The use of the Core 2 Duo processor in the new generation MacBook has not only produced a modest performance increase compared to what can also be seen in the MacBook Pros, but they operate at a significantly lower temperature compared to the models of the previous generation.
Through the tests we have carried out, we have verified that the use of the Core 2 Duo processor compared to the previous Core Duo has managed to significantly reduce the external temperature of the MacBook to around 15 degrees Celsius, allowing it to now be possible to use the laptop resting it on the legs. The processor change has also produced a similar result in the new MacBook Pro line announced at the end of October, although potential buyers of the new MacBooks are likely to be more impressed by spikes of around 32 degrees Celsius than they are reached in the vicinity of the battery.
Using the same methodology used in MacBook Pro temperature tests, we have used the surface of an infrared thermometer to measure each MacBook Core 2 Duo in two “hot spots”: the bar above the function keys and the area around the battery. The black 2 GHz MacBook with a 13-inch screen had a maximum of 35 degrees Celsius in the battery area and just over 37 degrees in the upper band of the keyboard. The white 2 GHz MacBook was slightly warmer, with temperatures of 35.2 and 38.6 degrees Celsius respectively. Finally, the 1.83 GHz MacBook obtained temperatures of 34.6 and 37.8 degrees Celsius respectively.
Compared to the MacBook Core Duo they replace, the results show a significant improvement. The 2 GHz MacBook Core Duo got temperatures of 38.7 and 40.6 respectively (hotter than the most powerful of the new Core 2 Duo models). Additionally, we also measure the internal temperature of the MacBook Core 2 Duo using the free CoreDuoTemp app. The results obtained for the black and white Core 2 Duo models at 2 GHz were identical to those obtained with the Core Duo generation, with temperatures of 75 degrees. The white 1.83 GHz MacBook had a temperature of 72.7 degrees.
