GPU Diode runs extremely hot?

Question

I just bought a MacBook Pro and downloaded Civilizations V. I play at 1280*1080 fullscreen resolution with the lowest graphics settings. My computer (non retina display) has a Nvidia GeForce GT 650M graphics processor with 1 GB VRAM, Intel HD Graphics 4000, 1680 * 1050 resolution, 8 GB RAM, 2.7 GhZ quad-core processor, and a solid-state drive, so I thought playing on the lowest settings with a 1280*1080 fullscreen wouldn't tax it too much, but the GPU runs from 160-170 F and the GPU diode, whatever that is, is 180-185 F, which is worrisome to me. Usually the how-to guides say to clean your computer and stuff to cool it better, but my computer is 2 days old and my room is not dusty so I doubt that's the cause. I haven't downloaded any strange applications or anything. Interestingly, when I played with the highest graphics settings and resolution, it did not seem to raise the temperature of the GPU diode any further. Also, when I brought my big fan next to the computer and placed it on high speed, it didn't lower the temperature of the GPU diode. So maybe iStat pro is wrong, however, when I touch the top of my keyboard (above all the keys and right next to the screen) it is very hot to the touch. Is something wrong with my computer? Is 185 F safe for a GPU diode, and 175 safe for a GPU, and 145 for a CPU heatsink? Should I just not play this game?

Answer 1

Hi ns180.
I've read your post and I see that I have a similar problem.
I run the Civilization V in an iMac 24 in and my Graphic Processor Diode reaches the 90 ºC (194 F). When this happen I left the game immediately. I've recently change (for second time) my hard disk and probably the last two were damage by the heat, so when I change the disk, of course, I cleaned the circuits with isopropyl alcohol and spay them with compressed air. I´m running recently, just after the last repair, the Temperature Monitor and SMC Fan Control and for sure it doesn't matter what I do, I can't reduce the temperature of the GPD. In fact, I'm writing right now, only using the Firefox and GPD is in 80 ºC. The back of the iMac, the left up corner, is very hot all the time. I put an exterior fan, a big one, and nothing... I'ts still hot the GPD. This means that I can cool the exterior of the Mac, but never the interior.
My conclusions for the moment is that may be the GPD is damaged and the best possibility is trying to change it or find other way to cool the interior of the Mac.
Greetings from Mexico.