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Freniglas123

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jun 15, 2020
4
2
I bought the base model MBA a couple of days ago and it runs so hot, it’s too annoying. I do very basic things like browsing the web through Safari, texting and Spotify and the keyboard always gets so warm after just a couple of minutes, it makes it uncomfortable to type. It’s such a shame because I love the design and the color (gold). My previous Air (bought in 2013) stayed pretty cool and silent 90% of the time. I’m thinking of returning this one and buying the base model of the new Macbook Pro 13”, but I don’t really want to spend more money and have the same thing happen with the Pro. Does the MBP 2020 get too warm as well? Thanks!
 
Must be something wrong with yours. Have used mine base for work on daily bases for almost 2 month now and has never been hot at all (depending on ambient temperature, the CPU usually runs around 45 C). Have never heard anyone else either have thermal issues as yours with such light usage.
 
I bought the base model MBA a couple of days ago and it runs so hot, it’s too annoying. I do very basic things like browsing the web through Safari, texting and Spotify and the keyboard always gets so warm after just a couple of minutes, it makes it uncomfortable to type. It’s such a shame because I love the design and the color (gold). My previous Air (bought in 2013) stayed pretty cool and silent 90% of the time. I’m thinking of returning this one and buying the base model of the new Macbook Pro 13”, but I don’t really want to spend more money and have the same thing happen with the Pro. Does the MBP 2020 get too warm as well? Thanks!
The Pro stays a bit quieter unless you are really pushing the CPU (and it allows the CPU to be pushed to the limit for a lot longer) because it has a better cooling system and uses the processors rated for up to 25W.
 
The Pro stays a bit quieter unless you are really pushing the CPU (and it allows the CPU to be pushed to the limit for a lot longer) because it has a better cooling system and uses the processors rated for up to 25W.

Honestly, this one isn’t too loud, I heard the fan twice so far, but it gets sooo warm all the time :( you can feel it in the middle of the keyboard just after like 10 minutes of use and I can’t really use it in my lap comfortably because of it
 
Sounds like you might have some sort of stuck process or daemon.

Bottom of my MBA is 91F at the moment per IR thermometer. 87F between G & H keys on top.

Bring up Activity Monitor, CPU Tab, look for stuff with high %CPU or high CPU Time.

Also - you're on day two? Have you left it open and turned on overnight to help all the indexing and Photos analysis stuff finish up? At least give it another couple days to ensure those wrap up before you make any decisions.
 
MBP does get warm as well, though likely not as warm as your Air. Something to keep in mind as others are suggesting above: it's probable that you have processes running in the background that are causing the laptop to warm up. I'm typing this on my MBA, and I'm currently running 7-8 programs along with powering a huge external monitor, but my keyboard is almost cool to the touch.

You should investigate what deeddawg wrote above to see just what is utilizing so much energy and causing your laptop to heat up. Report back and we can walk you through it.
 
I recommend returning it. I have the same problems but unfortunately, I purchased through an authorized retailer and thus, my only recourse is the Apple warranty. I sent it in and, of course, they said there was nothing wrong with it and sent it back to me. My only hope now is trying some mods, but I should not need to be doing this on a $1100 brand-new computer.
 
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