POLL: How hot does the CPU run on your MacBook Pro?

[Jem]

I have a client who has 2 MacBook Pros, and her most recent is a 2.4 Ghz Santa Rosa.

That one *consistently* run at about 75 degrees centigrade on the CPU sensor.

Her older 2.33 Ghz macBook Pro under a similar load runs 45 to 55 degrees consitently, and occasionally gets up to 65 degrees under real heavy load.

My *personal* MacBook Pro (a 2.2 Ghz Santa Rosa) runs in a similar range to her 2.33 Ghz model... that is, typically between 45 and 55 degrees C.

She is concerned because the fans run constantly on her new (2.4Ghz) MBP at 5000+ RPM and don't seem to make an impact on the CPU temp.

75 degrees seems hot to me, so I suggested she call the Apple store (she has 3 year Apple Care coverage), and the first person she talked to was VERY concerned and afraid of damage to the Mac and possible fire?!?! He however, spoke to someone else at Apple who said this was entirely normal.

So which is it? The outside of the case often exceed 120 degrees F. so it is quite hot on one's lap.

For data points, would folks that have MavBook Pros please post their MBP specs and what the temp of the CPU(s) are, as reported by the iStat widget? Thanks!

[blusubaru]

Mid 50's C on original MacBook (not Pro). Will get up to 80+ C when fully taxed out. I have a built in alarm system for 85C.

[Article Accelerator]

[quote Jem]She is concerned because the fans run constantly on her new (2.4Ghz) MBP at 5000+ RPM and don't seem to make an impact on the CPU temp.
Then something else may be running constantly too: Launch Activity Monitor, show all processes, and sort by descending CPU%. Check for porcine processes.

[Zoidberg]

I did some research on this some time ago; according to sources I found (both online and talking to Apple reps) the MBP is made to run hot -- upwards of 150ºF (65ºC) or so. My MBP runs around 120 to 140 ºF (50 to 65ºC) most days. I have a little Vornado fan on the end of the desk that I keep on most of the workday to keep it cooler than that. You're right, though; 75ºC (about 167ºF) seems excessive, especially if it's constant.

See this for a comprehensive list of operating temps for Intel Macs: http://www.intelmactemp.com/list (note; user reported info)

Here's a link the Apple Genius at the Plano TX store sent me: http://www.cartoonbarry.com/2007/05/macb...e_hot.html

Also, and this one perplexed me something mighty: fire up Activity Monitor and check to see if something is running the CPU at or near 100%. I have, on three separate occasions, had a document stuck in a printer spool. This was running the CPU at 100% (or near it) and, of course, was heating it up. A force-quit of the print spool might help, but the fix is to open the print monitor and delete the offending file.

(I discovered this on a blog a few years ago; I can't find the link now but I'll look and see & will post if I find it.)

[Jem]

[quote Article Accelerator][quote Jem]She is concerned because the fans run constantly on her new (2.4Ghz) MBP at 5000+ RPM and don't seem to make an impact on the CPU temp.
Then something else may be running constantly too: Launch Activity Monitor, show all processes, and sort by descending CPU%. Check for porcine processes.
That's the strange thing. I Checked Activity Monitor and nothing was running at more than 15% of a single CPU. And in fact most stuff was at 2-3% or less.

Makes me wonder if there is a physical defect, like the Heatsink not being seated/attached correctly... but the heatsink temp isn't much lower than the CPU temp, so it seems it is in contact with the CPU?!?!

[Zoidberg]

Where's she using it? Does she have it on a flat surface where air can flow freely about it? Is she in direct sunlight, near a window w/o UV protection, etc.?

Laptop is a bad misnomer for a portable computer. I never have used a laptop on my lap; besides the bad ergonomics it's never comfortable, no matter what brand you're using. Always too warm.

If she's actually "laptopping" it, try working it on a flat surface (not a bed, not a towel, etc.) for a while and check the temp after about an hour.

ADDED. FWIW, I don't think a case or protective cover will make a difference (again, though, depending on where she's using it. I got a Speck snap-on cover for my MBP (BTW, it's the 2.33GHz 15") and had monitored the temps carefully before and after. I doubt it went up even a degree because of the cover (at least in on-desk usage).

[Jem]

Ralph,

Fantastic resource, thank you! The Intel mac Tenp Database hsa just the type of info I was looking for, and a quick perusal shows that a number of folks have it worse than my client.

Strange though that there should be so much variance between machines in terms of what is normal.

Cheers,

Jem

[jardster]

Mine usually is around 70.... but that is with 15 apps open including parallels. CPU usage is around 30% only.

[incognegro]

Original Core Duo, 48° C at the moment. I use smcFanControl, fans are at 5000rpm.