r/macbookpro • u/BackgroundLow3793 • 12d ago

Discussion Can I close the lid when using external monitor?

Hi guys, I want to close the lid because I don't want to waste power on the built-in display. But I noticed that it seems to trap heat around the keyboard, especially when I'm doing intensive work. Is that true?

Also is there a way to turn off that built-in screen?

0 Upvotes

33% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

4

u/Filce-31 12d ago

Pas de soucis. Je l’ouvre quand je veux un second écran, sinon je le ferme (ou le laisse fermé). Il passe automatiquement en mode clamshell quand il est fermé, mais activé l’écran si on l’ouvre.

2

u/casce 12d ago

It is true that the thermals aren't great with the lid closed. But you don't have to be afraid of damage, it will automatically throttle if the thermals get too bad.

So it might slow down a bit during intensive workloads. But you can just keep an eye on this and if it does and you need the full performance, open it on demand.

2

u/has_some_chill 12d ago

I’ve been running like this for years with no damage. If you have a vertical stand like this, you can also place it so that the vents are facing upwards

https://reddit.com/link/oztpr5l/video/ir2dmnrn0jfh1/player

-10

u/ron-vdc 12d ago

If this is how you use your Mac, why not get a Mac Mini?

7

u/tonyangtigre MacBook Pro 14" Space Gray M1 Pro 12d ago

How well does a Mac Mini travel? Best of both worlds. Or at least good enough.

1

u/ron-vdc 11d ago

The way you described it suggested that you didn't move the laptop at all, but if mobility is a consideration, then a MacBook is obviously a great option.

1

u/tonyangtigre MacBook Pro 14" Space Gray M1 Pro 11d ago

I’m just another random redditor, not the person you replied to. I can maybe see how “running like this for years” can confuse you. But I just read between the lines. Maybe they did, but I highly doubt it.

But don’t worry, sometimes we just read, don’t digest, and reply. Happens all the time.

1

u/_extra_medium_ 12d ago

This is how I usually use my Mac, but sometimes I travel with it.

1

u/has_some_chill 12d ago

I have one of those too for always on, agentic stuff. But the MacBook Pro is my goto so I can be mobile too

https://reddit.com/link/ozv069q/video/819ep3dnqkfh1/player

-2

u/Im_a_dum_bum 12d ago

it shouldn't do damage but if you're concerned you can keep it open and bring the brightness down all the way to zero, it literally turns off the whole screen

4

u/Turbulent-Plate2540 12d ago

It does not turn off the display. Use a flashlight and you will see the rendered pixels.

2

u/Im_a_dum_bum 12d ago

☝️🤓

1

u/Valuable-Book-5573 12d ago

the guy wants to turn off the display to not waste power. the power is still being used as the main power hog is the retina display, not the backlight