Thermal Repair: Success!

[The Red Wolf]

With a take apart manual, its not all that hard as long as you're patient. Don't worry, I've done it before too; you're not the only Apple employee/certified repair technician here.

Wow, I thought I was the only Apple Certified Insane person. Just kidding. It's great to know there are other Apple Techs who have done this. Seriously, I was afraid of damaging my machine and contacted Apple, they stated my machine was "Within Spec and that the Intel Core 2 Duo won't shut down until 100C+ and that I should apply the latest updates for the fan control software. I'm sorry, but I used to rest my computer on a book to rest it in my lap while playing WoW. There is a problem with Apple's FABs in China. They need to resolve this.

 

[The Red Wolf]

How come I become one

Go to this site. It's $300 for the package. But you get 1 year access to Apple's training site, manuals, test scheduling at a Pro Metric centre and everything else. The tests are $150 each. You need to take the OS-X Troubleshooting test first and pass. Then take the Certification tests for either Laptop, Desktop, Helpdesk, Server or Pro Applications. There are also specialized training Centres and intensive like Geek Cruise.

http://www.apple.com/training/

 

[The Red Wolf]

what questions should i ask the technician to make absolutely sure they know what they are doing? I live in vancouver so I'm not near any apple store, but am near apple certified resellers with techs, and am willing to pay to get the thermal job done... its just i would prefer to do it somewhere i don't - 1. have to pay shipping -and 2. have to wait 6 to 10+ days for considering I need the machine for work. there is no way in hell i will try to do it myself, because, you see, I know myself, and when I'm done, tears will certainly flow over silver shreddings.

or better yet can anyone in vancouver recommend a place or person?

cheers.

One of the first things I would ask would be if they suspect there is a heat issue by viewing your machine. If under stress iStat or Temperature Monitor shows your computer to hover around 50-55C you're fine. If you have heating issues or 6000 RPM fan speed while playing games there is an issue. Also have the tech touch the strip between the monitor and F5-F8, if the don't recoil in shock, you're okay. But if they can't hold their fingertips there for more then 10 seconds, your machine might be related to Paris Hilton: Yea, I'm soooo haugt.

Lastly, ask if the tech has done the repair before and if they have experience building custom PCs or repairing older Macs. Make sure their certification is posted. You can't miss the big shinny silver Apple on what looks like a Diploma.

Most of all, just gauge how you feel giving your machine to the tech. If they are certified, you have nothing to worry about, even if they've never worked on your version before. The methodology and procedures are very well thought out.

As for iFixit's manuals, I can't really comment on them. They essentially took Apples photos and rewote the text. I used an iFixit manual to replace a CD/RW drive from MCE Tech and found it to be quite lacking in details. I also had to use washers in the install because I didn't get the DVD to DVD/RW upgrade kit. There is a difference between CD/RW and DVD/RW drives in the old TiBooks. Fitting was a nightmare and took about 3 resettings before it didnt' vibrate too much to read an inserted disc. Mind you this was before I was Certified and had access to Apple's Tech manuals.

 

[The Red Wolf]

Can either of you techs comment on ifixit's disassembly manual for the macbook pro? Is it still good for the santa rosa version? Do they mess up any details regarding screws / screw order?

Basically, I want to do this on my MBP sometime. Shipping to California isn't really an option, unfortunately I have plenty of machine building experience.

I'm also surprised that the apple defender trolls haven't come out with their cries of "it's in spec!" "there is no thermal paste problem!" yet...

Believe me in the training it states without so may words "70-95C" is within spec. And to show customers other running models to compare heat by "Touch". It's really quite high propaganda and cover up and I'm not one to talk out against Apple. I used to work Tech Support in Frontline for Apple in their Elk Grove CA facility. They used to build all the computers there or in the Cork Ireland FAB (I also worked there doing localization for OS-X). Anyway... I think they're trying to cover up for the China based FABs and accelerated production schedules. Never before has Apple had to meet demand like this.

Lastly, Intel's boards are of poorer manufacture than IBMs boards. I've seen so many issues with intel chipsets. Sure the iMac G5 Rev A had a power supply issue and overheating problems, but they were address and resolved. I've seen far more Intel boards with burned northbridges or southbridges than any IBM or AMD chipsets. Apples Quality Control is lacking and they need to address it or step up and admit there is an issue with heat. I was really surprised to hear people were having issues with the Santa Rosa Chipset.

 

[The Red Wolf]

Thermal Pipe Temperature

One other thing to look fore. While Handbraking and playing WoW, I noticed one temperature spike up very quickly. The Cores reported 50C odd. However the heatsink diode reported 78-84C. This frightened me. I thought I did something wrong. Then I checked where that sensor is located. It's the heat of the air exiting your machine over the copper heatsink. This is good. It shows that heat is exiting out the back of your computer and not building up in the machine.

If you have either low temperatures here when under stress or it's very high along with your processors I would definitely recommend the repair.

For those interested in contacting Redshift Computer repair to have this done, don't worry, we're working on a solution to resolve shipping issues. FedEx will be our carrier and like Apple we should be able to send out a box with a shipping return lable, have you either fill out the information online or send it with the box. All shipping methods would be overnight. This will take the sting out of sending your machine. As we would cover shipping. It's not in effect yet, we can't do this until our FedEx account is changed.

For the moment anyone interested in sending their machine to us, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thanks.

 

[pinwanger]

Would you guys have a guarantee temperature drop? Like maybe 5 - 10 Celsius drop?

 

[The Red Wolf]

Would you guys have a guarantee temperature drop? Like maybe 5 - 10 Celsius drop?

My computer pre repair was 48-55C For processor cores and 64 for ATI cores just idling.

My computer post repair is 28-40C for the processor cores at rest and 27 for the ATI Core. Mainly due to no thermal paste being usable on the ATI core. My fans would gun at 6000 RPM which cooled it down to 55C. However, my machine screamed when playing games.

Now it's quiet even after handbrake and WoW for an hour sitting comfortably on skin.

I would say 5-20 C.

Understress is a whole differen issue, it's more dramatic there.

64C Processor cores 78 ATI core.

Vs.

58 processor cores and 53 ATI Core.

Hope that helps.

 

[expergo]

Question...

Are the original Temps within Spec though? If I bring it to an Applestore and show them the temps, they'll just say that that's how it is and won't do anything about it. It seems kind of silly to have to go through so much work that should've been done before.

 

[xeux]

I just finished applying artic silver 5 to my core duo 2.16.

Pre application it was 77C under load. (WoW and Handbrake)

After application it is 61C under load. (WoW and Handbrake)


I am sooo pleased with the results.... I encourage any and everyone to do this!

 

[elZotto]

Hey Red Wolf

Thanks for the time you've put into this.

I may find myself in the Salinas area sometime this month, could I just pop in for the thermal paste treatment?

z

 

[The Red Wolf]

Hey Red Wolf

Thanks for the time you've put into this.

I may find myself in the Salinas area sometime this month, could I just pop in for the thermal paste treatment?

z

Hey elZotto,
If you happen to be in Salinas, drop by Redshift Internet Services. We're on south Main St. 1124 to be exact. You can't miss us, we're across the street from a 76 station and our building is joined with a Winchel's doughnuts which is an eyesore to be sure, but impossible to miss. You'll see our computer repair and DSL signs out front. Park and come in!

 

[The Red Wolf]

I just finished applying artic silver 5 to my core duo 2.16.

Pre application it was 77C under load. (WoW and Handbrake)

After application it is 61C under load. (WoW and Handbrake)


I am sooo pleased with the results.... I encourage any and everyone to do this!

Awesome results. Glad you did it. Hope others who are technically inclided do so, and if not so inclined or fearful of Apple vengence for opening their machines, feel free to contact any local Authorized Service location.

 

[The Red Wolf]

Question...

Are the original Temps within Spec though? If I bring it to an Applestore and show them the temps, they'll just say that that's how it is and won't do anything about it. It seems kind of silly to have to go through so much work that should've been done before.

Well, the problem is when the machines are assembled, it's possible it's done by a robot at high speeds. Apply paste from a big machine, press logic board, fire in screws. Perhaps the only human contact is a person who checks to make sure the wires are connected... I'm not sure exactly, but I know there are not 1000 monkeys assembling MacBook Pros until they get the Great American Computer and send it off... Though that could be the reason for delays on the 7200 drives. I kid... Having a person do it, they can take the time and visually inspect and test your machine. Quality is quality when done right. Sort of why Hondas are mas produced by big robots and Mercades are still built partially by hand. The human touch so to speak.

 

[powermac_daddy]

Well, the problem is when the machines are assembled, it's possible it's done by a robot at high speeds. Apply paste from a big machine, press logic board, fire in screws. Perhaps the only human contact is a person who checks to make sure the wires are connected... I'm not sure exactly, but I know there are not 1000 monkeys assembling MacBook Pros until they get the Great American Computer and send it off... Though that could be the reason for delays on the 7200 drives. I kid... Having a person do it, they can take the time and visually inspect and test your machine. Quality is quality when done right. Sort of why Hondas are mas produced by big robots and Mercades are still built partially by hand. The human touch so to speak.

i am in california now. can i watch you repair my MBP?

 

[PimpDaddy]

wow... This sounds interesting!!

Only problem is that I live in Denmark . A bit far away although I think that it would be good for my SR MBP to get this "upgrade" .

Bt the way... I'm not doubting your skills in this area. But (and please don't take this the wrong way, if that makes sense) how can one know if you really are a certified tech.?

If I were to have this done I just want to be really sure that it's covered by Apple Care

 

[dimme]

My CPU is usually in the 40 o 50C and under a real heavy load (flight simulator X in XP) it my get to 65C but the GPU is always hotter say 5 to 10C and I have seen it hit 75C do I need this modification?

 

[The Red Wolf]

My CPU is usually in the 40 o 50C and under a real heavy load (flight simulator X in XP) it my get to 65C but the GPU is always hotter say 5 to 10C and I have seen it hit 75C do I need this modification?

It's not so much modification as brining the machine to it's proper alignment. Because of the heat on the graphics processor, I think the repair would do you some good.

 

[The Red Wolf]

wow... This sounds interesting!!

Only problem is that I live in Denmark . A bit far away although I think that it would be good for my SR MBP to get this "upgrade" .

Bt the way... I'm not doubting your skills in this area. But (and please don't take this the wrong way, if that makes sense) how can one know if you really are a certified tech.?

If I were to have this done I just want to be really sure that it's covered by Apple Care

Any Apple Certified Technician will post their certification on the wall. Just like a diploma or a doctorate or even a business license. If you like I can send a picture of my certificate. If I were to do the repair, even if I were to make an error, the parts would be covered under Apple Care. Your warranty or Apple Care would not be voided in anyway and any damage would be fixed without charge. Because 100C is the the top end of "Within Spec" Apple doesn't fix this under warranty as it isn't a warranty repair. Think of it more like putting synthetic oil in your car over regular oil. It's still lubricated with regular oil, but synthetic has a huge advantage for cooling and longer times between oil changes. I hope that helps. Denmark is indeed far away, you may check with the Apple Certification Alliance to find a tech in your area.

 

[The Red Wolf]

i am in california now. can i watch you repair my MBP?

If you happen to come into Salinas, I would be more than happy to have you watch while I did the repair. It's quite fascinating albeit a bit boring. However if you're into logic board porn, it's blue and has three chips which need the thermal paste. Sorry had too. Seriously though I do often let others watch while I work. I know I do a good job, so I've nothing to hide.

 

[PimpDaddy]

Any Apple Certified Technician will post their certification on the wall. Just like a diploma or a doctorate or even a business license. If you like I can send a picture of my certificate. If I were to do the repair, even if I were to make an error, the parts would be covered under Apple Care. Your warranty or Apple Care would not be voided in anyway and any damage would be fixed without charge. Because 100C is the the top end of "Within Spec" Apple doesn't fix this under warranty as it isn't a warranty repair. Think of it more like putting synthetic oil in your car over regular oil. It's still lubricated with regular oil, but synthetic has a huge advantage for cooling and longer times between oil changes. I hope that helps. Denmark is indeed far away, you may check with the Apple Certification Alliance to find a tech in your area.

Thanks for the tip. I'll check it . Otherwise I can't say that I wouldn't consider sending this over when I'm going away on vacation(that is if I at that time haven't found a technician in my area)