ted serbinski – entrepreneur & web architect
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How to Keep a Macbook Cool
How do you keep an Apple Macbook cool? Simple: ice.
Seriously.
I have a first generation Macbook Pro that is known for it's overheating and fan issues. My laptop is no longer under warranty and I don't want to shell out a lot of $ to replace the motherboard and fans.
Initially, not much of a problem. A fantastic program, smcFanControl allows you to adjust the fan speed based on your computer temperature. A manual process but my laptop is still usable.
That is, till the right fan completely dies. Running one fan at full speed is not enough for this Macbook -- this sucker gets really hot. Continue reading to see how I built my own solution...
Usually when I get hot, I drink some delicious cold beer. But that wasn't going to work for my Macbook. Next best thing: an ice pack, just like mom used to use to reduce those big swelling bruises I got as a kid.
But I don't have any ice packs, doh! So I made my own. I took a double bagged and double sealed quart Hefty baggy and filled it about half way with water. Then I put this in another triple bag to really make sure no water got out. (Note: first attempt with a single baggy resulted in a ton of water on my table. Ditto for a double baggy). Freeze it for about 2 hours and good to go. I have 2 revolving ice packs I made so I can swap them out continuously all day.
And voilá! My computer is running very cool and works great! smcFanControl reports my computer running at a cool 38C with an ice pack vs 70C+ without one (fans on max too), hence causing intermittent crashes (note the backup drive in the pictures).
Now of course I could buy a fan stand, like this one but who wants noisy fans? And plus, I'm saving my money for the new Macbook Pros coming out this fall... let's hope they got this heating issue fixed this 4th time around.
8 comments
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sounds like a PITA to keep refilling a bag of ice…
Well you only fill it once :) I have 2 bags I use, one is in the freezer “chillin” and the other is keeping my Macbook cool. I rotate every 2-3 hours during the day. Laptop hasn’t run this well since I bought it!
Hi Ted,
Never seen that one before ;-)
I use the Targus chillign mat (http://www.targus.com/us/product_Details.asp?SKU=pa248u) and it keeps my fans always below 2000 rpm. I also notice that the GPU Diode, Heatsink, and CPU stays between 50 to 60 degrees. It works well for my MacBook Pro.
Another tip is to use a small desktop fan (4 to 6 inches) like the one I use – the Vornado Zippi Desk Fan. Using the two together keep my MP Pro even cooler.
No need for ice :-0
Brian thanks for the tip! That is actually an awesome fan mat, didn’t come across that one in my searching. Although I think the ice will keep me “cool” to my new Mac arrives next week… heh :)
I used to use those little gel freeze-packs to keep my Powerbook cool while I was doing Photoshop work — the fan would /scream/ otherwise. I’m on an iMac now, but that cooling mat looks Great, Brian. Thanks for the recommendation!
that is quite ingenious! a great solution to a temporary problem. and i’m sure you’re enjoying your new macbook by now.
Aren’t you worried about condensation in the laptop?
J
Nah not too much, more worried about it overheating :)
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