Running Windows on Parallels makes my MBP extremely hot. I checked the Activity Monitor and CPU usage isnt THAT high- between 15% to 25%. So whats causing the heat? Does the GPU get used when running Parallels as well? -a
Welcome the MBP. Any application that gets my CPU up to 15-20% results in my MBP being very, very hot. This isn't a Parallels issue, it's a MBP issue. There are loads of threads about this on the Apple support site. The only fix is to send your MBP in and have the mlb replaced.
Which may or may not help. Even with the MBP working properly, it gets hot if it's not just idling. You may want to download the Core Duo Temp application to see how hot it's actually getting, and you may like my solution which is a small platform with a couple of fans I put the machine on. The fans are powered from a USB port, and keep the machine reasonably cool. I think I paid abut $25 for the platform at CompUSA.
Thanks, joem, for the suggestions. I saw that little platform you have, but I figured that whatever cooling the fans accomplished would be offset by the extra power the machine is drawing through the USB ports. It is good to know the thing actually works as advertised. Meanwhile, I keep my tea warm by placing the cup on the 'book next to my trackpad (while using an external keyboard/mouse, and being very careful not to spill!)
The maximum power available from a USB port is 2.5 watts, and the fans draw less than that. The machine draws at least 40 to 60 watts. One thing you could do if you are using an external KDM is just turn the machine over so the bottom (where the heat is dumped) gets some airflow. It will certainly keep your tea warmer too. FWIW, I was in CompUSA today picking up some I-really-need-them-today repair parts (why oh why can't manufacturers spend the extra 20 cents and use ball bearing fans?) and saw a gadget with a couple of fans, and a 4 port USB hub with a brick so it draws no power from the machine. I think it was about $40, but that includes the hub and power supply.
Thanks for all the replies- believe it or not, my MBP has had its logic board replaced. Previously, I would touch 60 degrees on idle but not, its more around 52 at idle. Under load, it can go pretty high. -a
