MacBook overheating
MacBook gets hot to the touch, fans run loud, performance slows
In short: A MacBook that overheats and runs the fans constantly is almost always dealing with restricted airflow (dust in the intake and fans, blocked vents on a soft surface), failed thermal paste, or a software process consuming the CPU. We diagnose and address each layer.
What’s happening
A MacBook running hot enough to be uncomfortable on your lap, with fans audibly running, almost always comes down to one of four causes:
- Dust and debris blocking the fans and air intakes. Years of use accumulate fluff and dust in the cooling system. Airflow drops, the CPU thermal-throttles, fans spin up to compensate.
- Failed thermal paste between CPU and heatsink. Apple’s factory thermal compound dries out over a few years. Heat transfer from the chip to the heatsink degrades. The chip runs hot even at idle.
- Software process consuming the CPU. Chrome with too many tabs, a misbehaving app, Spotlight reindexing, Time Machine running. Activity Monitor will show this.
- Failed fan. Mechanical fan failure means heat doesn’t get extracted at all.
What to do first
Open Activity Monitor → CPU tab → sort by ”% CPU” descending. If a single process is sitting at 100%+ and you don’t recognise it, that’s your culprit. Force-quit it and see if temperatures drop.
If the load looks normal but the MacBook still runs hot, it’s a hardware issue. Use it on a hard flat surface (not on a sofa or bed where it can suffocate), and let us look at it.
What we do
Workshop diagnostic: open the MacBook, deep-clean the fans and intake mesh, replace the thermal paste with a high-quality compound, and load-test to confirm temperatures are back in the normal range. Most overheating jobs are back with you the same or next day.
If we find a failed fan, that’s replaced with a genuine Apple unit before paste is reapplied.
How we quote
Phone us with your MacBook model and we’ll give you a ballpark on the call. If diagnostic is needed, the £75 fee covers it and is deducted from any repair you go ahead with. 90 day warranty on parts and labour.
Related repairs & services
Sound like your Mac?
Bring it in or call. We diagnose at workshop or onsite, with an honest assessment before any work starts.