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Model A1369, 1.6, 1.7, or 1.8 GHz Processor, 64, 128 or 256GB Flash Storage

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Running hot, fans blowing too much? - MBA 13 (2011) - 256gb i5 1.7

Hey guys,

I have a question on my new MBA i5 256gb. This replaced my 2009 Macbook Pro and 2010 base 11 inch MBA. I've noticed some noise not seen on the other machines and had some observations.

I'm seeing idle temps of 50-55 degrees. This will sharply climb with Hulu or any other streaming flash video to 80-90 degrees and the fans will spin up loudly to 6k. The framerate will also sometimes become slightly choppy which for a $1,500 odd notebook, I don't expect. Ambient room temp is a low 20 degrees C and run on a flat surface.

I'm not assuming I have a bad unit as such, but a refix of the heatsink on the CPU with decent thermal paste may sort it. My questions are:

- What are anyone else's observed idle / load temps on the 1.7?

- Has any one performed this fix and seen an improvement?

- Will this cause an obvious void to the warranty?

Thanks, Alex.

Serial, last 3 digits: JWV

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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Yes changing the thermal paste will void your warranty. The temperatures you mention sound normal for the MBA. Yes applying a better quality thermal paste will help lower the temperatures, at the cost of voiding your warranty. It's a catch 22.

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Killing Flash has proved to be the answer for me as well. Every time my fan comes on, I can almost guarantee it's because I've left a web page open that is running some dumb flash banner in the background. After I close that window, the fan turns off within minutes...! I've recently started using the "FlashFrozen" App (downloaded from the Mac App store), and that's been working great.

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You can also use Firefox for a web browser with the Flash Block add on - they are free.

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It may be worth waiting it out before any self repair then.

Would apple allow a unit replacement under warranty if demonstrated do you think? Or am I just being anal?

Alex

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It seems common for Apple laptops to hit the temperatures you speak of when streaming flash video. I understand your concern. I have no idea what Apple may say, that could depend on which person was taking to you from Apple.

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Alex will be eternally grateful.
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