smcFanControl & WoW

[faust]

I recently downloaded smcFanControl to make my unibody MBP run a bit cooler while playing WoW. I'm getting 50-75 FPS right now. The computer is at 147 degrees Farenheit right now.

I have a Intel Core 2 Duo(2.4ghz), 2 GB of RAM, and the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M + 9600M GT with 256MB video cards.

What I'm wondering is what is an ideal RPM for my fans to be at, and temperature as well. If someone could give me that information, I would be in their debt.

 

[darkcurse]

Since you have the newer unibody MBP's your idle temps should hover between 30~40C at 2k RPM which is the minimum. If you tax it in any way, i.e playing games keeping it at max RPM would help I guess since its helping keep the laptop cool. The max is 6k RPM IIRC. I guess when not playing any games, just leave it to dynamically adjust your fan speed. I have mine set at 3.5k minimum while plugged in and 2k minimum when on battery power.

 

[voyagerd]

While playing WoW, I set my fans to 8000rpm. My cpu and gpu are usually around 180-190°F

 

[jakeguy99]

The problem with setting the RPM so fast is that it shortens your computer life, or your fan life and usually when people play WoW it is for long periods of time. Yet, if you dont do it the heat will certainly shorten your computer life. It is a problem, but when i am playing and it seems to be over heating i usually set my SMC fan control to 6000RPM.

 

[voyagerd]

I also have a Targus cooling pad to go under my laptop. I have it plugged straight into the wall instead of using USB power so that the fans actually spin at a decent rate.

 

[mus0r]

I have a related question. My MBP is first gen and if I play WoW without SMCfan the whole thing locks up. Temp said 165 degrees F on my menu bar when it locked. Does anyone know where I can look to see how hot my MBP should actually get? I want to know if it needs to be serviced or not.

 

[voyagerd]

I have a related question. My MBP is first gen and if I play WoW without SMCfan the whole thing locks up. Temp said 165 degrees F on my menu bar when it locked. Does anyone know where I can look to see how hot my MBP should actually get? I want to know if it needs to be serviced or not.

Mine can get up to 200°F while playing WoW. I use SMC fan control and it works fine though. Could be an addon.

 

[merc669]

I have a related question. My MBP is first gen and if I play WoW without SMCfan the whole thing locks up. Temp said 165 degrees F on my menu bar when it locked. Does anyone know where I can look to see how hot my MBP should actually get? I want to know if it needs to be serviced or not.

If I remember I saw something about Temp range on the Apple Site under support or FAQ under same heading. You might give that a shot. Also at the Apple Site is their forums with a lot of info. I visit that site also and/or do a search if its a particular subject. Good Luck!!

Bill....