A MacBook Pro fan running at full speed all the time can be annoying and reduce battery life. Thankfully, there are several ways to calm down an overactive fan and optimize your MacBook Pro’s cooling system for better performance.
Why is my MacBook Pro fan always on?
There are a few common reasons why your MacBook Pro’s fan constantly runs at high speeds:
- CPU overheating – The CPU generating excessive heat will trigger the fans to cool it down.
- Resource-intensive tasks – Activities like gaming, video editing or running multiple apps can overwork the CPU and GPU, making the fans work overtime.
- Background processes – Apps running in the background can gradually heat up the CPU and induce fan activity.
- Dust buildup – Accumulated dust and particulates in the cooling fans and vents can lead to inefficient cooling and higher fan speeds.
- Old thermal paste – Dried or insufficient thermal paste causes heat transfer issues from the CPU/GPU to the heat sink, requiring higher fan speeds.
- Hardware issues – Faulty fans, sensors or improper airflow within the MacBook chassis can cause cooling problems.
Quick tips to quiet a loud MacBook Pro fan
Here are some quick fixes you can try to get an overactive MacBook Pro fan under control:
- Quit open apps, especially those using significant CPU resources like video editors, games, etc.
- Close browser tabs and limit the number of apps running simultaneously.
- Check Activity Monitor for any rogue processes hogging CPU and quit them.
- Put the MacBook Pro to sleep for a while so it can cool down.
- Restart your Mac which clears out memory and allows apps to release CPU usage.
- Reset the SMC (System Management Controller) to restore proper fan functioning.
- Clean out the dust from the MacBook’s vents using compressed air.
- Update macOS to the latest version for performance fixes.
How to permanently fix an overheating MacBook Pro
For a more permanent solution to overheating issues, you need to optimize your MacBook’s cooling system. Try these steps:
1. Lower CPU processing demands
Reduce activities that overwork the CPU like gaming or having too many apps open. The less the CPU has to work, the cooler it will stay.
2. Avoid blocking ventilation
Ensure the air vents on the MacBook Pro are not obstructed by placing it on soft surfaces like beds or sofas. Keep the vents clear to allow proper airflow.
3. Update apps and macOS
Keep your apps, macOS, and firmware updated. Updates often contain vital fixes to improve performance and response times, reducing CPU load.
4. Use a laptop cooling pad
Get an external laptop cooling pad which provides extra air circulation under the MacBook via built-in fans. This supplementation of the built-in cooling keeps temperatures lower.
5. Replace thermal paste
Old and ineffective thermal paste between the CPU/GPU and the heatsink prevents proper heat dissipation. Replacing it with fresh high-quality paste improves cooling performance.
6. Clean the fans
Use compressed air to spray out any accumulated dust or debris in the internal MacBook fans and vents. This enables smooth airflow and cooling.
7. Reset SMC and PRAM
Resetting these firmware controllers restores them to default settings, which can fix sensor and fan speed issues causing overheating.
Detailed guides to clean the fans
Carefully cleaning the internal cooling fans is one of the best ways to keep your MacBook Pro’s temperatures in check. Here are step-by-step guides for non-retina and retina models:
Non-retina MacBook Pro
Older non-retina MacBook Pro models have easily accessible fans you can clean out yourself. Follow these steps:
- Shut down your MacBook Pro and unplug all cables.
- Place the laptop bottom-side up on a soft, clean surface.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 10 screws from the bottom panel and lift it off.
- Locate the fan assembly connected to the logic board via a cable.
- Carefully disconnect the fan cable from the logic board.
- Remove the 6 screws securing the fan assembly and lift it out.
- Use compressed air to thoroughly spray out any dust and debris from the fan blades, vents and surrounding areas.
- Reassemble the fan assembly and reconnect its cable.
- Replace the bottom panel, screws and power on your MacBook Pro.
Retina MacBook Pro
Retina models have more tightly packed internals making the fans trickier to access. Follow Apple’s guide:
- Shut down the MacBook Pro, unplug all accessories and remove the bottom plate.
- Disconnect the battery connector from the logic board.
- Peel back each fan cable from the logic board.
- Remove the 6 screws to lift out the left fan and 7 screws for the right fan.
- Meticulously spray compressed air into the fans, vents, channels and gaps to clear out all dust buildup.
- Reinstall each fan using the screws and reconnect their cables.
- Reconnect the battery, replace bottom plate and restart your MacBook Pro.
Be extremely careful not to damage any delicate components when cleaning retina MacBook Pro fans.
Adjust CPU performance settings
You can use macOS settings to limit CPU performance and reduce heat generation:
1. Enable Low Power Mode
This dims the screen, suspends email fetch and limits CPU speed to around 40%.
2. Lower maximum processor state
Adjust the sliders in Advanced power settings to limit CPU frequency so it works less.
3. Change automatic graphics switching
Set graphics to use integrated Intel GPU which produces less heat than the discrete GPU.
However, these may negatively impact performance. Find optimal settings that balance heat production and performance for your usage.
Third-party apps to control fan speed
MacBook Pro users recommend these third-party fan utilities:
Macs Fan Control
- Open source app to monitor sensors and control fan speeds
- Set custom fan curves based on temperature triggers
- Works for both Intel and M1 Macs
smcFanControl
- Adjust system fans to keep temperatures in a target range
- Set minimum and maximum fan speeds
- Compatible with Intel Macs only
These provide more granular control but use at your own risk as incorrectly configured fan speeds can cause damage.
Does replacing thermal paste help?
Over time, the thermal paste between the CPU/GPU dies and the heatsink degrades, impairing heat dissipation. Replacing this with high-quality fresh paste can significantly improve temperatures.
Here are some tips for reapplying thermal paste on a MacBook Pro:
- Use paste specifically for MacBooks like Arctic Silver or Thermal Grizzly.
- Clean off old paste completely using alcohol and coffee filters.
- Use 4 small dots or thin X-pattern for even paste spread.
- Do not over-apply. More is not better.
- Reinstall heatsink and securely screw in diagonally.
With fresh paste, the CPU and GPU can transfer heat properly keeping fans quieter.
Does upgrading RAM help lower temperatures?
Increasing your MacBook Pro’s RAM can indirectly help minimize fan usage and overheating issues in some cases. Here’s how:
- More RAM enables macOS to cache more data instead of re-reading from slower drives.
- This speeds up system performance and reduces CPU/GPU load during intensive tasks.
- With less burden on the CPU, it can remain cooler and require lower fan speeds.
However, the effects are minor and upgrading RAM won’t resolve serious overheating issues alone. But it can be one part of an overall cooling optimization.
Should I blast fans with compressed air?
Compressed air cans are extremely useful for cleaning MacBook Pro fan assemblies. However, avoid directly aiming the high-powered air jet at fans. This can potentially damage them.
Instead, follow these safe practices:
- Keep the can upright and only lightly puff air.
- Slowly move the nozzle around vents to dislodge debris.
- Hold fans securely in place as you clean.
- Be conservative with air bursts and monitor fans closely.
With a gentle touch, compressed air can successfully blow out obstructive dust without harming delicate fan blades.
External cooling solutions
Portable laptop cooling pads are a popular solution that adds extra active cooling for MacBook Pros. Here are top options:
| Cooling Pad | Key Features |
|---|---|
| HAVIT Laptop Cooling Pad | – 3 quiet fans with blue LEDs – Ergonomic stand with 2 height options – Portable & thin design |
| OtterBox Elevation Laptop Stand | – Reliable OtterBox quality – 1 large cooling fan – Sturdy, adjustable easel design |
| Rainbowsort Laptop Cooling Pad | -Rainbow LED lighting effects – 5 ultra-quiet fans – Built-in screen protector |
| Thermaltake Massive 23 LX Laptop Cooler | – Single 230mm fan – USB hub with 3 ports – Large sturdy mesh surface |
| Tree New Bee Cooling Pad | – Slim 1.2″ profile – Dual 120mm fans – Portable & quiet |
Get a highly rated cooling pad compatible with the MacBook Pro’s size for supplemental airflow that reduces reliance on built-in fans.
Common MacBook Pro fan errors
MacBook Pro owners encounter these fan-related error messages and how to troubleshoot them:
Fan running at full speed unexpectedly
Use Activity Monitor to identify any rogue app overworking the CPU, then force quit it. Also update macOS, apps, and firmware as outdated software can cause fan issues.
Loud buzzing or rattling fan noise
The fan blade is likely hitting a cable or debris buildup. Carefully clean the fans with compressed air. If noise persists, the fan assembly may need replacement.
Fan failure error at startup
This typically indicates a problem with the specific fan’s rotation sensors. Try SMC/PRAM reset first, otherwise the fan module likely needs replacement.
High kernel_task CPU usage slowing computer
kernel_task throttles CPU performance due to overheating. Check for dust buildup and confirm fans are spinning properly. Reset SMC and PRAM as well.
When to seek professional help
If you have tried the above fan optimizations without success, it’s best to get expert help. Seek assistance from an Apple technician if you experience:
- Fans constantly running at maximum speed
- Overheating even with fans on full blast
- Loud, abnormal fan noises
- Fan failure errors persisting after SMC/PRAM reset
Professional diagnostics can pinpoint hardware issues like failing fans, sensors or heat sink problems that require replacement.
Conclusion
Rampant MacBook Pro fan activity often indicates overheating problems. Apply software fixes like closing apps and enabling Low Power Mode to reduce CPU load and associated heat. For hardware-level solutions, clean accumulated dust, replace old thermal paste, use external cooling pads, and reset onboard controllers. Seek professional assistance if fans are failing or overheating persists despite troubleshooting. With the right optimizations, your MacBook Pro can run efficiently with minimal annoying fan spin.