Updates. No fixes but I was able to overheat the Macbook with an external display and sidecar’d iPad.
5/3/2020
Apple Support had me create 2 more System log data capture files using their Capture Data utility.
1 was with 2 displays connected to the dock.
1 was with 2 displays connected directly to the Macbook Pro
5/8/2020
With these displays connected
1 External Monitor, U2718Q with Displayport to USB-C cable
1 iPad Pro 10.5" iOS 13.1 in sidecar mode with lightning cable
I was able to duplicate the overheating problem by playing a youtube Python tutorial video on the sidecar iPad.
The fans switched to high speed, around 4.6k rpm , temp 65C , and Radeon High End was at 20W
I moved the youtube video from the sidecar to my external display, and it Radeon power dropped to 7W and the fans eventually slowed down.
I was able to duplicate this once more, but after that I tried 2 more times, and could not duplicate it.
Also, I noted that my Macbook Pro won’t resume from sleep. I have to press the power button to boot it up every morning. After I log in, a crash port pops up and I send it. Power settings are at defaults, so I don’t think it’s a setting.
5/10/2020
I checked Apple’s return policy. Apple will honor return requests for 2 weeks after stores open if the return window expired while stores were closed for Covid19. Since I received the Macbook Pro on 3/27, after the stores had already closed, I can return it for a full refund.
With that knowledge, I ordered a Mac Mini to replace the Macbook Pro . It shouldn’t have the overheating problem, and I can finally focus on getting my business running instead of spending all of my time troubleshooting the overheating Macbook.
I should get in on 5/19. That will probably be my last post. ie everything works, no overheating, happy ending.