Upgrade from 15" MBP 2016 to 2018 i9 with Vega 20 - First Impressions with LG Ultrafine 5K

[Thysanoptera]

Apple is giving me no other options at this point. I primarily use my i9 pro as a desktop with a closed lid, and the "level 3" told me that the heat issue is due to using the laptop with a closed lid.

Wow. So this is suddenly not supported now? You're holding it wrong. I'd go medieval on that tech and ask him why is this still on their website then: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201834

 

[likegadgets]

I had the same loaded 2016 MBP, but with 2 tera, and just upgraded to the same 2018, i9, 32MB, Vega 20, but with 2 Tera.
I have 2 LG 5K's each connected to one side of the MBP.

On the 2016 a couple of times a week, it would freeze when connected to the two monitors (latest LG firmware helped, but not fully resolved) - since I got the 2018 - no issues with the twin LGs.

The 2018 is super-fast at everything...

 

[MacDonaldTrump]

Anyone experienced any screen Flickr with Vega, I’ve only just picked mine up but have noticed screen flickers at random times. I’ve managed to video it a couple of times today. Below is a freeze frame from the video.

I have a monitor set up via hdmi and duet was also running. I will continue to test without the monitors connected.

 

[PROFESS0R]

I run mine in clamshell mode frequently and the temperatures are in the 30-40C range... the level 3 who told you that is an idiot. While I would expect slightly warmer temperatures with the lid closed, I would not expect the temperatures to be excessive... and they are not.

Joe

@Ploki how did you get the refund? Mine has been sent in twice for service due to heat issues, and the mobo has been replaced twice. Apple is giving me no other options at this point. I primarily use my i9 pro as a desktop with a closed lid, and the "level 3" told me that the heat issue is due to using the laptop with a closed lid. Obviously that's completely unacceptable. I really dont know what else to do.

 

[Ploki]

@Ploki how did you get the refund? Mine has been sent in twice for service due to heat issues, and the mobo has been replaced twice. Apple is giving me no other options at this point. I primarily use my i9 pro as a desktop with a closed lid, and the "level 3" told me that the heat issue is due to using the laptop with a closed lid. Obviously that's completely unacceptable. I really dont know what else to do.

I pushed on two fronts, one with my retailer, who (after 2 months) tried to file a DOA, and one with Apple support.
I pushed Apple support over the phone for 40 days, had computer in for service for 14 days and then apple gave up and said "they couldn't fix my issue in respectable amount of time, so they would issue me a refund".

At the same time on the other front, my retailer successfully filed a "DOA" claim.
I think they realise that they have issues with these.
Where did you buy it from?

Anyone experienced any screen Flickr with Vega, I’ve only just picked mine up but have noticed screen flickers at random times. I’ve managed to video it a couple of times today. Below is a freeze frame from the video.

I have a monitor set up via hdmi and duet was also running. I will continue to test without the monitors connected.

Yes, there was another VEGA flicker thread. They replaced his unit.

 

[MacDonaldTrump]

So, I think as far as I can tell, it may only be occurring when connected to HDMI. I could be wrong as it seems very intermittent, I can't seem to replicate it even trying the methods in the other thread you steered me to.

I did find it odd that it did not capture when taking a video screen grab (command/shift/5) it definitely flickered while it was recording but not showing on playback.

I spoke with apple and they suggested I try a smc reset and nvram (it just flickered again writing this) I keep trying to catch it recording on my iPhone.

Just not sure ill be able to reproduce the problem in store to show someone.

 

[IdentityCrisis]

@Ploki how did you get the refund? Mine has been sent in twice for service due to heat issues, and the mobo has been replaced twice. Apple is giving me no other options at this point. I primarily use my i9 pro as a desktop with a closed lid, and the "level 3" told me that the heat issue is due to using the laptop with a closed lid. Obviously that's completely unacceptable. I really dont know what else to do.

Unacceptable? You are blocking some of the vents when you close the lid. A laptop needs the lid open to get cool air in through the keyboard. I have mine docked on my desk with a rain Mstand and the display is always open unless I power it off. It stays cool and runs just fine.

The i9 processor is a very hot processor and will need good cooling. At idle, I am sure it will be fine, but once you start demanding it, and it gets hot, clamshell mode for an i9 isn't good enough.

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Anyone experienced any screen Flickr with Vega, I’ve only just picked mine up but have noticed screen flickers at random times. I’ve managed to video it a couple of times today. Below is a freeze frame from the video.

I have a monitor set up via hdmi and duet was also running. I will continue to test without the monitors connected.

No issues with mine. Make sure you have high quality hdmi cable. This link will help you with that.

https://hackintosher.com/blog/bad-hdmi-dp-cable-can-ruin-4k-hackintosh-flickering/

 

[Thysanoptera]

Unacceptable? You are blocking some of the vents when you close the lid. A laptop needs the lid open to get cool air in through the keyboard.

No, there is no difference whether the lid is closed or open, the exhaust vents still have exactly the same opening (they point downwards, lower half portion of the back edge), and keyboard is glued shut, not a single atom shall pass. Look up ifixit teardowns. Besides Apple itself advertises clam shell as normal operating mode, that would be a class action in the making.

 

[Ploki]

Unacceptable? You are blocking some of the vents when you close the lid. A laptop needs the lid open to get cool air in through the keyboard. I have mine docked on my desk with a rain Mstand and the display is always open unless I power it off. It stays cool and runs just fine.

The i9 processor is a very hot processor and will need good cooling. At idle, I am sure it will be fine, but once you start demanding it, and it gets hot, clamshell mode for an i9 isn't good enough.

Both of those are false. MacBook pro is designed in such a way that airflow is not obstructed when you close the lid.
https://9to5mac.com/wp-content/uplo...k-pro-vs-macbook-pro.jpg?quality=82&strip=all
there's a gaping hole in the back.

the only thing that might improve the airflow is tilting it upward a little, but airflow is in NO WAY obstructed if you close the lid. There's no air going through the top. There's two vents and the sides and the main vent and the back, and the lid is designed so it directs the air in the right direction whether its closed or opened.

And MacBook Pro's ventilation hasn't gotten air through the keyboard since at least 2012 retina macbook pro. The keyboard on 2012-2015 was glued on (you could spill stuff on it and it wouldn't go through immediately) and on 2018, its netted on + it has a silicone membrane over the keys!

everything said and done, it should work normally in clamshell.

 

[MacDonaldTrump]

No issues with mine. Make sure you have high quality hdmi cable. This link will help you with that.

https://hackintosher.com/blog/bad-hdmi-dp-cable-can-ruin-4k-hackintosh-flickering/

The monitor connected via HDMI is not flickering, it's only the retina that is showing issues. It's a good quality cable.

 

[Ploki]

The monitor connected via HDMI is not flickering, it's only the retina that is showing issues. It's a good quality cable.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/macbook-pro-i7-32gb-1tb-vega-20-screen-flicker.2156679/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/vega-mbp-screen-flickering.2158886/

 

[PROFESS0R]

Wrong. Actually, I was wrong as well. I expected slightly warmer temperatures with the lid closed, but it is actually cooler by about 4C across almost all temperatures with the lid closed. The only temperatures cooler with the lid open are the right and left palm rests. I will upload a couple of graphs shortly. My guess is that the cooler temperatures are associated with not having to drive the internal display.

Joe

No, there is no difference whether the lid is closed or open, the exhaust vents still have exactly the same opening (they point downwards, lower half portion of the back edge), and keyboard is glued shut, not a single atom shall pass. Look up ifixit teardowns. Besides Apple itself advertises clam shell as normal operating mode, that would be a class action in the making.

 

[Thysanoptera]

Wrong. Actually, I was wrong as well. I expected slightly warmer temperatures with the lid closed, but it is actually cooler by about 4C across almost all temperatures with the lid closed. The only temperatures cooler with the lid open are the right and left palm rests. I will upload a couple of graphs shortly. My guess is that the cooler temperatures are associated with not having to drive the internal display.

Joe

I was referring to the cooling capability of the chassis, that it remains the same, but what you wrote makes sense, you need to power that Retina display, when the lid is closed you suddenly save 5W or so.

 

[IdentityCrisis]

Both of those are false. MacBook pro is designed in such a way that airflow is not obstructed when you close the lid.
https://9to5mac.com/wp-content/uplo...k-pro-vs-macbook-pro.jpg?quality=82&strip=all
there's a gaping hole in the back.

the only thing that might improve the airflow is tilting it upward a little, but airflow is in NO WAY obstructed if you close the lid. There's no air going through the top. There's two vents and the sides and the main vent and the back, and the lid is designed so it directs the air in the right direction whether its closed or opened.

And MacBook Pro's ventilation hasn't gotten air through the keyboard since at least 2012 retina macbook pro. The keyboard on 2012-2015 was glued on (you could spill stuff on it and it wouldn't go through immediately) and on 2018, its netted on + it has a silicone membrane over the keys!

everything said and done, it should work normally in clamshell.

I am not sure I believe this. Sorry. Even Apple says to not put anything over the keyboard for better cooling. That tells me they recommend it to have airflow for a reason. Has anyone actually measured the temps with it open vs closed of the cpu?

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201640

Here are some tips to manage the operating temperature:

• Make sure that you’ve installed all Mac software updates and all current firmware updates.
• Use your Mac notebook where the ambient temperature is between 50° and 95° F (10° and 35° C). Don’t leave your Mac notebook in your car, because temperatures in parked cars can exceed this range. You should also use your Mac notebook where the relative humidity is between 0% and 95% (noncondensing).
• Use your Mac notebook on a stable work surface that allows for good ventilation. Don’t use your Mac notebook in your bed, on a pillow, or under covers.
• Don’t put anything over the keyboard.
• If your Mac notebook has ventilation openings, don't put anything into them.
• Use only Apple-authorized power adapters. Take steps to avoid overheating the power adapter.

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The monitor connected via HDMI is not flickering, it's only the retina that is showing issues. It's a good quality cable.

Okay, yeah, that would be different then. Some have had this issue and got theirs replaced I believe.

 

[Thysanoptera]

Has anyone actually measured the temps with it open vs closed of the cpu?

Yep, @PROFESS0R two posts above, It is actually cooler with lid closed. Most likely because you don't have to run the integrated display. And the part about not putting anything over the keyboard - I guess they didn't feel like changing this when unibody was introduced, every current Mac notebook has the keyboard glued, sealed and covered with tight, solid plastic sheet for good measure.

 

[Ploki]

I am not sure I believe this. Sorry. Even Apple says to not put anything over the keyboard for better cooling. That tells me they recommend it to have airflow for a reason. Has anyone actually measured the temps with it open vs closed of the cpu?

professor did and said his vega/i9 runs 5 degrees cooler with closed lid.

run your fans and try if there is any air coming from the keyboard in

 

[PROFESS0R]

I took screen shots of the step function in temperature when the lid is opened. I will try to upload them tomorrow. As I mentioned, every istat temperature increased with the lid opened EXCEPT the palm rest temperatures, both of which decreased.

 

[fpenta]

Wrong. Actually, I was wrong as well. I expected slightly warmer temperatures with the lid closed, but it is actually cooler by about 4C across almost all temperatures with the lid closed. The only temperatures cooler with the lid open are the right and left palm rests. I will upload a couple of graphs shortly. My guess is that the cooler temperatures are associated with not having to drive the internal display.

Joe

How did you manage to run it with the closed lid without connecting it to an external monitor?
I get 7C higher temps when connected to the LG 5K Display but that's most likely because the Vega is enabled.

 

[PROFESS0R]

I have it connected to an external monitor.

How did you manage to run it with the closed lid without connecting it to an external monitor?
I get 7C higher temps when connected to the LG 5K Display but that's most likely because the Vega is enabled.

 

[PROFESS0R]

Here are the temperatures
[doublepost=1544449894][/doublepost]The image on the left is the palm rest and the image on the right is the highest temperature CPU