Experiencing Lock-ups w/ WoW on new Aluminum Macbook 2.4

[mousouchop]

I have been running WoW on my new Aluminum Macbook 2.4. First, a little background on how I run the game on my mac (settings, other apps, etc.):

I play windowed mode because I like to surf the net and talk on Adium while I play, so I turn the resolution down to 1024 widescreen, and in places like Elwynn Forest and Westfall (started a new paladin, woo! haha) I was actually getting 100+fps, SW I got 30-50 pretty consistently. Visiting **** on my mains has been a different experience everytime, ranging from 30-40, 15-25, or 5 fps. Not sure if it is just flukes, or due to different server loads each time.

I run with most of the video settings turned all the way down (Except spell effects, spells look so neat with good detail) since I am playing windowed and there really isn't much I gain from being able to see a reflection on the ground or whatever else you gain from high video settings. I am in it for best FPS.

Usually get from 65-76*C (better than the 85 I was pushing on my blackbook), with 5000-6200RPM on my fan. This seems normal to me, would probably get lower temps if I didn't play with the computer on my lap, but this is how I have played the game for two years with no issue. I KNOW that this is not an overheating issue.

I however, have been experiencing lock-ups. I have had two Black Screens and 2 lock-ups that were just a total freeze, having to hard reset my computer 4 or 5 times over the past 3 days. Does anyone know if this is a problem with 3.0.2 patch, or is it my macbook? It is quite unnerving on a system less than 2 weeks old.

I searched the WoW forums and couldn't find much in reference to specifically the Aluminum Macbook, just other systems.

Any input would be great, I have a Genius apointment tomorrow and am still in my 2 week period, should I switch out for a new one? x.x

 

[rogair]

Play it on a hard surface (table, etc) for a week and report back. Elevate the back end as well.

 

[mousouchop]

Play it on a hard surface (table, etc) for a week and report back. Elevate the back end as well.

Your advice would relate my problem to overheating, as I said I know it is not. I have had the system lock-up after signing on for the first time that day, and only being on for 3 minutes. I am aware that the way I play isn't the best for cooling, however, I used to play WoW for 10 hours at a time on my old Blackbook running at 85*C, so if you really believe that my system is over heating at 75*C then I sure as hell should get a replacement.

In reference to your advice:
Last night I logged on after not using my computer all day as I was at school and then work, so the system was well rested and cool. I set up my macbook on my glass kitchen table and started playing and had a system lock-up after only 10 minutes of play up in the Exodar (highly deserted area, no other players in that area. Just normal NPCs and mob).

So, seeing as my problem is NOT overheating, what are the other possible issues, and should I get a new system while I still can (2 weeks is up on Friday)?

 

[merc669]

I would suggest taking it back to the Apple Folks and show them the problem. They may find an issue. If they cannot as long as you are there turn it in and get a replacement. Your time is coming up. I have never had any issues except with addons. Do you use any? And if so have you tried turning them off and running WOW? Also reset WOW to Default and give that a show. Cannot see why you would be having issues with software that is not that demanding compared to the newer games.

Bill.....

 

[mousouchop]

I would suggest taking it back to the Apple Folks and show them the problem. They may find an issue. If they cannot as long as you are there turn it in and get a replacement. Your time is coming up. I have never had any issues except with addons. Do you use any? And if so have you tried turning them off and running WOW? Also reset WOW to Default and give that a show. Cannot see why you would be having issues with software that is not that demanding compared to the newer games.

Bill.....

Hmmm, I have heard of Addons crashing the game but never the whole system. I do use addons so, I suppose that is worth a shot. I seem to recall crashing on my new character that I have been playing without addons. I will try it out, and worst case scenario-- I already have an appointment for tomorrow if the problem persists.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Nith]

random crashes

I have had the same problems with mine. Rolling a 2.4/4GB/320HD specs.

I don't believe it to be overheating as well, sometimes the fan doesn't even kick on while playing. 2nd, just about 20min about I signed in, it crashed after 5 minutes, restarted and signed in again and the same thing happened with in the minute. the crashes seem to be fairly random, i've been playing a lot the last 2 days with WotLK release and had no problems until today this evening. (only a few addons used, all low consuming)

I'd love to think it was a WoW problem but no one with the new Macbook Pros seem to have the same problem. I live in Japan so returning it for an exchange might not be as easily here. also no one really plays WoW so the store employees having a clue about it is a slim chance.

 

[odinsride]

I've had the problem with my MBP a few times (2.4ghz Penryn from Feb 2008). It seems to happen in **** a lot...in fact that's the only place I've been where it's happened. Maybe something with the graphics there?

 

[Echinda]

I've had the same problem. There are some blue postings about the issue on the mac support forum. The best thread is here:

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=11296488357&sid=1

I was having the same lock-up problem on the MBP in my sig and after clearing out my addons and running the 10.5.5 combo update the problems have gone away.

I've also noted that my MBP runs substantially hotter post-WoTLK and I suspect that may be part of the problem. However, since taking the above steps, the temp has not gone down and the lock-ups have stopped, so it certainly isn't the problem in and of itself.

 

[iMouse]

iMac Overheating Issues + WoW

It may be heat-related as the same thing was occurring with my iMac.

It appeared that the GPU would touch 160F in some areas such as Ghostlands, and when pushed much hotter, would cause the screen to freeze. Everything else kept functioning. I could still hear my friends on Vent and iTunes was still playing in the background as if the system was still running. There was no way to exit the program as I could not get any keyboard commands to function.

To band-aid the issue, I had been using smcFanControl2 for a while. It completely eradicated the problems with the screen randomly locking when playing WoW.

I eventually tore my iMac apart and replaced the el-cheap-o thermal compound on both the processor and the GPU with Arctic Silver 5. Works as it should now without smcFanControl2.

 

[Morrius]

I'd double check your add-ons. I'm having the same problems with my mid-07 iMac.

 

[Nith]

Blizz post

First off here is a post from Blizz:
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=11296488357&sid=1&pageNo=5#84

mentions the problem but has no major solutions at the moment or inquiry to a patch release for it. I have yet to try going to 10.5.4 because my burned copy of an older OSX version isn't reading for some reason.

But as far as hardware tests go, i tested my RAM and it was fine, also used iStaPro and SMCFanControl to monitor that. no problems at all with those, no spiking or overheating. just random crappy freezes.