Is it normal that the MacBook Pro 14" M4 warm in the middle from the bottom when watching videos? This is my first MacBook and I don't know if it's normal or not because I bought it a week ago. It's not hot but it's still quite warm when I touch it. I feel it when I hold it on my legs.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: warm macbook 14 m4
MacBook Pro 14″
I feel it when I hold it on my legs.
Historically, that's a major cause of overheating in laptop computers regardless of make.
The M4 14" has cool air intakes low on each side where the bottom plate meets the main chassis:
Chances are high that using it in your lap is blocking cool air from getting in to some degree. Also, hot air is expelled through the hinge area on the back. Do not block that area. See:
Keep your Mac laptop within acceptable operating temperatures - Apple Support
Watching videos is one of the highest-demand tasks you can do. It will run up temps even with all vents unobstructed, but should remain in safe ranges. Be it in a game, a streaming video, or video-conferencing, it works the CPU and GPU quite hard.
I'm not saying don't watch videos. I'm saying make sure your computer can breathe without restriction while doing so. If you must hold the computer in your lap, get a rigid lapboard. I even used one of Mrs AJ's larger plastic cutting boards for a lapboard (please don't tell her!).
I feel it when I hold it on my legs.
Historically, that's a major cause of overheating in laptop computers regardless of make.
The M4 14" has cool air intakes low on each side where the bottom plate meets the main chassis:
Chances are high that using it in your lap is blocking cool air from getting in to some degree. Also, hot air is expelled through the hinge area on the back. Do not block that area. See:
Keep your Mac laptop within acceptable operating temperatures - Apple Support
Watching videos is one of the highest-demand tasks you can do. It will run up temps even with all vents unobstructed, but should remain in safe ranges. Be it in a game, a streaming video, or video-conferencing, it works the CPU and GPU quite hard.
I'm not saying don't watch videos. I'm saying make sure your computer can breathe without restriction while doing so. If you must hold the computer in your lap, get a rigid lapboard. I even used one of Mrs AJ's larger plastic cutting boards for a lapboard (please don't tell her!).
Yes.
Drawing power from a battery causes heat, and then using that power for computing and graphics processing, and for memory and networking, and for other tasks including the display, also all causes heat.
In addition to the use of active cooling (fans), the MacBook Pro case is also part of the cooling system.
warm is to be expected like any computer, make it work hard like streaming videos then yes it can get hot..
Keep your Mac notebook within acceptable operating temperatures
ref: Keep your Mac laptop within acceptable operating temperatures - Apple Support
I would include in the list "on your lap"
MBP 14 M4 laptops are notorious for not having as robust cooling inside, compared to the 16". Might I recommend a good lapdesk that has a good pad (memory foam preferred, rather than beads). The hardtop to lapdesks will provide better ergonomics, softer on the thighs and of course, providing better clearance for cooling. If you want to go a step further, there are decent laptop risers (4 pieces made of metal with rubberized edges) on Amazon (same place you can find the lapdesk). The risers can provide a bit more lift to the laptop to ensure fully open intakes.
YES, nothing to be over concerned about, will cool down once you quit watching videos
“… If you must hold the computer in your lap, get a rigid lapboard … “
VERY sound advice.
Is it normal for MacBook Pro 14" M4 to feel warm on the bottom while watching videos?
