uMBP internal temp difference (lid open vs lid closed)

[sn0warmy]

I was considering picking up this stand for my uMBP:

One thing that concerned me was having higher CPU temps with the lid closed.

I read a thread a few days ago that said there is no CPU temp change between lid closed and lid opened. And after doing some of my own testing I now believe that information is FALSE.


I use smcFanControl to control fan speed and monitor CPU temp.

Before using smcFantControl to boost my fan speed to constantly run at 3,400RPM, my CPU temp was 10-20 degrees (celsius) higher, on average.


As for the lid open vs. closed theory....

Setup:
- 24" external monitor
- wireless keyboard/mouse
- Targus Chill Mat
Apps running: Safari, Adium, iTunes, Mail, inDesign, illustrator
Fan speed: set at constant 3,400 RPM's
Time powered on with all apps running: 4 hours
Ambient room temp: 72 degrees Fahrenheit


Lid closed
CPU Temp: 64 degrees Celsius

Lid open:
CPU temp: 43 degrees Celsius


Take this info as you will. I just know that I will be using my MBP with the lid open from now on.

 

[adamk77]

 

 

[gr8tfly]

Although the cooling is slightly different, I did run lid open/closed tests on my 2.33GHz MBP C2D. It was warmer, closed, but only a couple of degrees. The test was done while running Handbrake.

 

[BENI]

I can confirm this.

I have used insomniax (freeware app that keeps Mb Pro awake when lid is closed) while ripping a DVD which is pretty intensive on the CPU.
When I looked again after about 1/2 hour it was around 83C compared a usual 60/65C withe the lid open.

when I am just running normally - browsing, word proccessing, mailing etc... even all of these at once! (wow!!! I know scary eh? haha) - it runs around 37C to 48C depending on the ambient air temp, which actually makes a hell of a difference! way more than you might think. on a really hot day I could run a 60 doing nothing! just from the air temp.

in fact I would say that keeping your room cool could even be more affective than fan controllers or heat absorbent stands. I am running at 38/40C right now on a CPU of 5 to 20%. is that cool? or average? or hot?
it would be nice to know where I stand. all I know at the moment is in relation to my one macbook pro.

 

[vant]

Try flipping it upside down and do some tests.

Heat rises, so when you have the vent facing down it's inefficient.

When you close the lid, you are effectively insulating the macbook. That whole space between the two areas is sealed.

 

[abijnk]

Also, can someone who use it with it closed explain to me why you woudln't want the extra real estate of an extra monitor?

Sure, no room.

 

[xlii]

I was considering picking up this stand for my uMBP:
(photo removed)

One thing that concerned me was having higher CPU temps with the lid closed.

I read a thread a few days ago that said there is no CPU temp change between lid closed and lid opened. And after doing some of my own testing I now believe that information is FALSE.


I use smcFanControl to control fan speed and monitor CPU temp.

Before using smcFantControl to boost my fan speed to constantly run at 3,400RPM, my CPU temp was 10-20 degrees (celsius) higher, on average.


As for the lid open vs. closed theory....

Setup:
- 24" external monitor
- wireless keyboard/mouse
- Targus Chill Mat
Apps running: Safari, Adium, iTunes, Mail, inDesign, illustrator
Fan speed: set at constant 3,400 RPM's
Time powered on with all apps running: 4 hours
Ambient room temp: 72 degrees Fahrenheit


Lid closed
CPU Temp: 64 degrees Celsius

Lid open:
CPU temp: 43 degrees Celsius


Take this info as you will. I just know that I will be using my MBP with the lid open from now on.

From the look of the apple logo on in the picture the exhaust vent on the laptop is pointed down. Since hot air rises it would be better to have the vent pointed up when putting it in the stand. I don't have a stand so I haven't tested that theory... just an observation.

 

[maflynn]

I noticed that with the lid closed my mbp runs hotter then open. So much so I rarely do this

 

[adamk77]

 

 

[sn0warmy]

......

I am running at 38/40C right now on a CPU of 5 to 20%. is that cool? or average? or hot?
it would be nice to know where I stand. all I know at the moment is in relation to my one macbook pro.

I'd say sub 40C is pretty cool for these laptops. When I pull mine out of it's case in the morning and turn it on after it's been powered off overnight and in a room with a set temp of 65F, the CPU temp is 31-35C and the aluminum casing is cool to the touch.

From the look of the apple logo on in the picture the exhaust vent on the laptop is pointed down. Since hot air rises it would be better to have the vent pointed up when putting it in the stand. I don't have a stand so I haven't tested that theory... just an observation.

I hope I didn't deceive in posting that picture. My MBP sits right side up. I found that picture online to demonstrate the stand I WANTED to get. But after this testing, I will be staying away from it.