I read that there’s an audio bug with the 2009 Mac Pro where using audio devices, e.g. listening to iTunes while ripping a CD increases the CPU temperature abnormally.
What’s your opinion of smcFanControl, and other utility program that’s better? I found smcFanControl at MacUpdate.com, is that a safe site to download software?
— JC
Where did you read about that temperature bug? I hadn't heard that. Keep in mind that there are failsafes in place to make sure that the processors don't overheat. I haven't heard any mentions of these failsafes... failing.
smcFanControl is a good utility. I've used it. But it won't work miracles. It will allow you to run the fans faster than the MacBook thinks it needs. So if it is warm and you want it to be cooler, you can pump up the fan speed. But if it is hot, then the fans should already be going at full blast.
MacUpdate is a fine site. But why not download smcFanControl direct from the developer site? You can use MacUpdate and sites like it to find software, but always visit the developer site to get the full info and download the latest version.
From MacRumors forums under Mac Pro, the title of the thread Audio Decoding Kills 2009 Mac Pro green factor: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=795966
That poster just claims his Mac gets hot when he is doing a very very processor intensive task. But it should. The alternative would be that the processor only gets used 90% or something. Shouldn't the processor go 100% when you ask it to go 100%? As long as it never tries to go 101%.
And that post doesn't say anything about overheating (which implies a break down).
He is also talking about a Mac Pro, not a MacBook.
I think you are worrying a lot about nothing. Let your Mac handle its fans and heat control, and you give it tasks to perform.
I think this is the site of smcFanControl developer: http://www.eidac.de/
not sure, which is why I thought it might be safer to download from a known site such as MacUpdate.com
You can always confirm that it is the correct site by cross-referencing. See what MacUpdate.com links to as the "developer site," see what Apple.com's list of downloads links to as the developer site, and then do a Google search.