MacBook Thermal Issues

Users discuss heat generation, fan noise, thermal throttling, and cooling performance across various MacBook models, frequently comparing problematic Intel-era laptops to cooler-running Apple Silicon (M1/M2) versions.

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#6741
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Keywords

CPU SSD G3 M1 X1 GPU AMD LLVM reddit.com LOC m1 mbp macbook fans air hot intel warm pro gpu

Sample Comments

musicale Jul 20, 2024 View on HN

Thinkpad thermals seem to be an issue. Apple Silicon laptops seem to have great thermals, and the Air doesn't even have a fan.

uhryks Aug 6, 2019 View on HN

Considering my MBP already gets quite hot this is a very valid concern.

trenchpilgrim Nov 16, 2025 View on HN

My Apple Sillicon macbooks are the coolest running computers I've had in decades. Something might be wrong with your cooling system.

ricky_rozay Feb 13, 2012 View on HN

Id believe it just based on the ridiculous Amount of heat the mac laptops seem to generate. Im constantly turning mine off to cool down

n1000 Sep 13, 2016 View on HN

Whenever the CPU gets too hot the Macbooks throttle. So I would say so.

peterloron Jan 17, 2023 View on HN

My 2021 MBP 16" M1 Max doesn't get hot with the USB-C power connected to the left side. Unknown if that's still an issue with the Air.

bstar77 Mar 3, 2012 View on HN

"MBP is nearly unusable due to insane noise and heat when utilized with more than just web browsing"I think you may have a defective unit. I have a quad core mbpro 15" and it's the quietest, coolest running laptop I've ever used. I generally run dozens of apps with several servers going and have no issues with the device on my lap.

cryptonym Sep 4, 2024 View on HN

Same issues on 2015 13" and 2019 pro 16". Having it overheating in my backpack is quite common.

pier25 Mar 13, 2025 View on HN

I had a 2015 15'' MBP and it ran so hot I simply couldn't use it on my lap. Fans became super noisy even with trivial processes. Ended up selling it.The rest of the computer was great though (display, keyboard, trackpad, ssd).

swah Aug 7, 2011 View on HN

Does Flash makes all MBP hot or just my older one?