"Cool it, baby."

on Apple

This software cocktail cooled my MacBook Pro by more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit:

  1. Install the MiniStat2 Dashboard widget. It shows CPU temperature as well as fan speed. This allows you to do easy before/after verification.
  2. Install SleepWatcher, which executes commands at wake/sleep events.
  3. Finally, install FanSpeed, which increases the minimum fan speed.

Before: 132F After: 84F

There are downsides (noticeable fan sound, uses more power), but having a laptop that I can have in my lap is well worth it.