PowerBook Cooling & Keyboard

[noleli2]

I have a TiBook 800, and I like to leave it on and running SETI while I sleep. The problem is that with the proc running at 100% the whole time, the fan runs at full blast, and it's rather loud. I've found that by flipping down the built-in keyboard (I also have an external USB keyboard to use), it vents straight up to the air and the fan doesn't need to be on nearly as often or as high.

So, aside from dust, is there any reason I shouldn't do this? I know that in the G5s, the chassis plays a key role in the airflow. Does the keyboard play a similar role here? Am I causing some parts to get warmer than they normally would? Thanks for any insights.

[hype.it]

Fans in the PowerBook and iBooks are automatic, the seems to switch on when the core temp is around 60°C. Put it this way, you don't want to cover the air vents up unless you like a newly molded keyboard or deep fried chips! However, your keyboard would be destroyed first, before the Mac will shut down from over heating.

If heat really worries you then invest in a external heat-sink with USb powered Fan. Could reduce the system temperature by 4-8°C.

[DMBand0026]

From what I recall the TiBooks were not designed to be run in clamshell (lid closed) mode. They require the keyboard to be used as a sort of heat sync. So if the lid is closed they keyboard/heat sync isn't able to function correctly. I'm not sure if I quite understand what you're talking about, but if you are talking about running it in clamshell mode I wouldn't recommend it.

[Kickaha]

Actually, if I read him correctly, he's opening up the keyboard to expose the mobo to air directly, yes?

Yeah, that's fine - the keyboard isn't a heat sink per se, but part of the air flow process - the gaps between the keys are air vents. Opening it up just gives it more air.

At least, I think so. It *could* be that they're assuming forced air flow by the fan over the CPU, ala the G5 tower, but I don't think that's the case here. At least, it didn't used to be.

[noleli2]

Actually, if I read him correctly, he's opening up the keyboard to expose the mobo to air directly, yes?

Yeah, that's fine - the keyboard isn't a heat sink per se, but part of the air flow process - the gaps between the keys are air vents. Opening it up just gives it more air.

At least, I think so. It *could* be that they're assuming forced air flow by the fan over the CPU, ala the G5 tower, but I don't think that's the case here. At least, it didn't used to be.
That is exactly what I'm doing, and that was exactly my thought process. So at least I'm not the only one that follows my logic. :)