smcFanControl - is it safe?

[wasimyaqoob]

Hey Guys,

Just installed smcFanControl where you can control the speed of your fans on my shiny new MacBook Pro.

Is it actually safe to be running the fans at full speed for a pro-longed period?

Also, when QUIT the program, will it goto Apple default settings? - So the fans work when the machine needs to be cooled.

And just is it generally safe to use?

Thanks!

 

[WildPalms]

Hey Guys,

Just installed smcFanControl where you can control the speed of your fans on my shiny new MacBook Pro.

Is it actually safe to be running the fans at full speed for a pro-longed period?

Also, when QUIT the program, will it goto Apple default settings? - So the fans work when the machine needs to be cooled.

And just is it generally safe to use?

Thanks!

Its safe to run them at full speed, but probably unnecessary. The thermal management on Apple computers is very good at maintaining safe operating levels for the components. However, if you want to run them cooler with programs like smcFanControl thats fine, if you dont mind the additional noise. The worst that can happen is you shorten the life of the fan by a small amount and I'm talking maybe 10% less lifespan. Given that may be in 8 or more years, I'd think that you would have replaced the laptop with a new model by then.

When you quit the program the fans will resume to the default settings or whatever the onboard thermal management decides is the correct speed to cool the components. smcFanControl is only changing fan speeds while the program is running, it does not change any hardware or system settings.

So once you end the program, you revert to the Apple settings.

Its quite safe

 

[wasimyaqoob]

Thanks alot, I've been running my fans at 6,000RPM (FULL SPEED) for the last 40 minutes, and it makes a big difference actually.

Parts of my MBP, feel cold even though it's been on for the last 3 hours!

That's good to know when you do QUIT the program, it reverts to Apple's default settings!

Thanks alot! You've given me confidence!

 

[WildPalms]

Thanks alot, I've been running my fans at 6,000RPM (FULL SPEED) for the last 40 minutes, and it makes a big difference actually.

Parts of my MBP, feel cold even though it's been on for the last 3 hours!

That's good to know when you do QUIT the program, it reverts to Apple's default settings!

Thanks alot! You've given me confidence!

You're welcome. I run it myself on my Mac pro but only for kicks really, well ok, maybe I like to baby my computer along a little bit I've never seen my temperature above 94 degrees even doing re-encoding of video material so its unlikely that I need to run it.

Its fun being able to set my preset of "Hurricane" and hear the machine sound like its taking off ....ahh, small things for small minds

 

[wasimyaqoob]

Yeah, it's just that with these kinda program, you get abit nervous about using them because they may cause damage to the fans or whatever and you might not necessarily be covered by the Apple Warranty scheme.

But my MBP is so much cooler, I'm not too bothered about the extra fan noise, the laptop still looks awesome

 

[rezenclowd3]

Ive messed with many of the settings on my MBP, and 4K seems to be just about right for the fan speed. Any higher doesnt result in a dramatic decrease in temp unless I am running a gfx intensive game or running many cpu intensive programs at once.

The program is safe for the computer, the only drawback would be the fan life decreases, but hopefully not by much. My MBP stays at a comfortable 100ºF on the inside, its not noticeable on the outside of the case.

 

[wasimyaqoob]

Well I replace all my machines every 3 years and I only just bought this new MBP, so hopefully I dont think the fans will decrease too much with over the 3 years I intend to have the machine!

 

[rezenclowd3]

Well, luckily they are brushless designs and I am sure the bearings are pretty decent. I figure if the bearing goes out, ill just buy a ceramic bearing from Bocabearings.com I use these bearings in my 8th scale buggies, and they take much more abuse than the MBP bearings do.

 

[synth3tik]

programs that mess with the operation of the computer can be kind of scary. SMS fan control is rather save. I don't use it myself as I think the fans work well enough on there own.

 

[wasimyaqoob]

Yeah, I understand where your coming from but it's kinda good to be able to kick up the fans to a higher speed and cool the machine down!

 

[bobcan]

Agreed...

programs that mess with the operation of the computer can be kind of scary. SMS fan control is rather save. I don't use it myself as I think the fans work well enough on there own.

I have tried and Set Up a couple of "Speeds" for Charging and DownLoading .... seems fine to me...

I can only compare this program's usage to having Oil/ Temp Gauges in your Car instead on Warning Lights; >>> You do get the Information given to you in a Better Way, but you have to be capable of using it!! If the SMC goes awry you have to be paying attention as your MB may melt down... and running the Fans TOO MUCH will obviously shorten their life, as well as pass more "unclean air" thru your computer as well!!