MacBook running hot or shutting down?

A constantly loud fan and hot chassis usually points to dust build-up and aged thermal paste, not a failing chip.

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Google Reviews

What Our Customers Say — Straight From Google

★★★★★

The fan of my 27” iMac has stopped working. I googled and found Dotronix. Mr Arshard served me and he did a very good job, especially in keeping me updated throughout the repair period. He was also able to fulfill my request to get everything done within a day as I needed to use my computer urgently. Dotronix has also done a thorough dusting of my iMac’s internal components as well as refreshed the thermal paste for its CPU for better cooling. Overall highly recommended 5/5 for their service and reasonable fees.

Google Review · Kepong Branch

★★★★★

The screen of my laptop was flickering and it got LCD replaced with reasonable price… seeking the Sifu to inspect the internal motherboard and notice the thermal paste has long gone due to aged… can refer to the attached photo for before, cleaning, and after thermal paste applied… can’t wait to get my laptop back 😇 thumbs up for the service and less hassle for sending or collecting

Google Review · Kuchai Lama Branch

What's going on

MacBooks have compact cooling systems that work hard to keep temperatures under control, so any dust build-up has an outsized effect compared to bulkier Windows laptops. Malaysia's humidity accelerates dust adhesion inside the fan and heatsink. We open the cooling assembly, clean it thoroughly, and replace the thermal paste — a maintenance step Apple itself recommends periodically but which most users never get done.

Common signs to look out for

Fan runs loudly even during light browsing
Bottom case noticeably hot to the touch
Performance drops noticeably after prolonged use
Random shutdowns during demanding tasks
“Your Mac needs to cool down” warning message

What usually causes it

Dust build-up inside the fan and heatsink
Dried-out or degraded thermal paste
Blocked vents from use on soft surfaces like beds or sofas
Background processes consuming excessive CPU

How we diagnose this

Thermal stress test

We monitor temperatures under load to confirm how severe the overheating actually is.

Fan & vent inspection

We check airflow, listen for motor noise, and confirm vents aren't blocked.

Cooling assembly strip-down

The heatsink assembly is opened, dust cleared, and heatsink contact inspected.

Repaste & reassemble

Fresh thermal paste is applied and temperatures are retested under load before handover.

Common questions

MacBook overheating FAQs

How much does MacBook overheating repair cost?

Cleaning and thermal repaste starts from RM 120. If the fan motor itself has failed, a replacement fan may add to that cost — confirmed after diagnosis.

Does Apple recommend a repaste service?

Yes — periodic thermal paste replacement is a maintenance step Apple itself recommends, but which most users never get done. It's one of the most overlooked fixes for a hot, throttling MacBook.

How long does an overheating repair take?

Usually same-day to 2 days, since it's a cleaning and repaste job rather than a parts replacement in most cases.

Is same-day service available for cleaning & repaste, or is Same day–2 days the norm?

Same-day is common when the part is in stock and the fault is straightforward — the Same day–2 days window mainly accounts for part availability for less common MacBook models. We confirm your actual timeline after diagnosis, not just the general range.

Does this repair put my files or data at risk?

No. This is a hardware-level fix that doesn't touch your storage or files — your MacBook boots back into exactly the same software state it was in before, data untouched.

What warranty applies to this repair?

Every repair carries our Standard Component Warranty, terms and conditions applying to labour and the fix itself. If a replacement part carries its own separate manufacturer or supplier warranty — batteries and SSDs typically do — that can extend further depending on the specific part, and we tell you exactly what applies to your repair before any work begins.

Do I have to pay a diagnostic fee if I decide not to go ahead?

No. Basic live-agent assessment is always free at Dotronix, whether you approve the repair afterward or not. You only pay if you say yes to the quote we send you.

Do I need to visit in person, or can it be picked up — for cleaning & repaste?

Both work, shaped to each hub. Book ahead with Our Live Agent for a guided workshop visit in Kepong, or visit our Kuchai Lama branch — call/WhatsApp first to confirm availability. Either way you get the same diagnosis and pricing.

Related services

Free Assessment By Live Agent (*T&C Applies)

Book ahead at Kepong, visit our Kuchai Lama branch (call/WhatsApp first), or send us a photo — a free Live Agent assessment either way.*

Book a Free Pickup Call 016-2966049