Skip to main content

Repair guides and disassembly information for the 16-inch MacBook Pro released in October of 2021, featuring Apple-designed M1 Pro and M1 Max SoCs. Model A2485.

68 Questions View all

Can a vertical desk stand block the cooling ports?

I have a desk stand for my M1 MBP 16inch. It is about 4 inches wide and the MBP sits vertically in it. I notice that there are three vents for the fans - and the central one of these is more or less blocked by the stand. The two outer vents are clear. The MBP is also closed (connected to external monitors) when in this stand. Could this cause a problem for cooling?

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Score 0
Add a comment

1 Answer

Chosen Solution

The cooling has been altered in the M series systems quite a lot!

While most images of people using these stands shows butt in first, the newer M series should be the other way front edge in first.

That way the cooling vents are on the top. For reference here’s the older 13, 15 & 16” Intel MacBook’s cooling design

Block Image

Apple setup a wall to try to protect the T-CON logic from the heat (this design failed)

Block Image

In the newer 14 & 16” M series MacBook Pro’s we can see Apple altered the design to forcefully cool the logic now!

Butt up in M series!

Was this answer helpful?

Score 2

3 Comments:

Thank you - this is very helpful - especially with the diagrams! My M1Max is now happily sitting in its stand butt-first :)

by

@doktor_joy - Hinge side (Butt) Up not Down! So the exiting air is upwards.

by

@danj "Butt up" XD

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

Doktor will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 0

Past 30 Days: 14

All Time: 392