Firewire audio interfaces make my macbook hot!

carlv · Post by **carlv** » Mon Apr 14, 2008 2:07 am

Whenever I plug Firewire audio interface into my macbook , even with no programs running and the computer essentially at idle, the CPU temperature quickly rises several degrees and then the fan quickly ramps up to maximum. Nothing appears to be placing the CPU under load at this time (measuring temps and fans with iStat nano). Of course, if I do put the CPU under load, the temps get very hot, 80C or so. So, for instance, my CPU temp will be at about 60C, and I'll plug in my Apogee Duet, and the temperature quickly rises to about 68C. The fanspeed follows, rising to maximum and staying there for as long as I have the Duet connected. This happens with both an Apogee Duet and a Presonus Firebox, so I'm pretty sure it's some issue with my mac. I tried the Firebox with external power just in case bus power was causing it, but this didn't help. I usually run my macbook in clamshell mode but it happens with the case open also.

Here are the specs of my macbook:
late 2006; core 2 duo 2 ghz
running leopard with all updates applied
3 gb ram
320 gb hard drive
wireless apple keyboard / wireless mighty mouse

I found a thread on macrumors where someone had a very similar problem but no resolution was ever posted (thread is here: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=314270 ).

Can anyone recommend steps I can try to resolve this? Or point me in the direction of the cause of the problem? I'd love to keep my new Duet but if I can't resolve this I'll probably have to return it.

carlv · Post by **carlv** » Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:17 pm

Bump. Any ideas or similar experiences with high heat from firewire audio is greatly appreciated!

morerecords · Post by **morerecords** » Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:21 pm

try the apple forum you might get better results
www.apple.com

subterFUSE · Post by **subterFUSE** » Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:26 pm

One suggestion is to invest in a laptop stand. This will elevate the computer off the table to improve airflow. I use one for my PC laptop, and it makes a very noticable improvement in cooling.

Then again, I don't know if your MacBook even has air vents that are being restricted? Do they have vents on the bottom, or sides?

My PC Laptop has air intake fans on the bottom so elevating it off the table really makes a difference.

carlv · Post by **carlv** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 1:07 am

Just in case someone else has this problem, I took it to the apple store and they said it's a known issue with Leopard. I hope it (and the Duet crashing my computer on disconnect sometimes) gets fixed! would love to hold onto this thing and put it to good use

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.