*GUIDE* - Learn the right way to manage fan settings on MacBooks
*GUIDE* - Learn the right way to manage fan settings on MacBooks
We all understand Apple's computers run quite warmly, especially their models. My MacBook Pro on the standard cooling setting doesn't increase airflow until it reaches around 95 degrees, and I've noticed it stays at 99 degrees. This poses clear issues—it can lead to early failure and creates a persistent heat buildup near the keyboard and bottom, even worrying about melting the plastic casing when first using it. Fortunately, there are tools that let you adjust the cooling curve. There are some drawbacks with the app I’ll explain; designers advise using it only if you’re familiar with what you’re doing for valid reasons. You can configure a 15" or 16" MacBook Pro to activate fans only when the CPU reaches high temperatures, but you might overlook the GPU cooling. I don’t face that issue since my machine has a smaller size and I’d suggest monitoring temps closely if using it on larger models. Also, I’m uncertain about warranty implications if you use such an app. My Mac is well beyond its warranty period, so that’s not a worry for me. The tool I’ll highlight in this guide is Macs Fan Control – https://www.crystalidea.com/macs-fan-control. DISCLAIMER: BEFORE PROCEEDING: NEITHER ME OR THE DEVELOPER OF THE PROGRAM IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR MACHINE IF YOU CONFIGURE THE PROGRAM WRONG. USE IT AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!! This disclaimer appears on CrystalIdea’s site: BY PROCEEDING YOU AGREE TO THESE DISCLAIMERS when you first install it, you’ll see something like this. Mine is already set up, yours will be set to "auto". When you adjust the settings, you’ll see options such as using CPU temperature to control fan speed, with the first setting marking the point fans start increasing and the second at full speed. If you have a GPU, you’ll need to ensure it’s also monitored. For more details, check the preferences menu—there are options to display fan and temperature readings directly in the menu bar. Edited March 4, 2020 by Twilight (typo noted)
The design of Apple's fans seems unusual compared to other laptops. On my MacBook Pro 2019, the fans are barely audible when spinning, which is different from my Surface or gaming laptop where they're much louder.
Hey, it’s understandable bringing this up again. I just got a new MBP 13 with Iris Plus graphics and am facing the same problem. It’s not a gaming laptop, but I do enjoy playing Football Manager occasionally to pass time. I’m seeing the laptop get extremely hot—up to 90ºC+ during 3D matches—while the fans remain inactive. You’re right, I’ve used Macs Fan Control and set the fans to maximum whenever I play 3D games, which keeps the GPU and CPU around a comfortable 60-70ºC, though it makes some noise. Still, I’m puzzled about how to stop the fans from turning on automatically until the temperature hits a certain point. I want them off by default, but when I switch to Custom settings, they start spinning right away even if the temps are low (like 40ºC). I’ve even tried pushing the lower threshold very high, but the fans still kick in too soon. Can anyone suggest a way to keep the fans off until a specific temperature is reached?