MacBook Pro Unibody MODS

So my new MacBook Pro hasn't even arrived and I'm already thinking of clever ways to improve it's functionality while at the same time voiding my warranty.

It's no secret that most MBPs run hot. And with the addition of the new Intel processors, things really heat up.

Heres my thought.

Cut a small 2x2" square in the bottom piece of the housing near the fan. Then place a thin piece of metal grating over the whole and solder it in.

Thoughts?

 

or just work in a freezer!
Good Lord, are you serious?

 

Over on the Macrumors forum, there was a guy who posted pix of his MBP after he removed the bottom and drilled something like 25 holes in a square pattern (in principle the same idea the OP postulated); it didn't look great but the poster claimed it dropped his operating temps a few degrees.

For my money, I DL SMC Fancontrol for mac (free) and can boost the fans manually if I think my MBP is running warmer than I want.

 

instead of drilling holes, just remove the heatsink and fan, and apply arctic silver or another quality thermal paste. It makes a big difference, much more than drilling holes would I think. Also think about resale, people don't want a hacked up MBP, reapplying thermal paste has no negatives.

 

To the people that are giving good advice, thank you.
Thermal paste does sound like a better idea.

 

it doesn't make a big difference. 3C-7C, really.

and drilling holes is silly. the standard temps the MBP gets are well within operating norms. at most, just install smcFanControl and set your own fan speeds.

 

Creating additional openings with all good intentions may not serve any positive purpose, and in fact may cause problems.

1. The notebook's fan draws air in a specific flow pattern so as to optimize cooling not only on the positive flow, but the negative side airflow has a purpose of drawing air past components that also require cooling. By circumventing the negative air flow path by creating a direct opening, you run the risk of creating an overheating on those components serviced by that airflow, that don't necessarily have a temp sensor to indicate anything.

2. You may find, the hard way, that any sensors that report a lowering of temperature may simply be reflecting the lowering of the temp of the sensor, and not the component that the sensor is intended to report. Cooling a sensor is of no benefit, and may actually be harmful insofar as the reading may incorrectly report the actual temperature of the subject component.

3. It is reasonable to presume that Apple has much more capability than users at the determination of proper airflow to the extent the fan is capable. It would be foolish to radically depart from the engineered specification, unless the cost of ruining your unit is of no consequence to you. Unlike the thermal paste issue, there have been no documented cases where all actual components are benefited from case modification.

 

that was acutally a user here on NBR, Newfiejudd

http://forum.notebookreview.com/app...tle-underside-case-mod-big-temp-decrease.html

 

Drilling holes or cutting out areas of the metal enclosure to replace with grills is only asking for trouble in the long haul. Certain parts of the computer need air circulation so it channels to the right areas. Unless you're going to operate the computer with the bottom completely removed then cutting out certain areas will reduce air channeling and could cause hardware failure. SMC Fan control is your best friend. I wouldn't even waste the time re-applying thermal paste. Why void your warranty when you really don't have to.