For those that use iSlayer iStat

What is the normal operating temperature for the MacBook?

It says mine is running around 106-111F for my CPU. Is this considered too hot or normal?

My iMac doesn't run that hot; never above 90F.

Well that's pretty normal. Apple has said that higher temperatures are normal with the core 2 duo chips. A little more detail would be helpful though. When it is at that temperature, what are you using the computer to do? Is it on your lap or on a table?

I am only surfing Safari and deleting old files; and I've seen it jump as high as 117F.

Is sitting on my lap in my bed.

Those temperatures are a little higher than normal, especially since you are only on safari. Try it on a flat surface and see if the temperature drops. It is probably getting hot because it's not getting proper ventilation. Try it out on a table/desk and then let us know what temperatures it is running at.

Nothingfaced said:

Is sitting on my lap in my bed.

Click to expand...

Don't use your notebook on a soft surface. Soft surfaces aren't conducive to proper airflow and as such, your notebook's temperature will rise. You should be using your notebook on a flat, hard surface that allows for proper ventilation.

Talking of ventilation, where exactly on the 17" MBP is the ventilation? Its just that Im noticing a build up of dust in the ports on the left hand side of my MBP.

From the space around the keys through to the back....You shouldn't have a build up of dust around your ports any more that you get on everything else where you use your MBP.
Environment also effects your running temp as well as Vansmith's comments.
I moved from Melbourne Australia (Cold) to Gold Coast Australia (Hot) fairly recently, and I have a jump of approx 15-20C.
When i have my laptop on a stand, I get a drop of around 10C... so, there are so many variables, but at the end of the day, Mac laptops run hot, and it's ok as long as everything's running fine

Thanks, its quite a dusty environment here, and had problems with my old Acer Aspire getting clogged up with dust, so had to clean the fan out every couple of months.

If I choose to remove the bottom plate to blow out dust in my MBP, will I void my Warranty do you know?

Thanks for your reply.

There is nothing wrong with 110F. That's not much above the ambient outside air temps half the year here.

It has been an extremely rare occasion that I've seen my now 3+ yr old MBP CPU temp below about 55C (131F) and up to 85-90C (185-194F) during multiple hour rounds with WoW.

search iFixit: Apple Mac, MacBook, iPod, and iPhone Repair Parts on best way to do so.

Only if you "stuff up" will you void your warranty :/

If you don't find what you want, and don't want to risk it, it can be worth going to an apple genius bar, or any other authorized repairer to do it for you. I can't imagine you would get charged much more than pocket change!

Nothingfaced said:

What is the normal operating temperature for the MacBook?

It says mine is running around 106-111F for my CPU. Is this considered too hot or normal?

My iMac doesn't run that hot; never above 90F.

Click to expand...

Guess I'm replying kind of late to this thread...but those temps are actually quite low!

Think about it...if it was the Summertime & it was 90F outside & you had no air-conditioning in your home...your MacBook would be close to 90F just sitting there (turned off)!

- Nick

My brand new MBP runs 103℉ to 110℉ which is 30℉ cooler than my 4yr old MBP so to me this
is cool bottom of case never sees more than 90℉ which is 20℉ cooler than the old one.