How to reduce the temperature of CPU in clamshell mode?

[docomo]

I use my ultimate MBA 11" with external monitor in clamshell mode.
The CPU temperature increases with the active work. In addition, I have ~6000 rpm fan speed and loud noise

Are there any ways to reduce the cpu temperature and fan speed? Tell your stories, how do you solve this issue?

 

[Hellhammer]

Some kind of a cooling pad might help a bit, but IMO those aren't that effective. Some of the heat is dissipated through the keyboard and the vents near the hinge so using it in clamshell mode will decrease the heat dissipation, thus increasing the temps and fan speeds. One option is to not use it in clamshell mode.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

What CPU temperature do you have when in clamshell mode and using the MBA actively?

 

[docomo]

What CPU temperature do you have when in clamshell mode and using the MBA actively?

About 68-70˚C.

Now I have only Google Chrome opened and it's 58˚C and 5217 rpm. Not so quiet as I would like to.

I like clamshell mode because it saves my MBA from dust and cat hairs )

 

[simsaladimbamba]

What is the CPU temperature with the fan at 2000RPM?

 

[Allan in T.Dot]

You don't have to work in clamshell mode!

Put the computer to sleep (i.e. close the cover). Then start typing/mousing (bluetooth KB/mouse needs to be setup so that it wakes the device). Once the computer starts up again, you can open up the computer and voila. Your operating with the screen turned off but still with lots of airflow.

 

[emaja]

I'm not sure about the MBA, but I use my MBP in clamshell mode all the time and are always around 50C in regular use and spike to 70-80C when doing video encoding with Handbrake. No worries here.

Your MBA will shut down before there are any problems. The fans are a bit loud, but that is to be expected.

Wondering - why are the temps to high just browsing. That doesn't sound normal at all. If it is for the Air, then that is a reason for me not to get one.

 

[GreyMatta]

have you tried CoolBook ?

 

[Salty Pirate]

does coolbook work? It undervolts the cpu? any loss in performance or is that the point?

 

[lucashungaro]

CoolBook works very well. Been using it since November on my MBA and I only hear the fan when playing heavy games. You also gain more battery time.

 

[blow45]

CoolBook works very well. Been using it since November on my MBA and I only hear the fan when playing heavy games. You also gain more battery time.

what's the thing you find to be the biggest drawback of coolbook though? Surely, there have to be compromises.

 

[GreyMatta]

what's the thing you find to be the biggest drawback of coolbook though? Surely, there have to be compromises.

no compromises at all for the notebook. it does cost $10 though

 

[matelot]

Now I have only Google Chrome opened and it's 58˚C and 5217 rpm. Not so quiet as I would like to.

try ff4

i was on chrome but got fed up w/ fan running at 6K within short time on lightload (like 5 tabs) and NO flash playing. Then I remember it wasn't like this when I was on FF so I switched back to FF with FF4 release, have not hit 4K rpm yet.

 

[blow45]

no compromises at all for the notebook. it does cost $10 though

seems like a fair price if it's so good, I might give it a try. I use insomnia x a lot of time and shut the lid and the mba gets really warm (I know I shouldn't be doing it but I have good uses for it).

 

[matelot]

CoolBook works very well. Been using it since November on my MBA and I only hear the fan when playing heavy games. You also gain more battery time.

re coolbook,
it needs some sort of configuration/calibration, right ?
how much effort does it take to calibrate so it works properly ?

 

[lucashungaro]

what's the thing you find to be the biggest drawback of coolbook though? Surely, there have to be compromises.

No one I can think of.

re coolbook,
it needs some sort of configuration/calibration, right ?
how much effort does it take to calibrate so it works properly ?

Yes, it's a trial and error process where you try to find the lowest voltage your cpu supports with a given frequency. I use only one pair: 2128 Mhz with 0.9250 v.

I wrote a blog post explaining the process. It's in Brazilian Portuguese, but maybe it can help you through Google Translator: http://goo.gl/DCml1

There's a nice thread here about it too. A quick search should get you there.

 

[KnightWRX]

You don't have to work in clamshell mode!

Put the computer to sleep (i.e. close the cover). Then start typing/mousing (bluetooth KB/mouse needs to be setup so that it wakes the device). Once the computer starts up again, you can open up the computer and voila. Your operating with the screen turned off but still with lots of airflow.

Or you could you know, use both the external monitor and the MBA's monitor at the same time, giving you 2 monitors and more screen real-estate and no cooling issue!

I'm seriously trying to think of a down side to this and a reason to even bother with "clamshell" mode...

 

[blow45]

thanks for the feedback on coolbook guys

 

[SR71]

Or you could you know, use both the external monitor and the MBA's monitor at the same time, giving you 2 monitors and more screen real-estate and no cooling issue!

I'm seriously trying to think of a down side to this and a reason to even bother with "clamshell" mode...

The only downside that I can see with this is that the Graphics Chip has to split the power between the display on the MBA and the display on the monitor which can cause lag when playing videos on one screen or doing other graphics intensive screen.