MBA life expectancy : heat + charge cycles considerations

[roadkill401]

I bought a MBA knowing it didn't have a fan inside. Its the M2 chip so it should be a slight bit cooler than the M3 version, but as its my first MacBook I don't know what it normal and what is too much.

I use my MacBook for light web browsing. for that it runs cold. I have zero issues.

I use my MacBook for music and content creation. So LogicPro, iMove, FinalCut Pro. For that is runs a little bit hotter but hardly noticeable. again I have zero issues.

Try and run a game on it like Minecraft that I know isn't the best as it's java, and suddenly the GPU pegs to 100%, the battery runs hot, the palm rest gets rather warm to the touch. You can realistically only play the game for 55-70 minutes before the FPS dives down to 4-7fps making the game unplayable. Ive tried putting it onto a cooling fan-base. No real help. The wife says it's just a timer saying that you need to stop playing on the computer and if I want something to do, there is plenty of laundry downstairs.

My concern is will running the MacBook to the point of thermal throttling reduce the life expectancy of the MacBook? And would doing something more extreme like opening up the case and installing something like those thermal pads to help move the heat off the CPU to the bottom case so that it could cool better be worth it? I have AppleCare+ so I don't want to void that.

 

[GianL]

For sure battery doesn't like heat and this could shorten its life; everything else should be fine.

 

[brandoman]

Maybe try the thermal pad mod?

 

[Bigwaff]

Try and run a game on it like Minecraft that I know isn't the best as it's java, and suddenly the GPU pegs to 100%, the battery runs hot, the palm rest gets rather warm to the touch.

Are you running the Apple Silicon version of the game or the Intel version of the game? I suspect Intel version which runs using the Rosetta translation layer.

 

[roadkill401]

Are you running the Apple Silicon version of the game or the Intel version of the game? I suspect Intel version which runs using the Rosetta translation layer.

its said it was apple silicon version but I don't know how you'd tell if java is native to apple silicon or just Oracle saying it works on apple silicon computers

the Minecraft loader app is showing as universal app with get info. and it automatically grabs the java and Minecraft runtime libraries java bits, so its only assumption that saying it would make sense it will grab the correct things.

 

[Bigwaff]

its said it was apple silicon version but I don't know how you'd tell if java is native to apple silicon or just Oracle saying it works on apple silicon computers

Minecraft - Gaming on M1 Apple silicon Macs and MacBooks, bugs, fixes, compatiblity and troubleshooting guides - AppleGamingWiki

www.applegamingwiki.com

 

[DaveEcc]

You can also try limiting the FPS, draw distance and things so that it doesn't peg the GPU to 100% usage, generating less heat, and allowing a longer play time. I lost the ability to run Minecraft when they required a switch of accounts and my daughter claimed Minecraft as hers, so I don't know exactly what options are available, but you should be able to tweak something.

 

[Howard2k]

The CPU is slowing down to avoid overheating, not because it is overheating. I'm not suggesting you don't know that, but it's a common misconception so worthy of mention.

I agree that the heat will impact the battery to some limited extent. It's not something I'm concerned about though. I could buy a MacBook Pro and mitigate the heat issue to some extent, but for me it's not an issue.

I'm actually a little (and pleasantly) surprised that you got 55-70 minutes before it really choked. I find sometimes with a second display via HDMI, an additional USB device attached (and active), and a fair few tabs in Safari, I can generate a surprising amount of heat. But then the entire case is aluminium so it's at least getting rid of it reasonably efficiently compare to a plastic case.


If you're gaming often, I don't think an MBA is the right choice. But incidental periods I would not be worried about - Apple would obviously expect this. Ultimately the choking you're seeing is to protect the device.

I'd consider a little fan before trying any serious mods or external thermal pads. Or adjust the Minecraft settings as mentioned.

 

[roadkill401]

I bought the MacBook Air mostly to have a portable computer for when I am not felling well and can't get to my Mac mini in the basement to do serious work. it has turned into more of a lets play a bit of Minecraft device, but I don't have any intention or desire to spend the money on a 16" MBP just to get a fan.

I will just keep an eye on the heat from playing. I gather that putting in a thermal pad shouldn't void a warranty. I also assume that asking apple will get a different answer. and if I put in a thermal pad to help with heat that if there was any other issues with the MacBook then you'd need to remove the thermal pads before sending it into Apple. I know that the right to repair would point to saying that adding in cooling options like thermal pads shouldn't effect warranty any more than putting a sticker decoration onto the Mac case does. but I gather that better not to tempt fate.

 

[Timpetus]

I'd say the thermal pad is your best option. It's very cheap and easy to do, and in combination with a decent heat sink/cooling pad should keep the SOC nice and cool for longer, as the thermal pad draws the heat to the bottom case and the cooling pad will then absorb it from there.

 

[oasantos1]

Just use it and don't worry about that.

 

[Torty]

HW doesn't like heat. Your wife is right, better do your laundry. Next time you should consider getting an MBP. I don't think the fanless MBA is designed for sustained heat.