If you’ve been using your Mac computer for extended periods and notice that it’s heating up, we have some tips to help prevent overheating and lower its temperature. It’s important to address this issue as excessive heat can potentially damage your Mac. So, if you’re looking for ways to keep your Mac cool and maintain its performance, you’ve come to the right place.
How to check the temperature of the Mac
If you suspect that your Mac is reaching high temperatures, beyond simply feeling the heat on the device itself, there is a way to monitor the internal temperatures. You can achieve this by using a free application called “Stats.” By following these steps, you’ll be able to view the temperatures of various components:
1. Click on any of the processes in the top menu bar of your Mac.
2. In the upper right corner, locate and click on the cogwheel icon.
3. A menu will appear, and you’ll need to find the “Sensors” category. Enable the switch for this category.
4. Once you’ve done that, you’ll notice a new icon added to the upper menu bar. Click on it, and it will display the temperatures of different components of your Mac.
After gaining the ability to monitor the internal temperatures of our computer, it’s important to take preventive measures to avoid excessive heat buildup, which can potentially cause the computer to crash.
It’s crucial to highlight that the Stats application we mentioned in this post is available for free download through the GitHub portal. While there are similar applications with paid alternatives on the official App Store, such as Stats Panel priced at €1.99 and iStatistica priced at €6.99, we want to emphasize that Stats is completely free to use and download.
Lower the temperature of your Mac with these tips
To ensure optimal cooling and prevent overheating, it is recommended to work on a flat surface when using a portable Mac. This allows for unobstructed airflow through the ventilation grills, even when running less demanding applications, enabling the computer to cool itself effectively.
If you find yourself on a flat surface that is cluttered with objects, impeding airflow, it’s advisable to elevate the Mac. By raising the position of the device, you can ensure unobstructed ventilation. Using bases or stands, like the one we recommend, can be a practical solution for raising the Mac and improving airflow.
Working on a Mac, whether it’s a portable or desktop model, can generate heat due to various factors. Extended working hours with maximum screen brightness, combined with resource-intensive applications, can elevate the internal temperature of the computer.
To mitigate this, it’s important to avoid operating at maximum brightness in well-lit environments. Additionally, if you notice your Mac slowing down due to overheating, consider closing unnecessary applications. However, there may be instances where closing apps doesn’t sufficiently reduce the temperature. In such cases, it is recommended to utilize the Activity Monitor feature. This Mac function provides real-time insights into active and background processes and threads. By monitoring resource consumption, you can identify and terminate any tasks that are excessively taxing the system, thus reducing the computer’s temperature.
