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Mid 2010 Model A1278 / 2.4 or 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo processor

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Upper case getting to warm!

The upper case of my Macboook Pro gets way too warm, so its difficult and annoying to type, because of the sweaty hands.

I replaced the thermal paste already, and its better but still too warm to type. When I replaced the I discovered that the Keyboard backlight was stuck/fried to the heat sink. I even had to rip it a little to get it of, and tore it. Its still working though. I now have a pretty warm case and the CPU temp is only at 70°C. And the fans work properly too.

My question is, is it possible to isolate the the parts with some heat resistant foil or something. Or to deinstall the backlight? I almost never use it anyways, but if its the part that makes everything else hot than I rather take it out.

Or is it just the heat sink thats not working properly anymore?

Or is there any other part that could be defect, like the DC Connector.

I also have a Optical Bay installed, could it be that too? I unplugged it before, but it still went warm though. Haven't taking it out though yet.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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I just removed the optical bay and its a little better now. I will report back after a day running it like this.

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I am using istat menus now, and the CPU is at around 55-60°C, Battery at 36°C, Fin Stack and Northbridge at around 50°C.

Its been like this for a few hours now. I set the fans at 3000rpm basic, so I could see if it keeps cool and still gets warm at the top. And I am just using Chrome and a few other text and download programs. The case is pretty warm though. My hands are sweating, and its a air conditioned room (library).

The heat definitely comes from the AC/USB side. The Optical Bay/Drive is not in the case, its empty now, and the right side has a rather normal temperature therefor.

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TRIM is enabled, no difference.

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Could it be the heat sink or the DC?

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I installed a new heat pipe now. Unfortunately its the wrong part, and I only could fixate it with 3 of the 4 screws. You think this will work or do I need the other part immediately?

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How about installing a fan & sensor monitoring app like this one: Temperature Gauge Pro. It should be able help you identify more clearly whats going on. Let us know what you see. Snap a screen shot and post it here.

While your at it you also might what to get this gem as well: coconutBattery. It will help in monitoring your battery and its temp.

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I use a different fan control already. And my battery is pretty much dead already. :D Thats not it though, tried it without a battery inside and it still got warm.

Oh and I run 10.6. Temperature Guage Pro only works from 10.7. upwards. :/

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The App Store has the older version. I don't like FanControl as it can sometimes interfere with the fans (setup error). Check your power settings do you have them set to spin down the HD?

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If you make pictures, we will get a better understanding.

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I didn't make a picture of the Backlight. If you mean this by it.

The power settings are stock, installed Snow Leopard yesterday. And only a SSD is installed.

I am using istat menus now, and the CPU is at around 55-60°C, Battery at 36°C, Fin Stack and Northbridge at around 50°C. Its been like this for a few hours now.

I set the fans at 3000rpm basic, so I could see if it keeps cool and still gets warm at the top. And I am just using Chrome and a few other text and download programs.

The case is pretty warm though. My hands are sweating, and its a air conditioned room (library).

The heat definitely comes from the AC/USB side. The Optical Bay/Drive is not in the case, its empty now, and the right side has a rather normal temperature therefor.

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Did you enable TRIM on the SSD? Review this: Mac OS X 10.6.8 Brings TRIM Support for Apple SSDs. While this not is on Apple SSD's you can also enable it via a tremolo session or use a software app like this one: Trim Enabler.

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I had a customer with the same overheating issue. After doing everything that I knew to do, we sent it in to Apple for a Flat Rate $320 repair and got a new logic board, HD cable and hard drive.

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hmm, thats not really encouraging, but thank you!

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Wendel Fierce will be eternally grateful.
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