Opinions on temperatures...

Yes, I realize this is a continual hot topic for MBP users.

Regardless of what I have researched and found to be ideal idle/working/gaming/stress temperatures, I would like some opinions on the values I've recorded.

First off, my MBP build: 2.4 GHz C2D, 4GB RAM, 8600gt Nvidia GDDR3, 7200RPM 200GB HD.

Second, my normal setup/test: Dual monitors, one being the MBP's LCD, and the other being a 19" Samsumg Syncmaster. I have SMC fan control and run my fans at 3500 RPMs consistently, and set them to 5500 if need be when running a very graphics intensive application. I also have a Targus notebook cooler, which I feel has a very low impact besides taking heat from the bottom that is only produced by the MBPs "heatsink" aluminum shell (I.E. not the fans in the back).

Temps recorded (All temps will be CPU/GPU respectively): Now (iTunes/Safari): 38C/46C. Stress (2 HD movie streams, 2 windows of WoW (graphics turned all the way up), Safari, iTunes...): 73C/79C. Idle: 35C/43. Gaming (one window, iTunes, Safari): 68C/74C

If need be, I could post more, although I tried to post as many details as possible.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

 

I have a 2.4 ghz MBP (penryn)

it idles at 40 degrees C on a hard surface
50 degrees C on a soft surface (the bed)
The hottest I've gotten this is 90 degrees celcius while encoding several video files to h.264 on a soft surface (in this case my lap, yikes! )

your temperatures seem pretty normal

 

Thank you for the very timely response.

That's the answer I was hoping to get.

Also, out of curiosity, is there any problem with running my fans at consistently high speeds? Rather, do you think their lifespan will be shortened in the process of keeping my MBP cooler?

 

Well I'm sure running them at max speed 24/7 can't be good for them but I don't think running them at just 3K rpm will noticeably reduce their life span.

 

Got a SR MBP, clocking in at 2.2 GHz. Most of the time temps are around 45 degrees celsius. When in Vista, they go higher to about 55 degrees. In games, 70 degrees Kelvins

 

I do not use all sorts of tools to measure my CPU temperature, but it is hot especially when I use it on my lap, but it is not a big deal. I put it on the desk and use an external monitor

 

So...-200 degrees Celsius huh?

Thanks for the other responses as well, I guess I'm overly concerned with keeping my MBP in tip top condition, seeing as I just purchased it.

 

I use smc fan control to keep in eye on the temps and control the fan speeds under different loads...

 

I somehow took a 6600gt to 130 degrees C playing a flash game and it survived just fine . I wouldn't get too worried until you start hitting 100 + degrees C temps.

 

Good to hear. From what I've researched, apparently you should start worrying around 90C, but 100C seems more accurate, especially due to the fact hardware is continually updated to be able to withstand higher temperatures.

 

thats blazing hot... i'm surprised your gfx card didn't bite the dust at that temperature. or even worse, that the rest of your computer didn't melt from that.