OK, so I found a handy program for my MacBook called smcFanControl.
By default, the MacBook fan starts at 1800RPM (silent). Then the bottom of the computer gets REALLY hot because the heat is spread to the plastic, even though, (for example), during a long web browsing session the CPU doesn't get hot enough to ramp up the fans.
The max speed of the fan is 6200RPM. Now, while the program can't really set the fans exact speed, it can set the minimum speed. And since the laptop isn't usually hot enough to make the fan go to full, this technically gives me a way to make the fan spin at whatever speed I want.
Right now it's set at 4500RPM minimum. So far it hasn't gone any higher than that. Then again, BCN isn't exactly CPU intensive.
My question is: Is it better for the computer to leave the fan on low, because it puts less wear on the fan, or is it better for the computer to make the fan run faster because it gets significantly less hot inside? Also, does the fan spinning faster use more battery life?
Thanks!
By default, the MacBook fan starts at 1800RPM (silent). Then the bottom of the computer gets REALLY hot because the heat is spread to the plastic, even though, (for example), during a long web browsing session the CPU doesn't get hot enough to ramp up the fans.
The max speed of the fan is 6200RPM. Now, while the program can't really set the fans exact speed, it can set the minimum speed. And since the laptop isn't usually hot enough to make the fan go to full, this technically gives me a way to make the fan spin at whatever speed I want.
Right now it's set at 4500RPM minimum. So far it hasn't gone any higher than that. Then again, BCN isn't exactly CPU intensive.
My question is: Is it better for the computer to leave the fan on low, because it puts less wear on the fan, or is it better for the computer to make the fan run faster because it gets significantly less hot inside? Also, does the fan spinning faster use more battery life?
Thanks!
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