August 9, 2009

  • Macbook is Hot!

    My Macbook looks hot: All aluminum casing, nice keyboard, nice size. But it also runs hot. The CPU can get so hot that the mouse malfunctions. Yesterday, I got the Mac version of the Blue Screen of Death: Mac's OS 10.5 version is charcoal gray. When it gets this hot, I can't even touch the casing.

    What gives?

    I know a CPU runs hot when converting videos, but still. When it shut down yesterday, I was transferring files from one external HD to another--yes, a lot of files for backing up. And I was running Parallels as well (to run Windows). Is Parallels also a CPU killer? Hmmmm. This is very frustrating. I used to use Bootcamp, but I got tired of re-booting every time I wanted to use a Windows program--specifically MS Word because the Mac version of Word cannot write Japanese vertically (although it can read it--go figure). Also, I came to the conclusion that Windows run through Bootcamp also makes the computer super hot.

    Is my Macbook broken? Do I need to unplug my USB external devices? Any advice from Mac afficionados? Am I simply abusing my machine?

Comments (7)

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  • It's a very common problem.
    A lot of my friends complain about the same thing

  • Ah, though it may not be nice, it gives me some solace knowing that my hP laptop is not the only thing that turns off when too hot. But you know what I do? I swtich on my table fan, and it cools down amazingly quick. And the computer doesn't shut down either. The fan is also helpful 'cause it's summer. win-win. :D

  • I've heard that it does indeed get super super hot. Maybe it is a design flaw? Don't know, but you could probably buy a notebook chiller. Maybe it'll improve thigns a bit. I found one from Antec which might be worth a look:
    http://www.amazon.com/Antec-Notebook-Cooler-USB-Powered/dp/B0000BVYTV/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_0

    The laptop shutting down might be directly related to it being too hot. If you are looking into notebook chillers, the better ones would be the ones that have an aluminum top rather than plastic, for better heat distribution. Anyway, hope it helps!

  • you can also construct a cheap stand for your laptop with two stacks of books--if that is the problem.

  • So you have the Macbook, and not Macbook Pro, correct?

    I know this might sound a little crazy but if you convert videos, it might be better to consider a MBP next time around.

    That being said, yes, Parallels can be pretty intensive. I have a Mac Pro 8-core desktop and it's pretty slow on that machine.  I have yet to try it on my new aluminum, unibody Macbook Pro though.

    However, moving videos from the internal HDD to an external should not force it to shut down.  If you're transferring videos, might as well shut down Parallels and wait till the transfer is finished. If that isn't possible, and you must work concurrently while the videos transfer, is your laptop raised, or just sitting on a desk?  If the latter, you may want to look into getting one of those stands that raise the laptop off of a flat surface and allow air to run under it. 

    I run much more than Parallels and transfer video-- I program, run Firefox, watch movies, stream Japanese TV, etc all at once but I keep the laptop raised off the desk or my lap.

    Maybe that will help?

  • Not an expert, but, it sounds like its Parallels if anything. Just the file transfer alone shouldn't cause it to run that hot.
    How does Parallels work? If it's concurrently running Windows, then there may be several (unnecessary) applications running there that're eating up CPU. KF

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