Emily Phelan
asked on
Would an eGPU help prevent my MacBook Pro from overheating?
I have a MacBook Pro running Mojave that I use for work and play. Coming from a PC, I’m used to being able to run multiple programs without much issue, but the Mac sounds like it’s preparing for take off. This happens when I’m editing video footage, running Sketch and/or multiple Adobe products, and during casual gaming. The heat also throttles performance, so I’m seeing slow render times, slow application response, and low fps. I’m also adding a second display via 4k IPS monitor regardless, but I’m torn between a dock vs eGPU now. Aside from a cooling pad (or building a PC), would an eGPU help my MacBook Pro run more effectively for these tasks?
MacBook specs:
MacBook specs:
ASKER
Hi David! All software are set to use the Radeon. I did try to use a cooling pad as well, but it didn't seem to help. There are limited vents, so I'm not surprised.
i would start by cleaning it, espacially the fans
but here several steps that help : https://www.cnet.com/how-to/7-ways-to-keep-your-macbook-from-overheating/
but here several steps that help : https://www.cnet.com/how-to/7-ways-to-keep-your-macbook-from-overheating/
ASKER
@nobus I've seen that list, though I cannot commit to #7 due to software issues, and #3 is slowing me down at work. The only thing I haven't tried yet is removing the cover to clean. I've only shot compressed air down by the hinge, which is most likely insufficient.
The laptop only gets spicy when I run software involving graphics, video, or 3d. I'll commit to disassembly and cleaning, but I'm still curious about the eGPU since there's not much else I can do to increase performance.
The laptop only gets spicy when I run software involving graphics, video, or 3d. I'll commit to disassembly and cleaning, but I'm still curious about the eGPU since there's not much else I can do to increase performance.
Modern GPUs can produce a lot of heat, more so than a CPU. Laptops are not ideal for power hungry software. A desktop is actually going to be easier to cool down.
Macbooks don't actually have space for much airflow except out the rear. Maybe, prop the back end up higher off the table surface and point a fan at it.
If you haven't opened up your system in over a year, it's time to do that and clear out the dust bunnies. The more frequently your fan turns on, the more frequently you'll need to clean. You should clean more often if your environment is dustier. I once worked at a place where we had to open up desktops and remove an inch layer of lint dust every year and vacuum all the components. It actually pealed off like a dryer lint trap, but nowhere near as densely packed. I'm surprised nothing ever caught on fire.
Macbooks don't actually have space for much airflow except out the rear. Maybe, prop the back end up higher off the table surface and point a fan at it.
If you haven't opened up your system in over a year, it's time to do that and clear out the dust bunnies. The more frequently your fan turns on, the more frequently you'll need to clean. You should clean more often if your environment is dustier. I once worked at a place where we had to open up desktops and remove an inch layer of lint dust every year and vacuum all the components. It actually pealed off like a dryer lint trap, but nowhere near as densely packed. I'm surprised nothing ever caught on fire.
for cleaning, this youtube can help : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOrm48Jh0rg
and, if it's dusty, i like to clean it, not buy another thing ( that also consumes power) to circumvent the problem
and, if it's dusty, i like to clean it, not buy another thing ( that also consumes power) to circumvent the problem
ASKER
Looks like I don't have the tools to open this laptop, so I've had to order some (I have torx but these are 5 star). While I don't doubt this laptop will benefit from being cleaned, I also seriously doubt cleaning alone will add the graphics processing power I'm looking for. I feel like I asked the wrong question.
I wanted to stay with a laptop since I travel frequently, rather than buying a Mac ($$$) and having to swap files back and forth. Ideally, I would be able to come home and plug into a stronger workstation. Will adding an eGPU make the heat issue worse (assuming the laptop is clean). Aside from building a PC or buying a Mac, is this my only option for better graphics? (Above all, I need to run Sketch — a Mac-only software.)
I wanted to stay with a laptop since I travel frequently, rather than buying a Mac ($$$) and having to swap files back and forth. Ideally, I would be able to come home and plug into a stronger workstation. Will adding an eGPU make the heat issue worse (assuming the laptop is clean). Aside from building a PC or buying a Mac, is this my only option for better graphics? (Above all, I need to run Sketch — a Mac-only software.)
Those are pentalobe screws https://amzn.to/2NXvd6v
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ASKER
Yeah, I don't expect to bring the eGPU with me at all. It would be strictly part of my home workstation. This article is much more comprehensive than the ones I had found. Thank you!
Apple unlike others doesn't directly cool the gpu/cpu they use heat pipes and cool the pipes (engineering failure)