MacBook runs too hot. What to do?

**MOHSHSIHd** · 12-13-2007, 05:42 PM

So I am on a 1st gen Intel macbook with 2 gigs of RAM.

Often times, even when doing little more than surfing the internet, my macbook gets blazing hot on the bottom side and the fan runs full blast for like 15 or 20 minutes.

I know running a little hot is normal, but sometimes its so hot that it feels like the casing is gonna melt.

I did the latest firmware update just minutes ago, so that may help, but I have heard of people still having the same problems after the updates.

Searching the internet only yields a little information about macbook pros.

Anyone know of any other way to help mine run cooler?

**dirtybryan** · 12-13-2007, 05:50 PM

There is a little app called smcfancontrol you can run that lets you turn your fans on manually so you can keep them running constantly at low rpms which you won't hear, but will keep things a little more cool.

**nick > jesus** · 12-13-2007, 05:57 PM

**SchralphMacchio** · 12-13-2007, 06:14 PM

^ great advice, that's what any rational skier would do.

See if you can blow out your fan & heatsink with compressed air. You'd be surprised how much the bunnies can heat up a laptop heatsink and make it ineffective.

**bossass** · 12-13-2007, 06:27 PM

There was an issue with 1st gen MBs at the factory where they forgot to take a little clear plastic shield (like something that was suppossed to get taken off post production, like that clear sticker on the screen of a new ipod or cell phone) off the vent in the back. With the screen open, check the vent just under the "macbook" logo. Maybe carefully slide something in the vents and see if there's anything blocking them.

Beyond this I have no advice. You don't have applecare do you?

**MOHSHSIHd** · 12-13-2007, 06:32 PM

Vents seem totally clear. I need to try some can duster though.

I have about 2 years left of "do whatever the fuck you want to your macbook" full coverage.

**grapedrink** · 12-13-2007, 06:48 PM

its likely just dust buildup, its inevitable. get some compressed air, also good to use a vaccum to help suck out whatever get dislodged..

**MESH** · 12-13-2007, 08:02 PM

It’s usually caused by dust blocking the heatsinks, even though it looks clear on the outside inside it may be full of dust and the only way to remove it is by taking it apart.

When I get a computer like this at work the first thing I do is a complete teardown I remove the fans, heatskinks and use an air compressor to remove dust from all the parts. Next I replace the thermal paste on the processor, chipset and video card then reassemble. If this is too much for you use a can of air blow the fan intake and exit trying to remove as much dust as possible if it still runs hot and you don’t notice any performance problems keep using as is.

Whenever blowing dust from a computer hold the fan or stick something non conductive in it to keep it from spinning, letting it spin too fast will damage the bearings and will cause more problems later.

**dookeyXXX** · 12-13-2007, 08:27 PM

my roommate has an older Macbook and it does the same thing.

he says sometimes it gets so hot it will burn his lap (if he's using it at an airport or something).

from what i've heard that was a problem with the earlier gen books that supposedly has been fixed with latter models (i'm hoping as i'ma bout to plunk down on one).