Cooling off an old MBP

[sferrazza]

Hi I'm a newbie, go easy,

I have a 15-inch, Late 2011 MBP, swapped the HD for a 2Tb SSD and popped 16GB. Now looking to pull out the optical drive and replace it with something that might aid in cooling down.

I'd like to avoid a fan but if there is an off the shelf one made, I'd do it. OR should I just accept my fate of hot knees?

 

[tubeexperience]

Should I assume you have already replaced the thermal compound?

 

[killawat]

Something in the optical bay? thats not how it works.

 

[sferrazza]

Is it something that's recommended or not?
[doublepost=1494493385][/doublepost]

Something in the optical bay? thats not how it works.

No worries. Just seeing if it was feasible. I understand they are designed to run hot, was curious if there was a way to cool it internally.

 

[flyinmac]

Have you tried using a large reusable cold compress???

Personally, with some laptops, I've had good luck with something under the laptop like this one (some have cooling fans, some don't).

 

[maflynn]

Such an old computer, I would open it up and clean out the fans, vents and other internals that may have 6 years of accumulated dust

 

[elf69]

Acrtic silver compound helped my 2007 17" macbook pro live longer and run cooler

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Replace the thermal compound it could make it up to 10 degrees cooler. (make sure you have a thorough clean getting all the dust out too)

Here is ifixits guide to thermal paste replacement.

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Apply+Thermal+Paste/744