Macbook Air fan on full tilt

Pocket10s · 3 Oct 2020 at 23:54

Hi all,

I have my Macbook Air (2020 version) connected up to my 144hz 3440x1440 monitor and the fan is constantly on what seems full whack.

Why is this? It happens both in clamshell or when it's open. Is the monitor too big for it?

The laptop itself is elevated from the desk so it has some breathing room.

Ryan-3 · 4 Oct 2020 at 01:48

I'd assume the integrated graphics is running reasonably hard to run the screen, which you should see in Activity Monitor. The issue with the air is that it's not very good at cooling the hardware when kept under load, so the fan is likely compensating for that by running at full tilt. How to fix this, I'm not so sure, although I wouldn't have expected this without running applications.

MacRS4 · 5 Oct 2020 at 09:44

This isn't just a problem with the Air - it happens on my 13" and my 16" pro too when connected to an external screen.

Feek · 5 Oct 2020 at 11:44

It's never happened on my MacBook.

(runs away and hides)

Scythe · 5 Oct 2020 at 11:45

It's because the graphics card is working harder. I am working with my 13" MBP plugged into a 1440 monitor. It is warmer and during some videos, screen saver etc the fan does kick in.

james.miller · 5 Oct 2020 at 11:50

That sounds ridiculous. It's not difficult to drive a 3440x1440 panel at all.