06-26-2009, 06:15 PM

Hello,

I understand this is a hardware only thread. I have many concerns about my Macbook Pro, and I'm not sure if what I'm experiencing is a hardware or software issue. My main concern is hardware, and if it's not that, I can work from there.

First of all, here are my specs:

Hardware Overview:

Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro4,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.5 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 6 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Bus Speed: 800 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MBP41.00C1.B03
SMC Version (system): 1.27f2
Sudden Motion Sensor:
State: Enabled

System Software Overview:

System Version: Mac OS X 10.5.7 (9J61)
Kernel Version: Darwin 9.7.0
Boot Volume: Macintosh HD
Boot Mode: Normal

I also run a student version of 32 bit Windows XP on Boot Camp and sometimes on Fusion.

Okay, now for the problems.

1) The clock on my computer is wrong every time I boot up. It eventually corrects itself, but it takes quite a while. I don't really have any idea what would cause that.

2) The more important issue is that any time I use Hypershot or any other 3D program for more than 15 minutes, the fans get extremely loud and the bottom of the laptop gets extremely hot. I specifically bought this computer because the hardware is supposed to be able to handle 3D modeling software.

My thoughts on the problems are this: would a simple cooling pad alleviate my issue with Hypershot?

Is AppleCare highly recommended? Or is there anything similar that is free to use that I might use as a diagnostic to make sure my system is running properly?

Would reformatting help anything?

Basically I'm just looking for a starting point to troubleshoot exactly what's going wrong. Thanks for any help/advice you might be able to offer.

06-26-2009, 06:55 PM

1. I'd try resetting the computer's SMC & PRAM

2. There is nothing wrong there. The use of any app, particularly 3D modeling, that asks the graphics card and the CPU to actually do some work instead of sitting there loafing about is going to increase their temperature (the same as it would a motor) and is going to max out the fan speed in 10-15 minutes. This is absolutely normal and is what the fans are there to do. Make sure you are not blocking the vent at the rear of the machine at the hinge. (I have played multiple gaming sessions in the 2 1/2 years I've had this one for 4-8 hours at a time with the fans spinning at 6,000 rpm the entire time.)

If you're using your Mac on your lap, carpeted floor, the bed, then yes, I would recommend some type of laptop stand to put it on. It will be too hot to keep on your lap for extended periods of that type of activity. If you've got it sitting on a desk, not so much so.

Applecare - not by myself, but I'm in the minority it seems like around here.

Formatting - No, definitely not at this point. OS X seldom needs re-installing.

06-26-2009, 07:21 PM

1. If you have your date and time set automatically and your network connection is either slow or slow to startup, this could be a cause (though, I'm not entirely sure).

2. Agreed with bobtomay. Every computer is going to get warm and have the fans blow away if the graphics and/or CPU resources are working hard. This is not specific to Macs or your Mac in any way.

If you take good care of your Mac and are conscious of what seems wrong and what isn't, you probably don't need AppleCare. I don't have it nor have any intention of ever purchasing it. The decision comes down to you - do you feel comfortable trying to fix things yourself and at what point do the costs associated with AppleCare eclipse your ability to fix problems?