User profile for user: NikVladi
NikVladi Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

MBP 16 M4 PRO. Litghtroom. Overheating when exporting RAW photos to JPEG (112 degrees Celsius)

I'm considering a MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro. I currently have a desktop computer with Windows 11. I was considering buying one, but I came across a bunch of videos online with tests, such as exporting photos from RAW to JPEG. I was horrified when I saw the processor temperature readings—they reached 108-112 degrees Celsius! The export was for about 500 photos and lasted about 5 minutes. One of my time-lapse series can reach 6,000 frames, and I do this quite often (almost every day). I expected the MacBook to last at least 5 years, so it would still be working and I could sell it.


1) Can a MacBook operate at this temperature for several hours every day for at least 5 years?

2) What is the critical/recomended temperature for the M4 Pro processor?

MacBook Pro (M4)

Posted on Oct 7, 2025 1:46 AM

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User profile for user: Grant Bennet-Alder
Grant Bennet-Alder
User level: Level 10
139,655 points

Oct 8, 2025 6:54 AM in response to NikVladi

You did not post any sources for those tests, so we have no way of knowing whether they were done in a reasonable fashion, or were ineptly set up, or deliberately set up to fail by someone with an agenda other than repeatable scientific knowledge.


The MAX models have twice the hardware-assisted Video encode and decode engines, and would be recommended for this use.


If you do not require portability, you pay dearly for the battery operability and that lovely built-in display, which may not meet your needs. Mac Studio with your own choice of display might be a better choice, and has better cooling.





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MBP 16 M4 PRO. Litghtroom. Overheating when exporting RAW photos to JPEG (112 degrees Celsius)

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