Cooling the MacBook Pro
 
Apple and Thermal Paste Issues
There's been a lot of talk circulating that Apple has been careless in their application of thermal paste inside the Macbook Pros. Some people have been claiming that this is one reason why the machines run so hot. The reality is that you don't need to even open up your precious Macbook Pro to lower the operating temperature, and make it possible to use on your lap.
High temperature vs Fan noise
Anyone who owns a MacBook Pro will have noticed that the machine heats up to unbearable temperatures within about 30 minutes. The cooling system inside the MacBook, however, is of a very high standard.
 
It seems that Apple had to decide between running temperature, and fan noise. They chose temperature over noise - MacBooks run hot and quiet.
 
Here is the solution to cooling your MacBook Pro to a much more bearable temperature for use on laps:
 
  1. 1. Download and install CoreDuoTemp - http://mac.softpedia.com/get/System-Utilities/CoreDuoTemp.shtml
    [ local mirror ]
  2. • Once installed, it will provide the current CPU speed and CPU temperature on your menu bar.
 
  1. 2. Download and install SMC Fan Control - http://81.169.182.62/~eidac/software/page5/page5.html
    [ local mirror ]
  2. • This utility allows you to set the fan running speed manually. Now you can decide the level of cooling (and noise).
 
 
If you have any other comments or suggestions, please feel free to email me at cooljules@applemacpro.com.