HOW TO Keep your Mac cool

1 Download and install

Go to bit.ly/cimacsfancontrol and click Free Download followed by ‘Download for macOS’. Double-click the downloaded Macs Fan Control program and then choose Open, followed by ‘Move to Applications folder’.

2 First run

The main window will open with your Mac’s fan(s) listed on the left, and available temperature readings on the right. The default Auto setting leaves your Mac in control – click the ‘Active preset’ dropdown to switch.

3 Run full blast

If you’re about to really stress your Mac to the limits – say, converting video using Handbrake – then choose ‘Full blast’. This spins up your fan to its top speed to maximise cooling and minimise throttling.

4 Adopt a dynamic approach

For more granular control over your fan speeds, instruct Macs Fan Control to create a preset – either to set a lower fixed speed or to automatically increase/decrease the fan as the temperature changes. Click Custom to start.

5 Set a fixed speed

Use the slider to run the fan at a specific set speed or – our recommendation – choose ‘Sensor-based value’ to adjust the fan as your Mac’s demands change. First, choose which sensor to measure – options vary by model.

6 Temperature-based setting

50°C is a good setting for the minimum temperature (when the fan spins up). See the Genius tip for help on setting a maximum temperature (typically 100° C – set it lower to prioritise health over performance). Click OK.