MacBook fan question

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  • shovenose
    Send Doge Memes
    • Aug 2010
    • 6575
    • USA
    #1

    MacBook fan question

    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!
    Tags: None
    • thesloc
      Banned
      • Dec 2011
      • 587
      #2
      Re: MacBook fan question

      Consider shimming the GPU and CPU with a bit of copper or re-applying thermal grease and OR cleaning the heatsink and fan...

        Comment

        • Aikiotto
          Member
          • Oct 2011
          • 30
          #3
          Re: MacBook fan question

          Having the fan run at full speed has a good side and a couple of downsides , it keeps your lappy cooler yes , but it also wears the fan quicker , makes it noiser and transform your machine in a mini vacuum cleaner , wich means it will draw more dust in and youll have to clean those airducts more regularly , so depending on your particular model and skills it could be more of a hassle than a solution.

          Aiki

            Comment

            • shovenose
              Send Doge Memes
              • Aug 2010
              • 6575
              • USA
              #4
              Re: MacBook fan question

              Thanks for the info guys!
              As fas as noise, I don't mind the slight increase in noise because it's not absolutely silent in class or on the bus.
              A little more dust in my computer is not a big deal. These MacBooks are easy to work on; I've done it multiple times.
              About the fan wearing faster, that's the only issue. I guess I'll make it default to 3500RPM that way it won't run so fast but still cool it better

                Comment

                • Sparks88
                  Senior Member
                  • Sep 2011
                  • 110
                  #5
                  Re: MacBook fan question

                  looking on fleabay the cost of fans for macs is very expensive and particular models seem to have a high failure rate, does yours have 2 fans? if you are getting noise one could be on its way to fan heaven (the right hand side one seems to be favourite)

                    Comment

                    • shovenose
                      Send Doge Memes
                      • Aug 2010
                      • 6575
                      • USA
                      #6
                      Re: MacBook fan question

                      It has a single fan.
                      It's not at all noisy, the fan is just fine...

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