overheating

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Hi

What could be causing my macbook pro to overheat?
I assume that it is overheating, it gets hot about 10 minutes after switching it on, and the fan sounds like it's working pretty hard.
I've cleaned the fan from all the dust, but it's still happening.

Any solutions?

Thanks
 

pigoo3

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Hi

What could be causing my macbook pro to overheat?

Any solutions?

What applications are you running 10 minutes after starting the computer?

- Nick

p.s. FYI...your MacBook Pro is not over-heating. If it was...it would automatically shut off.
 
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p.s. FYI...your MacBook Pro is not over-heating. If it was...it would automatically shut off.

It did shut off once, and then it forgot the password to my internet connection. It has only done that once though
 

RavingMac

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Also, what kind of surface are you operating it on?

Even though they are called laptops, modern notebook computers require copious ventilation, and don't react well to beds, laps (depending on clothing that is worn) or any other surface that restricts air flow.
 

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Also, what kind of surface are you operating it on?

Usually on my lap or my bed, but this is a new problem, and I've been using it this way for a long time
 
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How about downloading & installing a program called "Temperature Monitor":

Temperature Monitor: Description

Install it...and let us know what your temps are.

- Nick

My temps are

Battery: 33 degrees Celsius
Battery position 2: 33 degrees celsius
Battery postion 3: 33 degress c
Battery position 4: 35 degrees c
CPU A proximity:67 degrees c
CPU A temperature diode: 84 degrees c
Left palm rest: 33 degrees c
main heatsink 2: 66 degrees c
main heatsink f: 65 degrees c
Northbridge chic: 76 degrees c
 

pigoo3

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Usually just Safari.

I wanted to add. You may "only" be running Safari...but if you're watching internet videos (such as You Tube)...or playing some internet games.

This will VERY quickly heat up your computer...and even more so if the computer is on your warm lap...or on your bed...where cooling air-flow can be reduced.

- Nick
 
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Thanks Nick, very rarely watching videos or gaming. Mostly facebook and general net surfing.
 

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My temps are

Battery: 33 degrees Celsius
Battery position 2: 33 degrees celsius
Battery postion 3: 33 degress c
Battery position 4: 35 degrees c
CPU A proximity:67 degrees c
CPU A temperature diode: 84 degrees c
Left palm rest: 33 degrees c
main heatsink 2: 66 degrees c
main heatsink f: 65 degrees c
Northbridge chic: 76 degrees c

Thanks for the info.

Yeah...some of those temps are on the higher side (the 84 and the 76)...but we have had folks in the 90+°C area.

Truly...most of the reasons for high temps are:

- dirty computer/fan (which you already cleaned)
- watching internet video or gaming
- blocked air-flow

- Nick
 
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Thanks Nick, I will try sitting the laptop on something else, and see if it gets any better.
Is that the only thing that could be blocking air flow?
 

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Another thing to check...launch "Activity Monitor" (Applications folder>>Utilities Folder).

Look thru the list of "processes"...and see if anything looks "weird" (cpu % being VERY high for some of the processes).

For "simple" things like running Safari...cpu % should be fairly small (my Safari is 2% or less at the moment).

- Nick
 
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My safari is at .3, but there are a lot of other processes that come up, that I have no idea what they are..

Also, my quick look helper is at 180.1%.. is that odd?
 

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There are generally one of three causes for reduced airflow (or a combination of causes): poor ventilation caused by blockage (ie. a lap or a blanket), clogged fans or broken fans. If the fans are working, that eliminates the last option. However, you've still got two very real options here and one that you admit to (closing off the means of ventilation). Start by using it on a surface that is hard and clear of clutter. If the problem persists, let us know.

EDIT: Quick Look, in any sense, should not be using that much CPU power. Force quit it (it will likely restart) and see if that helps.

An aside: I wish the term notebook supplanted laptop so people would stop using them on their laps. Not only is it bad for ventilation, but for males, it has adverse consequences for the reproductive organs.
 
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there are a lot of other processes that come up, that I have no idea what they are..

And other users that aren't me.. (or my name..) like 'root' for example..
 
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EDIT: Quick Look, in any sense, should not be using that much CPU power. Force quit it (it will likely restart) and see if that helps.
.

That seems to have fixed the problem!! The fan has stopped making that noise and the notebook has cooled down!
Why would that have been using so much CPU?
 

vansmith

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And other users that aren't me.. (or my name..) like 'root' for example..
The root user is the super user - it's the most powerful user on the machine and exists for everyone (think of it like the CEO of user accounts).

That seems to have fixed the problem!! The fan has stopped making that noise and the notebook has cooled down!
Why would that have been using so much CPU?
Who knows. Processes get stuck once in a while or they encounter a bug that causes them to get stuck trying to do something fruitless.
 

pigoo3

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Also, my quick look helper is at 180.1%.. is that odd?

That will do it (cause lots of problems). Great to hear you were able to quit the process...and things are better!:)

- Nick
 
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Thanks for all of your help! :)
 

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