my imac gets really hot

[ktrop14]

i have a mid 2010 21.5 inch imac and after about 2 hours the back of it gets really hot i can barely keep my hand on the back of it. i have this program called core temp and currently the cores inside my mac are 40 to 50 degrees Celsius. i converted that into Fahrenheit which is like around 118 degrees Fahrenheit is this a problem? it also seems that when i my mac heats up it slows down.

 

[MacShane]

I have the same model at home. Have you cleaned the vents lately? Mine was getting pretty hot, so I shut it down, cleaned the vents (with a vacuum) and ran Onyx. Hasn't been a problem since.

Also, what peripherals do you have hooked up to it?

 

[pigoo3]

i converted that into Fahrenheit which is like around 118 degrees Fahrenheit is this a problem?

Absolutely not.

- There are deserts in the world that are hotter than 118°F.
- 118°F is only approx. 20°F higher than human body temp.
- The recommended temperature for hot water heaters in people's homes is 120°F.
- Remember that the boiling point of water is 212°F (100°C).

it also seems that when i my mac heats up it slows down.

I seriously doubt it. 118°F is not that high. We have folks reporting temps on their iMac's in the 150's-160's°F...and they don't have any problems.

- Nick

 

[vansmith]

i have this program called core temp and currently the cores inside my mac are 40 to 50 degrees Celsius.

Those are normal operating temperatures. Your Mac may be getting hot to the touch however if it's insulated around that spot. In other words, if that spot of your Mac is resting on a soft and plush surface (carpet, blanket, etc), it may make it more difficult for heat to escape.