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Re-applied the thermal paste on my MacBook Pro... AMAZING results!

Typical CPU temp of MBP ver 3.1?

I've just been loaned a MBP ver 3.1 - 2.6 Gig / 2008 / 6 gigs and am using it as a video editing and encoding machine in lieu of using my newer MBP 5.1 .

I am wondering what is an acceptable CPU temperature when I'm doing a big encode in compressor or log and transfer as the CPUs are pegged at 100% and this can last for hours at a time with long encodes.

I have noticed CPU temp of up to 90c max with fans on at full tot, 6000rpm. Machine is raised off the surface of my desk and has good airflow under it. I've read about the whole thermal paste mess and was wondering if this temp is acceptable or if I have to do the mod listed in this thread?? I would also be willing to rig up some type of fan to keep the machine cool (I'd love a MP but funds don't allow for one just yet)

Cheers
:eek:
 
Holy mother of god.

2006 Core Duo owner here........FINALLY repasted my mbp.

Used IC7 Diamond paste......before

idle CPU:58-60C Load: 74C
idle GPU: 58-59C Load: 63C

After (used the dot and squish method of applying paste)

idle CPU: 48-50C Load: 63-65C
idle GPU: 45C Load: 56C

Insane. IC7 is amazing.

photo3-1.jpg

photo4-1.jpg

photo5-1.jpg

photo6-1.jpg
 
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Lmfao thanks.

Btw - how gross is that first picture with the dust. That's 4 years worth of dust. This is the first time I've ever opened the mbp in the 4 years.

I have to recommend everyone who has temp problems to replace their thermal paste - especially the 2006 first gen owners.

It makes a crazy difference. Idle from 60C to 48C on those core duo's just says it all.
 
findnemo said:
Holy mother of god.

2006 Core Duo owner here........FINALLY repasted my mbp.

Used IC7 Diamond paste......before

idle CPU:58-60C Load: 74C
idle GPU: 58-59C Load: 63C

After (used the dot and squish method of applying paste)

idle CPU: 48-50C Load: 63-65C
idle GPU: 45C Load: 56C

Insane. IC7 is amazing.

photo3-1.jpg

photo4-1.jpg

photo5-1.jpg

photo6-1.jpg
Click to expand...

Geeeeezz that is a lot of paste. That is even more than the paste on my 13" MBP. I thought what I had on my 13" MBP was a lot...

See my post with pics of the stock thermal paste application here:


AlphaDogg said:
I have a similar thread in the MacBook forum, that is not to be confused with this thread. It is referring to a completely different computer that I own.
SUCCESS! After meticulously disassembling my MBP, I have successfully applied Arctic Silver Ceramique to the CPU and GPU. I took pictures of the original application of paste, but I mistakenly forgot to take pictures of my paste application. I am noticing a difference of approximately 10º-12ºC, idling. The difference between the original paste application and my new paste application is about 2º-5ºC, under load. I know that is not much, but the fan speeds are about 3000rpm lower than before the paste application, under load. The fan speed while idling is the same 1990-2000rpm as before the new application of paste. The whole reapplication process took about an hour (including taking apart the MBP).

Now on to the pictures:
DSCN0787.jpg

This is a picture of the MBP's Logic Board with the original thermal paste application.

DSCN0788.jpg

This is a picture of the MBP's heatsink/heatpipe with the original thermal paste application.

DSCN0790.jpg

This is a picture of some of the scraps of the original thermal paste that I took off with a lint-free cloth and rubbing alcohol. It came off of the cloth.

DSCN0791.jpg

This is a picture of the heatsink/heatpipe with all of the thermal paste removed.

DSCN0794.jpg

This is a picture of the logic board without any thermal paste.

DSCN0796.jpg

This is a picture of the logic board with the heatsink/heatpipe attached.
Click to expand...
 
Magrathea said:
I've just been loaned a MBP ver 3.1 - 2.6 Gig / 2008 / 6 gigs and am using it as a video editing and encoding machine in lieu of using my newer MBP 5.1 .

I am wondering what is an acceptable CPU temperature when I'm doing a big encode in compressor or log and transfer as the CPUs are pegged at 100% and this can last for hours at a time with long encodes.

I have noticed CPU temp of up to 90c max with fans on at full tot, 6000rpm. Machine is raised off the surface of my desk and has good airflow under it. I've read about the whole thermal paste mess and was wondering if this temp is acceptable or if I have to do the mod listed in this thread?? I would also be willing to rig up some type of fan to keep the machine cool (I'd love a MP but funds don't allow for one just yet)

Cheers
:eek:
Click to expand...

I have a macbook pro 3,1 - 2.6Ghz - Core 2 Duo.
My machine can develop overheating problems - but it maxes out much higher - over 100C

I've never had an issue at 90C. I know lots of people are concerned about temps over 80C but I don't know exactly why - they aren't having actual heat related issues - so it just seems to be based on something else.

I personally wouldn't be bothered by 90C if the machine is working.
And since I'm used to 100+ temps, I'd love 90C :)

Now my machine, can occasionally, though rarely, actually have an issue related to overheating - so I am thinking about doing the thermal grease re-apply.
 
rdupuy said:
I have a macbook pro 3,1 - 2.6Ghz - Core 2 Duo.
My machine can develop overheating problems - but it maxes out much higher - over 100C

I've never had an issue at 90C. I know lots of people are concerned about temps over 80C but I don't know exactly why - they aren't having actual heat related issues - so it just seems to be based on something else.

I personally wouldn't be bothered by 90C if the machine is working.
And since I'm used to 100+ temps, I'd love 90C :)

Now my machine, can occasionally, though rarely, actually have an issue related to overheating - so I am thinking about doing the thermal grease re-apply.
Click to expand...

The hotter it gets, the hotter it is on your lap if you're not at a table.

Also, have you tried just opening it up and blowing out the fans with canned air?
 
results

Actually I did not try blowing out the fans, and I'm going to do that next. I couldn't find my compressed air last night.

I see your point, people trying to use the machine as a laptop may want it cool, even if it is otherwise working.

Personally I use the machine on a desk.

OK - here is my story - I was using my machine, happy as a clam, when my machine started failing - and it turns out its the memory. BUT - let the machine cool down, and it starts working again, so I thought maybe its related to heat - and the memory. (p.s. I've also ordered replacement memory, is not here yet).

Well, when I first installed SMC fan control, I discovered that my machine runs at 100 C.

Later I also purchased a program called coolbook, and observing the CPU changing speed, what I discovered is - at least with coolbook installed, it throttles back the CPU once it hits 100 C. So it's not coincidence that it runs at 100 C as its throttling back the speed of the machine.

Well now, I probably lived with that for years, but now that I know about it, I can't accept that, I want it to run at full speed.

So I run tests that max out both cores, and I discover the machine ramps up to 100 C within seconds.

OK, so I installed smc fan control - that helped a little, but I still quickly ramp up to 100C and get the throttling.

So, I think used coolbook to undervolt the machine at 2.6Ghz - this also helps, but doesn't solve the issue. But now it's taking up to 30 seconds before it hits 100C and starts throttline.

So, I re-applied thermal paste last night - yes my thermal paste was like you all have pictured, tons of it applied. But you know what is even worse - a screw missing - one of the screws that tightens down the heatsink!

At that moment, I thought I've found the problem and I've got this thing licked.

But no - at full tilt - both cores 100% utlizied and running at 2.6ghz - the machine still ramps up to 100C and throttles the CPU speed - but now it takes a full 10 minutes to achieve.

I believe I'm close - if the thing would only move more air - I'm going to use the compressor and blow out the vents tonight. I'll report if I get it totally working.

BTW, even now with coolbook, I've set my max CPU on battery to 2.0Ghz, and it can run 2.0Ghz full throttle, without ever going above 85C - so thats neat...I'm happy with that. But I mostly use this machine on a desk, and I'd like it to, of course, be able to use the full 2.6Ghz, for as long as it needs to, without throttling back the speed.
 
more results -

OK I blew out the fans, but not a lot of dust came out of mine.
At lunch, I went to staples and got a notebook stand with dual fans.

I know the results of all this are showing some improvements - I used CoolBook to specify a max of 2.0GHz while running on battery. Yesterday, I had it at 85 C - stable. Today, it's an amazing 60 C - stable, and thats running both cores at 100% - but at 2.0Ghz.

Now my settings for 'adapter' use are to use the full 2.6Ghz - after doing everything, including using the notebook stand - the darn thing still goes to 100 degrees Celsius and starts throttling back the processor - it is now taking a full 20 minutes to achieve this result.

Drat!

I'm left with only 3 conclusions, that I can think of:

1) The CPU just runs hotter than an average CPU.
2) I inexpertly re-applied the thermal paste, and maybe that could still be improved upon - but I at least did better than before, because the results are improved.
3) the memory - I've still got new memory on the way. I don't know if the old memory 'overheated' because of the thermal conditions in the case - or if it was contributing to heat in the case. I do know that my "both CPU's at 100% tests" are not equal. I.E. if I run both cpu's at 100% by yes > /dev/null in a couple terminal sessions, that doesn't work out the machine nearly as hard as running REMBER, which is a memory test - but also maxes the CPU's.

However, running at 2.0Ghz - nothing I throw at it now causes it to overheat or even go above 60 C. But if I run at 2.6Ghz, I can go 20 minutes by using "yes > /dev/null" or using "CPU Load 10" inside CoolBookController. If I run REMBER in addition, for whatever reason, it heats up even faster, only lasting 4 to 5 minutes, before hitting 100C

So....in conclusion, I still have the replacement memory coming, I'll see what that does....if it doesn't help, then, I guess my machine just can't run both cores at 2.6Ghz with 100% utlization for extended periods.
 
hey rdupuy, thanx for the info, i just baked my dead logic board in the oven, and got it working again, !!! crazy, but i also had to apply new thermal paste. and at first i was just so happy that my dead mbp were working so i didnt even think about the temp. but after a while i noticed it getting real hot, just like yours. 100' and above. but as i read your post i realised id also forgotten one of the screws pushing down the logic board so the cpu was barely touching the heatsink, now that it does, its back to normal. i run logic studio all day, and its at maximum capacity ALL the time, so thats what initially killed my mac, but new paste, baked board and reassembled properly, its working better than ever! as good as new.. so thank you for posting that! mine now rarely goes over 80, with full logic studio and plugins from hell...

hmm, i downloaded cpu test and coolbook. and its now idle around 45, which is good. but it has no problem reaching 100-105 if i push it long enough. like ten min or so. i read others who tested their system only push for 3min or something and by then im only at 70. im confused. maybe i applied too much paste. crap...funny thing though, the fans dont kick in until it reaches around 100, that has to be apples programming right? if so its effed up..
id hate to have to remove the logic board again, its such a hassle, and i just feel im gonna break something. gah...
 
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Here are some pics of my opening up. :)
full.jpg


full.jpg


full.jpg


My logicboard was replaced about a year ago. I think the technicians just applied the cooling pasta conform Apple's advice. After I cleaned and applied some AS5 my idle temp dropped from 55-60 (celsius) to 40 and my stressed temp from 85-90 (celsius) to 60. Amazing results indeed! Best part of it is the fact that i can now use my Mbp on my lap since the casing is now much cooler.
 
I just did my 2010 MacBook Pro i5 today, over a 20*C drop across the board!!!! Amazing.

Apple still has not addressed the poor application issues, it was so gooped up inside, there were mountains of thermal paste all over. The GPU difference is the most astounding. Idle temps right now are 43*C CPU, 39*C GPU.
 
CompanionCube said:
I just did my 2010 MacBook Pro i5 today, over a 20*C drop across the board!!!! Amazing.

Apple still has not addressed the poor application issues, it was so gooped up inside, there were mountains of thermal paste all over. The GPU difference is the most astounding. Idle temps right now are 43*C CPU, 39*C GPU.
Click to expand...

How long did it take you?
 
The actual operation only took about an hour.

But you can add 2 hours to the time because I had to go to MicroCenter to get a Tri-Wing driver to remove the battery screws.
 
CompanionCube said:
I just did my 2010 MacBook Pro i5 today, over a 20*C drop across the board!!!! Amazing.

Apple still has not addressed the poor application issues, it was so gooped up inside, there were mountains of thermal paste all over. The GPU difference is the most astounding. Idle temps right now are 43*C CPU, 39*C GPU.
Click to expand...

That's just shocking to hear. You'd think they would have dealt with this by now.

I have a Penryn MBP that typically idles (i.e. web browsing and emailing) at 50-53C for all the major chips with an external monitor and on AC power, or in the mid 40s when on battery using its own display. Even with my temperatures being well below yours, the implication of this is I could probably shave another several degrees off by re-pasting. It's just idiotic for Apple not to have fixed this by now.
 
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Does re-applying the thermal paste void the warranty? I'm thinking of doing it immediately when I buy my new MBP in a few weeks, but if it does I'm not so sure if I should..
 
Skybar said:
Does re-applying the thermal paste void the warranty? I'm thinking of doing it immediately when I buy my new MBP in a few weeks, but if it does I'm not so sure if I should..
Click to expand...

It does. If you just got it, I'd leave it alone. Any damage that might be caused (doubt it though) will be covered by AppleCare. I'd only consider reapply thermal paste after the warranty has expired.
 
iLog.Genius said:
It does. If you just got it, I'd leave it alone. Any damage that might be caused (doubt it though) will be covered by AppleCare. I'd only consider reapply thermal paste after the warranty has expired.
Click to expand...
I won't do it then, thank you!
 
Giuly said:
If you see this mess, Apple should switch back to the nasty black print-on gaskets they used on the PowerMac G4. Can't be worse than a china man with a syringe.
Click to expand...

Where are all those Chinese posters who always chime in about how nothing can be made in the US? And Apple doesn't have quality control people who tear down every 10,000th machine to check on things? I guess when they outsource, they outsource everything.
 
Skybar said:
I won't do it then, thank you!
Click to expand...

Well, I've been building, repairing, and customizing Macs and Windows machines for 20 years so this was a pretty simple operation for me. Nothing I did would give Apple, or anyone else, any inclination that I disassembled the machine. There are no security stickers inside that reveal someone has poked around. I could see how an "average" user would never want to undertake this. You need to be especially careful on some of the connectors, and have all of the right tools.

I recently swapped my Core i5 processor for a Core i7 in one of my iMacs, and took the unit in for a display swap under warranty (black smudges), nobody ever noticed or said a word at the store even though the serial number and box reveal it as a Core i5 machine.
 
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