My fan is on all the time - possible overheating; software cause?

I’ve got a 17” G4 powerbook running Panther (OS10.3.9). It has been doing great but lately I’m noticing that the fan is running all the time. The thing sits on one of those aluminum wedge-shaped platforms (for max. air flow) on my desk and the room isn’t very hot. I have a temp monitor running on it and it says 52 C, even though the machine isn’t doing anything computational. I’ve also gotten one warning from the SMART sensor on the internal drive about a possible future failure due to high heat. I do know that my disk space is running low (2 Gigs when I boot up, which slowly disappears as I work). Is there anything software-related that can be the cause of this or do I definitely need to send it to a repair shop? If the latter, then where do I send it? My AppleCare is surely expired now… Is an Apple store my best bet, or an independent repair place, or what?
Machine Model: PowerBook G4 17"
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (1.1)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 1.33 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB
Memory: 1.5 GB
Bus Speed: 167 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.7.1f1
Serial Number: V7344967P21
Memory:
SODIMM0/J20STANDARD:
Size: 1 GB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC2700U-25330
SODIMM1/J23REVERSED:
Size: 512 MB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC2700U-25330

I have a very similar problem. My G4 has been running great since I picked it up in January. But, in the last couple days my fan has been running real loud and the machine in general has been hot. Today was watching some youtube and my machine started to freeze up all togeather (a problem I've never had before) as the fan started sound extra loud. As I tried to power down my machine the fan started to make a more grinding type of sound and cause my whole laptop to vibrate. I just really want to know the best coarse of action here. Should I take my mahine to my mac people and have them replace the fan? Is this a common problem? What is this a cronic problem that is a symtom of somthing more ominoius?
Thanks for you're help!!!

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Kernel Task Causing High CPU and Fan to Run all the time

Hello,
Recently I have had a problem with my computer running really slow, the CPU is running at almost 100% and the fan wont shut off. Please help its effecting my school work. Below is my EtreCheck.
Thanks.
Problem description:
CPU is up to full usage most of the time and fan won’t stop running. Computer running really slow.
EtreCheck version: 2.1.8 (121)
Report generated March 25, 2015 at 2:34:01 PM PDT
Download EtreCheck from http://etresoft.com/etrecheck
Click the [Click for support] links for help with non-Apple products.
Click the [Click for details] links for more information about that line.
Click the [Adware! - Remove] links for help removing adware.
Hardware Information: ℹ️
    MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011) (Technical Specifications)
    MacBook Pro - model: MacBookPro8,1
    1 2.3 GHz Intel Core i5 CPU: 2-core
    4 GB RAM Upgradeable
        BANK 0/DIMM0
            2 GB DDR3 1333 MHz ok
        BANK 1/DIMM0
            2 GB DDR3 1333 MHz ok
    Bluetooth: Old - Handoff/Airdrop2 not supported
    Wireless: en1: 802.11 a/b/g/n
    Battery Health: Normal - Cycle count 700
Video Information: ℹ️
    Intel HD Graphics 3000 - VRAM: 384 MB
        Color LCD 1440 x 900
System Software: ℹ️
    OS X 10.9.5 (13F1066) - Time since boot: 0:18:56
Disk Information: ℹ️
    Hitachi HTS545032B9A302 disk0 : (320.07 GB)
        EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB
        Macintosh HD (disk0s2) / : 319.21 GB (73.63 GB free)
        Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted> [Recovery]: 650 MB
    MATSHITADVD-R   UJ-8A8
USB Information: ℹ️
    Apple Inc. FaceTime HD Camera (Built-in)
    Apple Inc. Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad
    Apple Inc. BRCM2070 Hub
        Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller
    Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver
Thunderbolt Information: ℹ️
    Apple Inc. thunderbolt_bus
Configuration files: ℹ️
    /etc/hosts - Count: 15
Gatekeeper: ℹ️
    Mac App Store and identified developers
Adware: ℹ️
    Geneio [Adware! - Remove]
Kernel Extensions: ℹ️
        /System/Library/Extensions
    [not loaded]    com.sony.driver.prs2 (1.0.2d1) [Click for support]
Launch Agents: ℹ️
    [not loaded]    com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.adobe.CS5ServiceManager.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.divx.dms.agent.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.divx.update.agent.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.oracle.java.Java-Updater.plist [Click for support]
    [not loaded]    com.sony.ReaderDesktop.RunReaderDesktop.plist [Click for support]
    [failed]    com.tvmobili.artwork.plist [Click for support]
Launch Daemons: ℹ️
    [loaded]    com.adobe.fpsaud.plist [Click for support]
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    [loaded]    com.disc-soft.DAEMONTools.PrivilegedHelper.plist [Click for support]
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    [failed]    com.tvmobili.tvmobilisvcd.plist [Click for support] [Click for details]
User Launch Agents: ℹ️
    [loaded]    com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.google.keystone.agent.plist [Click for support]
    [not loaded]    com.spotify.webhelper.plist [Click for support]
User Login Items: ℹ️
    iTunesHelper    Application (/Applications/iTunes.app/Contents/MacOS/iTunesHelper.app)
    iTunesHelper    UNKNOWN Hidden (missing value)
    readerAppHelper    Application Hidden (/Applications/Reader.app/Contents/Resources/readerAppHelper.app)
    uTorrent    Application (/Applications/uTorrent.app)
    Spotify    UNKNOWN (missing value)
    Google Chrome    Application Hidden (/Applications/Google Chrome.app)
Internet Plug-ins: ℹ️
    FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 16.0.0.305 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
    DivX Web Player: Version: 3.2.4.1250 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
    Flash Player: Version: 16.0.0.305 - SDK 10.6 Outdated! Update
    AdobePDFViewer: Version: 10.1.1 [Click for support]
    Default Browser: Version: 537 - SDK 10.9
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    86 MB    Finder
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The kernel is using excessive processor cycles. Below are some possible causes for the condition.
Throttling
When it gets high temperature readings from the hardware, or low voltage readings from the battery of a MacBook, the kernel may try to compensate by interrupting the processor(s) to slow them down and reduce power consumption. This condition can be due to:
☞ a buildup of dust on the logic board
☞ high ambient temperature
☞ a worn-out or faulty battery in a portable
☞ the malfunction of a cooling fan, a temperature sensor, a voltage sensor, or some other internal component
Note that if the problem is caused by a sensor, there may be no actual overheating or undervoltage.
If the computer is portable, test with and without the AC adapter connected. If kernel_task hogs the processor only on AC power, charging is causing the machine to heat up. That behavior may be normal for some models. CPU usage should drop when charging is complete.
Apple Diagnostics or the Apple Hardware Test, though not very reliable, is sometimes able to detect a fault. For more thorough hardware testing, make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store, or go to another authorized service provider.
If nothing is wrong with the hardware, then whatever you can do to improve cooling may help.
Installed software
User-installed software that includes a device driver or other kernel code may thrash the kernel. That category includes virtualization software, such as Parallels and VMware, as well as most commercial "anti-virus" products. Some system-monitoring applications, such as "iStat," can also contribute to the problem. You can test for this possibility by completely disabling or removing the software according to the developer's instructions, or starting in safe mode. Note, however, that disabling a system modification without removing it or testing in safe mode may not be as easy as you think.
Corrupt NVRAM or SMC data
Sometimes the problem is cleared up by resetting the NVRAM or the SMC.
External display
Connecting an external LCD display to some MacBook Pro models while the lid is open may cause this issue. If applicable, test by closing the lid or disconnecting the display. You might get better results with a newer LED display.

My fan is on ALL the time. Any ideas?

Hi Appleheads,
My Macbooks fan just keeps on running. I am using Safari, iTunes, Mail and sometimes Firefox. I don't use any big apps so not sure why it's going mental. It has been doing this for the past 2 or 3 weeks. It's doing my nut in.
I've already gone through disk utility and repaired the permissions. Could it be something to do with the Widgets o the dashboard?
Also because my fans running so long, it's eating up the ole battery. It's dropped from 12 to 4% in about 2 mintues.
Can you help?

Glad to hear your fans have settled down. As far as temperatures go, I use Celcius and mine is usually in the 46-60 area. When I switched to fahrenheit, it says 100-120 and the fan is only running at 1500rpm. This is totally normal. Your fan actually runs constantly at around 1500rpm, it is just so quiet your can't really hear it unless your hold your ear to it. If you are truly running at 86 degrees fahrenheit, you are fine, but having the guys at the Apple Store look at it isn't a bad idea. And you get the chance to talk to the Specialists there too. If you end up having to wait a little for the Genius Bar, take advantage of the Specialists while your waiting for your name to be called. Sometimes the stores are pretty crowded, but I find they enjoy answering questions for anyone that is willing to listen and learn.
Good Luck.
Adam
PS... I just thought of something I would like to share.
With all the new updates coming out lately, I would like to suggest to all new Mac/Apple users this word of advice...
Only install 1 update at a time. use your mac for a couple days to determine if you are having any problems before going to the next update. Too many new users are running into issues after installing multiple Updates at a time and I figured this would be sound advice.
Message was edited by: Adam White

New MBP seems to run hot & fan runs almost all the time

I've had my MBP for just about a week now. It's the new, 15", 2.2 GHz model. It's great, but I notice that it runs hotter than my Powerbook G4 did and the fan is almost always on. It's presently sitting on a wooden topped table. My house is not AC-ed, but the air temp is about 70 F/21 C today. Seems to run hot in my AC-ed faculty office too, when I am there. What is "normal" for this machine. TIA.

David,
Ditto what Ned says. To be sure, 80 C is not too hot (it is the temp that the MBP is designed to maintain as a working maximum), but that you are experiencing this temp at all times indicates that something is pushing the processor at all times.
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HP Envy Fan Suddenly Runs All the Time

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Hello @MirandaSnow ,
Welcome back to the HP Forums!
I understand after having your notebook services the fan constantly runs and is getting warm.
Can you tell me if you are using any software to manage the fan speeds and what operating system you are using? To see which version of Windows you are using click here: Which Windows operating system am I running?
Here's 2 documents to get you started: Fan is Noisy and Spins Constantly, PC is Warmer than Normal and Reducing Heat Inside the PC to Prevent Overheating
You can find a detailed guide to disassemble the notebook for better cleaning here: Maintenance and Service Guide. Please do not remove the fan/heat sink unless you have new thermal paste to apply.
Let me know if either of these help.
Please click the "Kudos, Thumbs Up" at the bottom of this post if you want to say "Thanks" for helping!
Please click "Accept as Solution" if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
The Great Deku Tree
I work on behalf of HP.

EFI firmware updated. Now fans on full all the time.

I updated the EFI firmware since Apple suggested it.
I have done the troubleshooting (turn off and unhook all the cables {for a week!}, open it up and reset the button) and have had no luck.
I called Apple and of course since I'm just out of warranty, I have to pay to have them tell me the same troubleshooting thing again.
I wish I could go back to the 'bad' firmware I had before, but cannot.
<Edited by Moderator>

Glad it works now. Maybe firmware updates should be done with system stripped down, some voodoo there.
I had and saw a lot of problems with 10.5.1 and would never touch it, very flaky and unstable with some things and needed a dose of Disk Warrior even. I wouldn't even give it the dignity of calling it beta let alone release candidate, I'd go all the way back to 10.4.11. But still not certified for 10.5.4+ seems odd (10.5.4 is what the current retail DVD carries).

Is it bad to have the fan running loud all the time

the fan on my macbook runs loud and long at times. is this bad for the machine?

Is it possible to have 2 threads running at the same
time at different times eg 1 repeats every 20
miliseconds and the other 40 for example. Yes.
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/essential/concurrency/index.html

Fan is on all the time when using vmware

My fan is on constantly on my MacBook Pro when I am running VMware Fusion 4 and a virtual Windows 7 instance. Why do you suppose this is happening?

mnatale1 wrote:
My fan is on constantly on my MacBook Pro when I am running VMware Fusion 4 and a virtual Windows 7 instance. Why do you suppose this is happening?
Lion and VMFusion 4 is to blame, but mostly VMFusion 4, I've heard it's a bit on the heavy side.
However you might have allocated too many processors or RAM to the virtual machine, power down and set Windows to one processor and 1GB of RAM and see how it goes.
I went through the same thing for some time.
Also try to keep a eye out for Firefox and Chrome, they and their add-ons are not good stewards of your memory which can cause issues with your VM software.
Look in your Activiity monitor and keep your RAM use under control.
You can also ask around the VM Fusion forums and see what they say.

Fan is on all the time since I replaced the HD

I just replaced my stock macbook HD with a Hitachi 160GB 5600RPM HD and ever since I have noticed that the fan is always on. Right now, for example, CPU A is 36C and the fan is running at 1495. When I first started the machine this morning the temperatures were in the teens but the fans were running anyway.
I backed my machine up, replaced the HD, re-installed the OS from the disks, used migration assistant to restore data from the backup, and then let the software update do it's job.
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I switched back to my old drive (ridiculously easy to do in a macbook, thanks apple!) and started it up but couldn't hear the fan. When I checked iStat pro, however, it was just as you said - the fan was running at about 1500 rpm. I just couldn't hear it. Switching back to the new drive, I could hear the "fan" again. I really does not sound like the drive, but what else could it be? iStat is telling me the fan is running at 1500 rpm just as before so the only new sound could be the drive itself. Nothing horrible, just noticeable. Certainly something I'll live with to gain the extra 100GB.
Before I put this to bed I want to figure out a way to put the drive to sleep and see what the machine sounds like then (because it really really sounds like a fan to me - though I can hear it best coming right from where the drive is located so... it all points to a much louder drive).
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Fan comes on all the time.

Every time I take my G5 out of sleep mode, the fan turns on. Do I need to seek repair?

Or a good cleaning out. Depending on which model G5 iMac you have, you can do it yourself.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300205 *iMac G5 DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Instructions*
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301724-en *How to identify your iMac*
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My fan is on all the time - possible overheating; software cause?

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