Overheating, one core shutting down ?

[leez]

Hi. I'v just noticed, after installing iStat menus, two different CPU usage measurement graphs. Core 2 duo, so apparently one for each core or chipset, whatever . But the weird thing is, that sometimes, while watching movies, burning dvd etc. (sample "high usage" situation), when the CPU temp. goes around 60 celc. and fan spins at 6200 rpm, one of the "core graphs" shows nothing, like the core is shutting down (screen attached). It's annoying, because the whole system slows down, I can't do anything, and after like 5 mins it gets back to normal (after closing for example the movie). Any solution for this or should I just get used to it ? Thanks for any help.

PS.
I'v never had a core shutdown, my Macbook never "died". It just slows down, badly.

 

[Molopo]

It's ironic that you say "I've never had a core shutdown before", because what you are describing is just that. When one of the processor cores shuts down, it's usually because of overheating. To fix this, you may have to open up your macbook air and clean out the extra thermal gel gunking up your processor. It retains heat when there is an excess, and can be the culprit of your core shutdowns.

 

[leez]

It's ironic that you say "I've never had a core shutdown before", because what you are describing is just that. When one of the processor cores shuts down, it's usually because of overheating. To fix this, you may have to open up your macbook air and clean out the extra thermal gel gunking up your processor. It retains heat when there is an excess, and can be the culprit of your core shutdowns.

Ok, misunderstood the term. I thought, that it means that the Mac totally switches off, not only one core like in my situation.

Ignore this thread then.

 

[JML42691]

It is also ironic that he posts this topic when Macword.com released a podcast about "core shutdowns" just 3 days ago. They talked about a product in the video that can help you control them. I believe the program costs $10 though. Here is the link to the iTunes store download for the podcast (which is free obviously): iTunes store link

But DO NOT open up your MBA, this is an issue that is widespread throughout MBA's and it is in their programming to cool down the CPU and to save battery life, too bad it slows down your computer to almost a halt.

 

[leez]

...and thanks for fast reply guys. Just watching the podcast, it's a spot on man. Thanks for this, didn't know it.

[thread to delete please]

 

[Olvenskol]

FWIW, Coolbook has worked great for me.

The UI is pretty confusing, but it's worth the effort to puzzle through it!

 

[Molopo]

While JML is correct in advising you not to open up your MBA if you are a bit shy about touching the insides of your Air, cleaning out the thermal grease can really help. As he said, it's "in their programming to cool down the CPU". Seems to me that the root of the problem is the CPU. If you've got a friend who knows a bit about constructing computers and processor parts, I think you should ask for some help cleaning out your processor.

 

[leez]

I'm not too shy to open it and clean, did this many times before. I'm a PC user for like 12 years now and switched to Mac 4 months ago (best move ever ! hehe). Sadly, I'm a bit, just a bit disappointed by this situation. "Normally", 4 months ago, I would open task manager and kill some processes ( ), on Max OSX - .... ..... (?) ... just do what, wait, cool it down ? I know I know, there is a "task manager" as well, but that's not the point. Would try this coolbook anyway, just bought it, waiting for serial. By the way, I'v found some comments, that after installing it, the fan goes just crazy, and hell yeah it gets noisy at 6200.

Hope the snow leopard solves the problem.

 

[Molopo]

So you've cleaned out the excess thermal grease? Couldn't quite decipher what you said in your post.

 

[leez]

No, not yet. After 3-4 months it's pointless. Just installed and running coolbook. Will see how it goes. I mean, the slow downs problem is not critical, but sometimes annoying.

 

[leez]

Ok, did the thing, as said in MacWorld podcast - coolbook with exactly the same settings as shown and.... my Macbook died, for the first time. Completely shot himself down . Temp around 100 celc., not to mention the fan, 6200 rpm all the time. Was reading some stories about coolbook configs etc, but can't be bothered anymore. Went back to original settings and core shutdowns came back. Whatever.

By the way, I was running Diablo II on XP (VMware) with Adium, iTunes and Safari with 2 tabs opened. Might be a bit too much for this thinny thing called Air , but hey, just got the point here.

It's like with cars, you can have a Mini, which looks good, is small, light and has a slightly modern but not to new engine... but it can only run 90 mph and fits 4 people in there ;p, no matter how you're gonna paint it, how wide you're able to open the side windows or even make it a cabrio . It always goes 90, thats it.

But going back to the point, I might consider switching to MacBook Pro after this whole situation.

Just wanted to share my thoughts .