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SMC Fan control settings ?

M

Maziar

macrumors 6502
Original poster
May 22, 2010
387
4
Hey guys
My MBA CPU temp is around 55-59c while web surfing(when using on my lap),which is hot.
So I downloaded SMC and set the active setting to "Higher RPM" and the temp dropped signifcantly but the fan speed went up to 4000 RPM,is that safe ? Is it fine to keep it on 4000RPM for long times ?
What's the max safe RPM I can use with SMC?

Thanks and sorry if it's been asked before.(I'm new to mac)
 
I know it's not but I like to keep it down while I'm using it on my lap
 
Max for the new Air`s is 6500rpm, I just create my own profiles with 500rpm increments. I also use presets for Battery 2000, mains 2500 & charging 3000

Your temps are absolutely nothing to worry about, this is just how Mac`s are. The fan is designed to run at 6500rpm, and the system governs it down, so any damage is highly unlikely. Dont think about the temperature too much OS X will deal with that.

SMC Fan Control just lets you increase the rpm ahead of any heavy workload or like when charging the battery you can add 1000rpm and help to keep the system a little cooler. The program was a real lifesaver for some the older MacBook Pro`s my own 4.1 2.4Ghz Penryn runs easily between 60C & 70C and some run far hotter.

My Wife's 11inch heats up faster than my 13 inch and if I had the 11, I would be inclined to add a 1000rpm to the default of 2000rpm on mains, 3500 for charging, battery I would leave on default as the CPU will run less aggressively on battery. If you want to keep the temp down on the lap 3-4K will do the trick...
 
Last edited:
@Queen6
Thanks :) So the default High speed profile of SMC is fine(which is 4000RPM),I'll make some profiles and keep them under 5000 just to be safe
@killerrobot
Noted,thanks for the tip :)
I
 
Queen6 said:
Max for the new Air`s is 6500rpm, I just create my own profiles with 500rpm increments. I also use presets for Battery 2000, mains 2500 & charging 3000

Your temps are absolutely nothing to worry about, this is just how Mac`s are. The fan is designed to run at 6500rpm, and the system governs it down, so any damage is highly unlikely. Dont think about the temperature too much OS X will deal with that.

SMC Fan Control just lets you increase the rpm ahead of any heavy workload or like when charging the battery you can add 1000rpm and help to keep the system a little cooler. The program was a real lifesaver for some the older MacBook Pro`s my own 4.1 2.4Ghz Penryn runs easily between 60C & 70C and some run far hotter.

My Wife's 11inch heats up faster than my 13 inch and if I had the 11, I would be inclined to add a 1000rpm to the default of 2000rpm on mains, 3500 for charging, battery I would leave on default as the CPU will run less aggressively on battery. If you want to keep the temp down on the lap 3-4K will do the trick...
Click to expand...

Just downloaded this and it really helps run the laptop cooler. I have set AC power at 3000, but in case the laptop starts running hotter due to usage, will the fan speed increase as required to say 4 or 5000? Or one SMC Fan is running, will I have to ensure that the fan speed is increased if required?
 
Maziar said:
Hey guys
My MBA CPU temp is around 55-59c while web surfing(when using on my lap),which is hot.
So I downloaded SMC and set the active setting to "Higher RPM" and the temp dropped signifcantly but the fan speed went up to 4000 RPM,is that safe ? Is it fine to keep it on 4000RPM for long times ?
What's the max safe RPM I can use with SMC?

Thanks and sorry if it's been asked before.(I'm new to mac)
Click to expand...

I hope that you don't want children if you are keeping your laptop on your lap 24/7.
 
alternatives

have you considers getting one of those laptop fan lap holders.

it will keep you legs cool, your laptop cool and running smooth.
 
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