, I downloaded and installed several app that I use: Xcode, Chrome, VS Code, MS Office.

THE PROBLEM:

-My device is running very hot. It is so hot that I can't even use it on my lap.
-I really believe it is overheating.
-This happens EVEN when I open the device for the first time from a shutdown. I keep track on event monitor. WHILE no app is working, it can go up to high temperatures like 80 deg Celsius. (I'm sure that there isn't a high cpu consuming app including Spotlight)
-Besides, if I use any of Xcode build, a basic GarageBand project, iOS Simulator w/ VSCode, Chrome it goes even higher.

-I downloaded Intel Power Gadget. The temperature was 95 Celsius.
-Then I closed all the apps and run a test with Intel Power Gadget app.
-Fans don't work until the temperature hits 85 deg. Celsius.
-Even tough the fans rotate at full speed, the device can go up to 99 deg Celsius. I'm a mechanical engineer and a software developer. So I know that it reduce the lifetime of the MacBook Pro (Battery, CPU, mainboard).

HELP:

So what can I do?
-I did a SMC reset per Apple recommends.
-Downloaded an app called Macs Fan Control since I don't care about the fan noise and I would rather prefer a cooler laptop.
That fan control app can run the fans earlier (before it is already too hot).
-But anyways, even with the fans running fast, it is not acceptable.

I'm on 14 days return period. I will request them to change the device with a new one.
I won't accept any repairs or days long investigation. I would rather return and get my money back.
I don't know if I should have stayed with MacOS Mojave.

ANY recommendations? I'm so stressed out at the moment. I have got serious work to deal before a deadline.

I love the MacBook Pro other than that. It has wonderful design, thinner than any other laptops, powerful etc.

 

[BarredOwl]

Upgrading to Catalina was a mistake. I suggest using erase and reinstall to see if the hardware works normally under a more stable OS.

How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

You can use macOS Recovery, your computer's built-in recovery system, to reinstall the Mac operating system. Reinstalling macOS doesn't remove your personal data.

support.apple.com

if that does not work, then exchange within your 14 days.

Skip Catalina, it’s a disastrous mess.

 

[ariky]

Upgrading to Catalina was a mistake. I suggest using erase and reinstall to see if the hardware works normally under a more stable OS.

How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

You can use macOS Recovery, your computer's built-in recovery system, to reinstall the Mac operating system. Reinstalling macOS doesn't remove your personal data.

support.apple.com

if that does not work, then exchange within your 14 days.

Skip Catalina, it’s a disastrous mess.

Thank you for the reply, @jardinager

Yeah I thought the same, unfortunately. I generally don't update app and OS especially if they are just released. this time I upgraded to 3 days old macOS Catalina but I specifically asked to Apple staff next to me that if this version is stable. He said "Of course"...

Thanks for providing the link. I've checked it out but would you mind helping me because I'm still confused of if there is an option for reinstalling Mojave without deleting the apps that I downloaded and installed (Xcode, VS Code, MS Office etc.). I don't have many personal files yet on this new MacBook. So I will and can backup them easily to Google Drive. However, I just don't want to install all that big-sized apps.

BTW, I think I better won't take the risk and just go for a replacement with a new one and then keep using the Mojave version coming with it already.

 

[leman]

Please check (using Intel Power Gadget) how much power your CPU is consuming and what processes are using a lot of CPU uptime (using Ativity Monitor). Catalina does have a few bugs, but it’s mostly fine. I’d try some basic diagnostic first before doing something as dramatic as downgrading.

 

[poorcody]

Possibiity:
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...fan-runs-12-hours-a-day.2193715/post-27868774