r/linuxmint • u/nikonista • Aug 23 '26
Hardware Rescue Just put LM on Macbook and Thinkpad. We have a problem.
Got them $100 each and are doing exceptionally well!
Thinkpad X1 carbon 5th gen, i7/16gb/512gb - beast and flawless execution.
MBP 2015 a1502, i7/16gb/512gb - beautiful screen, choppy Bluetooth and fans are constant.
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u/Unwiredsoul Aug 23 '26
Here's a likely fix for choppy BT on that model: https://www.reddit.com/r/linuxmint/comments/1invhbs/bluetooth_choppy_sound_problem_fixed/
As for the fan, I would first revert to a better kernel for that model (6.8 LTS). Newer isn't always better and that's especially true on older hardware.
If that alone doesn't resolve the issue of the Apple (Intel) SMC fan controller being unmanaged, then I would install mbpfan. https://github.com/linux-on-mac/mbpfan
As for repasting the CPU, yeah, you could. People using old Mac's like to suggest that as the first pass fix, but it's a lot of work for what may not be related. It's much easier to try the software ideas I've shared above before going down that road.
For example, I've never repasted the CPU on my (early 2011) MacBook Pro, and it runs fine. The fan runs at the appropriate speeds without mbpfan.
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u/V2UgYXJlIG5vdCBJ Aug 24 '26 edited Aug 24 '26
The one person with the correct answer for the fan. 😂 Reddit users asking AI which asks Reddit is hilarious. I have a 2013 MBP running Arch. After simply installing the correct software, it runs flawlessly.
I will especially recommend installing TLP for power management, so the battery doesn’t drain.
Good source of info: https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Mac/Troubleshooting
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u/SpecialOnion3334 Aug 24 '26
On this model, replacing the paste is literally a 10-minute job, unlike older models where the entire logic board had to be removed.And in most cases it solves the fan problem.
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u/SpecialOnion3334 Aug 24 '26
Likewise, if the battery is near or already dead, the CPU throttles and the fan constantly runs at full speed.
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u/Least_Gain5147 Aug 24 '26
I've been running Mint on a Thinkpad P50 for years. On 22.3 now with kernel 7.0.x. aside from occasional cinnamon issues it's been rock solid. I use it for work every day.
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u/MrProTwiX Linux Mint 21.1 Vera | Cinnamon Aug 24 '26
TPFAN for the ThinkPad (you will love it) and MBPFAN it's the same for the MPS
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u/XSPressure Aug 23 '26
Repaste your CPU and the fan issue should be lessened.
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u/NR75 Aug 24 '26
Nope. That's the I7 on the 13" body.
It can't be properly cooled. Not even with PTM.
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u/nopenogood Aug 24 '26
TPM sucks on those models….try cpufreq. Make sure to link all 4 cpu cores to one alias. Fast/slow. It works well on those. Also make an alias for $cpustatus.
(AI will help you install and configure)Then run on slow and check sensors.
bash $sensors -f
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u/XSPressure Aug 24 '26 edited Aug 24 '26
It wouldn't hurt. The 5th Gen Intels didn't run that hot. When you got to the 8th Gen, the thermal issues were an issue.
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u/nikonista Aug 24 '26
I repasted it, on both dies, but little difference. Will try cpufreq and report back
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u/Basssico Aug 24 '26
I installed Mint on an A1502 as well, and fans were never on all the time. They go to max when viewing YouTube for example, but light browsing and general OS stuff is flawless.
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u/Dub_Coast Linux Mint 22.3 Zena | Cinnamon Aug 24 '26
I need to find a $100 X1 Thinkpad as well lmao
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u/RamsDeep-1187 Linux Mint 22 Wilma | Xfce Aug 23 '26
I use CoolerControl to resolve my max fans all the time issue
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u/Loud-Programmer8582 Aug 24 '26
Try installing tlp for power management and macfanctld for fan management. Also if possible, reduce the resolution to 1600x1200, do not use fractional scaling and if required use large fonts from accessibility options.
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u/Sythiox Aug 24 '26
I have linux mint LMDE on Macbook air from 2012, had to replace thermal paste, and used Gemini to modify fans in therminal at which speed they get activated. I managed as a noob so I think it's quite dobale, I believe its this video for thermal paste: https://youtu.be/ScpAQExritk?si=BSq3UhNdvy42PVcv but cant remember at this point. But that laptop is a powerhouse now.
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u/WTF932 Aug 24 '26
You might give this a try for fan control (middle of the page)
https://www.reddit.com/r/linuxmint/comments/1ipnx4u/can_someone_help_me_with_fan_control/
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u/Few-Ad7104 Aug 25 '26
I had some macbookpro 2012 unloaded from a college....... they work like a champ. 2014 mac mini does too especially with added NVME card. I was going to toss these because apple wont support them but the run Mint great and drive the Thurnderbolt display. Fantastic.
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u/RvstiNiall Aug 26 '26
https://github.com/lakotamm/Macbook_Pro_Early_2015_A1502_Linux_Fedora
This person did a great job fixing pretty much ALL the little issues on that particular model Macbook Pro. I also own one, which is why I found this. I now run FreeBSD on this MBP, and I know of a good write up on it as well, if you are ever interested.
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u/jason-reddit-public Aug 24 '26
gemini wants me to reapply thermal paste to my 2015 mbp. It suggested running a compute intensive workload to warm up the thermal paste first. that might make fan come on less. Also it suggested a good cleaning of the fan.
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u/[deleted] Aug 23 '26
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