Blogpost - Macbook Cleaning

A hail of ifixit movement.

Before

• MacOS launches “kernel_task” process constantly, in an attempt to throttle CPU usage and cool down the laptop.
• fans are almost always at peak RPM (5.5k).
• Playing a youtube video and running Ableton is nearly impossible.

• the fan areas were completely clotted. On the photo I already cleaned the right fan.

Process

• Used: https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/Essential-Electronics-Toolkit/IF145-348?o=5
• https://www.amazon.com/Cleaner-Blower-Pentax-Olympus-Camcorders/dp/B00J9MLB80 - dust blower
• Used a reference video on how to disassemble up until unplugging the battery: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8rCc1UqQHU
• Don’t touch anything with your greasy fingers. Use dust blower to blow out clumps and then remove them with tweezers. Don’t scratch anything. Just focus on cleaning all fan areas.

After

• fans rarely exceed 3.7k RPM on regular usage. Even with connected 4K screen.
• Watching 4K video on a 4K screen starts to heat up and fans run at 4.5k. Still not at peak as before.
• Overall, laptop runs so so well. Considering it’s made in 2016.