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Computer overheating? Only when unplugged

I have a mid 2012 retina 15 MacBook Pro. I have a program that I use to test the computer that will let me know the FPS and the GPU heat. It seems if the computer is unplugged from a power source and goes past 80 C it will go black and a few seconds later the fans will stop spinning (shutting down). When I hit the power button it acts as if it is dead and shows a "plug device in" sign. Once I plug the computer in it will fireback up within 10 seconds and continue where it left off on the program. However if I run the same test for 20+ minutes with the power adapter connected it never shuts down.

Not really sure that this is normal and would like you know the community's thought on this issue I have experiencing.

Update (09/23/2017)

Here are the results from coconutbattery. I checked the battery but it seems to be "normal". As for my current energy saver settings I have the battery power set at 2 minutes for display sleep and 10 minutes for computer sleep. Even if the display was to go to sleep I do not think I would be seeing a sign showing "plug in battery".

Thanks again guys, let me know!

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Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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You seem to have the same issue as me: a bad battery (I fix those but am too lazy to repair mine since it is plugged in all day anyway).

Download and install "coconut battery" and report here the results.

Also, if you click on the battery (when the charging cable is disconnected), do you get the message "replace now?"

Finally, at what OS version are you now?

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Here are the results from coconutbattery. I checked the battery but it seems to be "normal". Not sure how to post the image so I will do so below.

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Based on that report, your battery definitely needs to be replaced as is it at 62% of its original capacity and that will lead to random shut downs.

Once you sort the battery out, you may need to address another thing that fails on the logic boards with these models, but only if the fans kick in at full speed and the board "seems" to be overheating even when connected to a DC charger.

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Will be getting a replacement ASAP and I will defiantly watch out for issue. Any way to avoid something like that?

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Go to settings --> Energy Saver.

See what your settings are for "Computer Sleep" and "Display Sleep".

There are separate settings for when the MacBook Pro is on Battery vs Plugged In.

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My current energy saver settings I have the battery power set at 2 minutes for display sleep and 10 minutes for computer sleep. Even if the display was to go to sleep I do not think I would be seeing a sign showing "plug in battery". Basically meaning it has died.

Would that be correct or could it be something else?

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Reset your SMC

• Shut down your Mac.

• Using the built-in keyboard, press Shift-Control-Option on the left side of the keyboard, then press the power button at the same time. Hold these keys and the power button for 10 seconds.

• Release all keys.

• Press the power button again to turn on your Mac.

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Will try the SMC and the Egoway battery. Thanks for all your help!

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This is my coconutbattery results. Thanks!

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Yes, this battery does indeed need to be replaced, however the indicator shows that you should still have sufficient time (1 to 2hours?) to use the laptop before shut down. I posted instructions on resetting the SMC. Try that and see if you get a little more usage time.

I recommend "Egoway" batteries on Amazon. Yes they are aftermarket but I've had decent experience with them.

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Alan will be eternally grateful.
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