I am finding when I use my MacBook on Zoom it is getting crazy hot. Using an external webcam but no other programs. Any ideas on how to keep things cooler?
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Very hot MacBook using Zoom?
- Thread starter OliveroNYC
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mj_
macrumors 68000
Unfortunately the only think you can do is to stop using Zoom. That application is known to cause an incredibly high load on the CPU on macOS due to poor optimization (read: non-existent). If that's not an option, which will be the case more often than not, you will have to live with it.
chrfr
macrumors G5
Zoom is very resource intensive. Any computer doing a Zoom call gets hot, unfortunately. This is true for most conferencing apps.
It might not help a ton, but you could also put the laptop on a stand to increase air circulation, and/or point a small desk fan towards it to help with the same.
Skylar.
Contributor
Adding to this, you could try using a fan controller app.
Assuming you have one of the older MacBooks that does have a fan. So not one of the 12-inch models.
Thanks all. I have been placing a gell based ice pack under the laptop when on a call and this is working. Not ideal though, so really looking forward a 12" ARM replacement.
Not sure of your exact setup but I would be careful with that setup that you aren’t putting the ice pack directly against the laptop. If so, I’d be worried about condensation on the laptop.
One other thought, depending on what you need to do with the zoom calls but you might want to try taking the calls on your IPhone/iPad through the iOS app if you have one. My work laptop struggles to keep up on webex calls but the iPhone app works flawlessly.
nmorgan997
macrumors newbie
I just upgraded from a MacBook Air (Mid-2013) to a new MacBook Pro and am also running into the overheating issue on Zoom. I have to disagree with earlier comments though as my MacBook Air did not get hot at all while on Zoom... and that's a much older and weaker processor.
theSeb
macrumors 604
You obviously had the special Unicorn edition because over at the MBA forum a quick browse will find loads of posts complaining about heat when using Zoom.