1
Score
trip
23
Asked
Is the heat sink solid metal?
I have a MacBook Pro that operates in extreme cold temperatures and it appears that the heat sink ruptured in the cold operating climate. We've never had this problem with our original MacBook Core Duo. The heat sink looks like it is a solid bar or metal to draw the heat away to the fan. Can anyone confirm this?
Edited by: Matt Wiens ( ) , trip ( )
2
Score
ABCellars
13.6k
Answered
Accepted Answer
No it will not be solid. There is a heat pipe linking the different components together. The heat pipe is filled with a liquid. Usually some form of ammonia. It draws heat away using the same principles as a refrigeration unit. You will need to replace heat sink. You can find instructions for doing that here.
All modern laptops and 1u blade servers incorporate heat pipes with their heat sinks. It is a highly efficient, low profile way to transfer heat from one object to another or dissipate the heat. See more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_pipe
Well you taught an old guy new stuff today ;-) Now here's what a 4" x 4" heat sink looks like: http://www.google.com/imgres?q=G4+MDD+he...
I've been into this machine but unless you cut open the heat sink I don't think I could tell what it's made of. Why do you think it ruptured, could you upload a picture. I've never heard of a heat sink rupturing.
mayer,
it should look like this http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing-M...
pollytintop,
I would think that you are looking at a solid piece of metal, It will carry heat better than something that would be hollow/honeycom
oldturkey03,