The electrical buzzing sound is normal right?

[davelanger]

The electrical buzzing sound in the back of the pro near the power socket is normal right? It kind of sounds like one of those bug zappers you see on decks.

[Tourista]

A power supply isn't really meant to make zappy sounds - get thee unplugged, and to an Apple Store!

[davelanger]

A power supply isn't really meant to make zappy sounds - get thee unplugged, and to an Apple Store!

Weird thing just happened, the light I have in the room with my computer, I turned that light off and the buzz from the power supply stopped.

Oh btw its not making the zapping sound, its the sound when the zapper is not zapping, you know that hum it makes?

It looks like the light is causing the issue, its one of those fluorescent lamps. I moved it to a new outlet but its still making the sound.

Is this going to hurt the computer?

[JesterJJZ]

You do have your MacPro on a UPS right? :confused:

[Techhie]

Is this going to hurt the computer?

Probably not, but I'd get rid of the lamp. You could ask Apple, but my guess is that you'll get something to the effect of "Throw away the lamp."

[pastrychef]

That's not normal. I've never heard any buzzing from my Mac Pro. I suggest you try a different outlet.

[Concorde Rules]

My Mac Pro Buzzes too, but it stops if I bang the side.

Can't find out where it is doing it and it's doing my head in!

[BobbyCarbn]

Your switch is wired incorrectly or the lamp has a wiring fault. Have an electrician take a look see if you get the buzzing when with any device is plugged into that outlet.

Also, get the Mac Pro on a UPS asap! http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1004739

[davelanger]

Your switch is wired incorrectly or the lamp has a wiring fault. Have an electrician take a look see if you get the buzzing when with any device is plugged into that outlet.

Also, get the Mac Pro on a UPS asap! http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1004739

I only have a surge protector on my pro, I guess that is not good enough eh?
I swapped out my lamp for another one I had, and using the newer lamp does not cause the buzzing issue, so it must be the lamp.

Thats for your help and advice everyone.

[2contagious]

I only have a surge protector on my pro, I guess that is not good enough eh?
I swapped out my lamp for another one I had, and using the newer lamp does not cause the buzzing issue, so it must be the lamp.

Thats for your help and advice everyone.

Did the buzzing sound something like this:
https://files.me.com/christianschmeer/n4kqzz.mov

?

Also, is there any way to make sure the electricity going towards the Mac Pro is exactly the right voltage? Would a surge protector do this? My flat is quite old and I think the wiring is pretty crappy :/

[rajbonham]

I only have a surge protector on my pro, I guess that is not good enough eh?
I swapped out my lamp for another one I had, and using the newer lamp does not cause the buzzing issue, so it must be the lamp.

Thats for your help and advice everyone.

I know I'm the minority on this, but I see absolutely no reason to spend bundles of cash on a UPS. Unless you live in an area especially prone to power outages, I don't see the need for battery backup. I live in an area where we experience, at most, 1 to 2 power outages per year. My $30 power strip does just fine for me.

As for all the "clean power" claims some of those power supplies have, I don't buy into that either. I'm no electrician, but I do live with one, and they have said those claims are false. If the power coming into your house is bad, some power strip isn't going to magically fix it and provide you with "perfect" power. You're better off calling an electrician and getting your wiring fixed properly.

It's just like the story with Monster Power HDMI cables. So many people are fooled into purchasing $100+ cables, that are identical to ones you can find on MonoPrice for about $10.

[davelanger]

Did the buzzing sound something like this:
https://files.me.com/christianschmeer/n4kqzz.mov

?

Also, is there any way to make sure the electricity going towards the Mac Pro is exactly the right voltage? Would a surge protector do this? My flat is quite old and I think the wiring is pretty crappy :/

That is pretty much it, I did listen to the lamp and the same sound was coming from it. I think its because the lamp in one of those dimmer lamps.

The newer lamp is just on or off, and does not make that sound or cause my mac to make the sound. I think the lamp was causing the problem

[reel2reel]

I know I'm the minority on this, but I see absolutely no reason to spend bundles of cash on a UPS. Unless you live in an area especially prone to power outages, I don't see the need for battery backup. I live in an area where we experience, at most, 1 to 2 power outages per year. My $30 power strip does just fine for me.

As for all the "clean power" claims some of those power supplies have, I don't buy into that either. I'm no electrician, but I do live with one, and they have said those claims are false. If the power coming into your house is bad, some power strip isn't going to magically fix it and provide you with "perfect" power. You're better off calling an electrician and getting your wiring fixed properly.

It's just like the story with Monster Power HDMI cables. So many people are fooled into purchasing $100+ cables, that are identical to ones you can find on MonoPrice for about $10.

I personally can't afford to *not* use one. There are a lot of old buildings where I live, including the ones I work in. There have been many times where blips and drops have sent drives offline or everything off completely. But my Mac Pro and drives keep on going. Especially not good when you're in the middle of a long video render/export.

[rajbonham]

I personally can't afford to *not* use one. There are a lot of old buildings where I live, including the ones I work in. There have been many times where blips and drops have sent drives offline or everything off completely. But my Mac Pro and drives keep on going. Especially not good when you're in the middle of a long video render/export.

Yeah, that makes sense. If you're in a building, you can't exactly fix all the wiring. I won't totally discount UPS power supplies, I'm just very lucky I live in a home with good power.

[reel2reel]

Yeah, that makes sense. If you're in a building, you can't exactly fix all the wiring. I won't totally discount UPS power supplies, I'm just very lucky I live in a home with good power.

You are lucky! The wiring in my current building is so bad. And I was happy to have my UPS when hurricane Earl passed through here, just so I could turn on my wireless.

[nanofrog]

I know I'm the minority on this, but I see absolutely no reason to spend bundles of cash on a UPS. Unless you live in an area especially prone to power outages, I don't see the need for battery backup. I live in an area where we experience, at most, 1 to 2 power outages per year. My $30 power strip does just fine for me.
Even if you're not experiencing much in the way of outages, you may be experiencing an AC undervolt condition known as brownouts, and they can damage electronics over time.

No surge suppressor made can protect you from this, but a good UPS can (super cheap units = not so much). You need at least a Line Interactive model, as it has an auto transformer in it to pull up the voltage before it drops enough to switch the power source to the battery + inverter.

Please understand, that this is mentioned as another reason beyond the ability to shut down the system properly if there is a power outage (which most associate with having a UPS for).

That is pretty much it, I did listen to the lamp and the same sound was coming from it. I think its because the lamp in one of those dimmer lamps.
Those types of lamps can introduce noise which can be heard in a transformer (PSU). What you did is the right thing to do (get it off of the same circuit). ;)

[2contagious]

Those types of lamps can introduce noise which can be heard in a transformer (PSU). What you did is the right thing to do (get it off of the same circuit). ;)

I have the same sound, even when no lamps are connected what's up with that :(

Also, doesn't this surge protector do brownout correction?

http://www.apcc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=67
"Automatic voltage regulation for protection against brownouts and overvoltages.
Features: Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR), Brownout correction, Overvoltage Correction, Status Indicator LED's, Surge Protection"

This site has it for 35 pounds. Basically sounds like a UPS without the battery/backup power function. Does that seem like a good purchase for use with a Mac Pro in a big building (200 people) from the 60's with bad wiring (I live in London, UK)? http://www.micomonline.co.uk/products.asp?partno=LE1200I&go

[dissolve]

I'm getting that noise even when when nothing else in the room is plugged in. The Pro is on a surge protector and I unplugged everything from it, but still can hear that noise. Is it really supposed to be silent besides the fans? Every laptop I've owned has made that buzz too.

[nanofrog]

I have the same sound, even when no lamps are connected what's up with that :(

Also, doesn't this surge protector do brownout correction?

http://www.apcc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=67
"Automatic voltage regulation for protection against brownouts and overvoltages.
Features: Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR), Brownout correction, Overvoltage Correction, Status Indicator LED's, Surge Protection"

This site has it for 35 pounds. Basically sounds like a UPS without the battery/backup power function. Does that seem like a good purchase for use with a Mac Pro in a big building (200 people) from the 60's with bad wiring (I live in London, UK)? http://www.micomonline.co.uk/products.asp?partno=LE1200I&go
That unit is more than just a surge suppressor, and is far less common (example of a decent surge only unit (http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/model.cfm?txtSeriesID=825&txtModelID=99)). It's a surge + auto transformer, which is basically a Line Interactive UPS minus the battery pack and inverter.

I'm getting that noise even when when nothing else in the room is plugged in. The Pro is on a surge protector and I unplugged everything from it, but still can hear that noise. Is it really supposed to be silent besides the fans? Every laptop I've owned has made that buzz too.
Are you sure the circuit is completely unloaded with anything but the MP?

I ask, as some older buildings would share a circuit with more than a single room (usually fewer circuits in the breaker panel/fuse box, and each is a larger value). So you might want to turn off the system, turn off the breaker, and see what other outlets may be on it in other rooms (BTW, this can include ceiling fixtures). This can include CCFL bulbs (light fixtures) and ceiling fans can also generate that kind of noise on the circuit (just turn off the switch to check if either of these is the source if you have any of these on the circuit).

It's also possible that your unit is noisy (not all that uncommon in recent years due to cost cutting and uneven Quality Control). Unfortunately the MP's haven't been immune to this, including their PSU's (2008 systems had a bad batch or two that caused problems, so it may have re-surfaced again as they're after the cheapest supplier/s that they can find).

[reel2reel]

Are you sure the circuit is completely unloaded with anything but the MP?

I ask, as some older buildings would share a circuit with more than a single room (usually fewer circuits in the breaker panel/fuse box, and each is a larger value).

This is exactly how my flat is wired. The kitchen and bedroom share the same circuit, so you can't use the toaster when the A/C is on. I think the people that designed our building were in the final stages of dementia.

[nanofrog]

This is exactly how my flat is wired. The kitchen and bedroom share the same circuit, so you can't use the toaster when the A/C is on. I think the people that designed our building were in the final stages of dementia.
Nah, people just didn't have all the crap then we do now. :eek: So the circuits were planned on those presumptions (days before computers, home theater systems, air conditioning,...). ;) :p

[dissolve]

Are you sure the circuit is completely unloaded with anything but the MP?

I ask, as some older buildings would share a circuit with more than a single room (usually fewer circuits in the breaker panel/fuse box, and each is a larger value). So you might want to turn off the system, turn off the breaker, and see what other outlets may be on it in other rooms (BTW, this can include ceiling fixtures). This can include CCFL bulbs (light fixtures) and ceiling fans can also generate that kind of noise on the circuit (just turn off the switch to check if either of these is the source if you have any of these on the circuit).

It's also possible that your unit is noisy (not all that uncommon in recent years due to cost cutting and uneven Quality Control). Unfortunately the MP's haven't been immune to this, including their PSU's (2008 systems had a bad batch or two that caused problems, so it may have re-surfaced again as they're after the cheapest supplier/s that they can find).

I can't be certain that the socket is unloaded since I'm in an apartment and have no idea how they wired this place. I only hear the noise when I'm right up against it (and would've had no idea were it not for this thread :p ). Is that true for you OP? Or can you hear it over the fans at a few feet distance?

[2contagious]

I can't be certain that the socket is unloaded since I'm in an apartment and have no idea how they wired this place. I only hear the noise when I'm right up against it (and would've had no idea were it not for this thread :p ). Is that true for you OP? Or can you hear it over the fans at a few feet distance?

Sounds exactly like your case. If I put my head towards the back of the Mac Pro, I can hear the buzzing. I went to the fuse box and switched off everything but the sockets and made sure only the Mac Pro was plugged into one of the sockets, but it still buzzes...

That unit is more than just a surge suppressor, and is far less common (example of a decent surge only unit (http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/model.cfm?txtSeriesID=825&txtModelID=99)). It's a surge + auto transformer, which is basically a Line Interactive UPS minus the battery pack and inverter.

I don't need any backup power function, as I never had any power outages within the last 2 years, but if my flat is in a big building (200 people) and it's from the 60's (and wiring in the UK seems to be pretty bad in general), wouldn't I want something more than just a surge suppressor? Do you think the APC surge + auto transformer would be a good purchase for a Mac Pro in my case?

[nanofrog]

I can't be certain that the socket is unloaded since I'm in an apartment and have no idea how they wired this place.
Do you pay the electric bill directly (not included in the rental fee, but to whatever power company is your provider)?

If so, you have your own panel and meter (panel is usually inside, the meter outside so it can be read without having to enter the dwelling), which means you don't share circuits with other units. It's when the power is included in the rent, that this may not be the case (i.e. homes that were converted to apartments could be such cases).

I don't need any backup power function, as I never had any power outages within the last 2 years, but if my flat is in a big building (200 people) and it's from the 60's (and wiring in the UK seems to be pretty bad in general), wouldn't I want something more than just a surge suppressor? Do you think the APC surge + auto transformer would be a good purchase for a Mac Pro in my case?
Yes, you should use more than a surge suppressor. The unit you linked is more than that (has an auto transformer in it), so it would help with brownouts.

The UPS is still an option (Online unit can exceed the protection offered by the unit you linked, as it's always running off of the battery + inverter and the output is a pure sine wave), but it is of course more expensive.

If you are interested in the latter, Eaton is available in the UK, and make decent products. Past that, I'd stick with APC or Tripp Lite, and go refurbished if at all possible to save funds (I've never had a problem with a refurbished unit so far). Not sure how large the market is for refurbished Eaton, but you can find it for APC and Tripp Lite (Tripp Lite units are usually less expensive, but APC's batteries are cheaper, which tends to make APC cheaper over time; say 12 years using a 3 year replacement cycle for the batteries).

[reel2reel]

Nah, people just didn't have all the crap then we do now. :eek: So the circuits were planned on those presumptions (days before computers, home theater systems, air conditioning,...). ;) :p

Haha, point taken.

[2contagious]

The UPS is still an option (Online unit can exceed the protection offered by the unit you linked, as it's always running off of the battery + inverter and the output is a pure sine wave), but it is of course more expensive.

So if I don't need more than 1-3 mins back up time (or not even that), but want a pure sine wave, would going for a cheaper APC UPS with 800va be sufficient? or does it really have to be a 1500va one even if I don't need 10-20 mins backup time?

[nanofrog]

So if I don't need more than 1-3 mins back up time (or not even that), but want a pure sine wave, would going for a cheaper APC UPS with 800va be sufficient? or does it really have to be a 1500va one even if I don't need 10-20 mins backup time?
You could. I'd probably go for 1000VA as a minumum, but tend to go for the 1500VA mark due to battery age = time is reduced as they get older (can't deliver the same amount of current as they can when new, just like car batteries).

[2contagious]

You could. I'd probably go for 1000VA as a minumum, but tend to go for the 1500VA mark due to battery age = time is reduced as they get older (can't deliver the same amount of current as they can when new, just like car batteries).

What exactly does having an "impure" sine wave do? does it cause high pitch noises in electronics?

[nanofrog]

What exactly does having an "impure" sine wave do? does it cause high pitch noises in electronics?
It can actually damage your equipment. :eek: But noise is another possible issue as well.

[dissolve]

Do you pay the electric bill directly (not included in the rental fee, but to whatever power company is your provider)?

If so, you have your own panel and meter (panel is usually inside, the meter outside so it can be read without having to enter the dwelling), which means you don't share circuits with other units. It's when the power is included in the rent, that this may not be the case (i.e. homes that were converted to apartments could be such cases).

Good point, I was unclear. I meant that I didn't know the wiring from room to room. I pay the electric bill to a separate company and we do have our own meter. So none of you other MP owners can hear a buzz at very close range?

[chiefroastbeef]

Good point, I was unclear. I meant that I didn't know the wiring from room to room. I pay the electric bill to a separate company and we do have our own meter. So none of you other MP owners can hear a buzz at very close range?

I'm not using a UPS yet, and at default fan speed, my 2009 Quad MP is absolutely silent sitting on my desk, a foot and a half away from me. I can barely hear the fans running when I put my ears right up to the grill where the two fans are in front. If it wasn't for the display and the white light on the Mac Pro, I wouldn't know it is on sitting 1 and a half feet away.

[dissolve]

I'm not using a UPS yet, and at default fan speed, my 2009 Quad MP is absolutely silent sitting on my desk, a foot and a half away from me. I can barely hear the fans running when I put my ears right up to the grill where the two fans are in front. If it wasn't for the display and the white light on the Mac Pro, I wouldn't know it is on sitting 1 and a half feet away.

What about the back near the power plug as the OP mentioned? I agree, from the front, it is nearly silent for me as well. Thanks for trying this out :)

[chiefroastbeef]

What about the back near the power plug as the OP mentioned? I agree, from the front, it is nearly silent for me as well. Thanks for trying this out :)

Hello Dissolve, the back is same as the front, can't hear anything unless I put my ears right to it. All I hear is the fan spinning (wind and motor bearing noise), nothing electronic. Now if I crank the MP fans to max, it sounds like an airplane taking off. :)

[dissolve]

Hello Dissolve, the back is same as the front, can't hear anything unless I put my ears right to it. All I hear is the fan spinning (wind and motor bearing noise), nothing electronic. Now if I crank the MP fans to max, it sounds like an airplane taking off. :)

Thanks for checking it out. I just tried it again and only heard fans as well. Maybe it's all in my head :rolleyes:

Either way, gonna start reading about UPS choices now.

[dissolve]

I just repeated the procedure that 2contagious went through: figured out which outlet were on the same circuit as the MP, turned off everything besides the computer, and still get that buzzing. It's faint, intermittent, and sometimes has a weird pulsing to it.

I wanted to echo a previous question: would a simple unit like the APC Line-R that only modulates the electricity, but provides no battery backup, suffice and eliminate this noise? I'm currently not too worried about power outages as I honestly cannot remember the last time we've had one here. Or does it seem I have a faulty power supply and need to contact Apple? I'm still under warranty so that's an easy option (besides the commute to an Apple Store).

[dissolve]

Just wanted to report back that I took mine in to the Apple Store with that electric buzz and the tech confirmed that it's definitely not normal. They are ordering a new PSU and should have it installed in 1-3 business days. Was a very good experience :)

[2contagious]

Just wanted to report back that I took mine in to the Apple Store with that electric buzz and the tech confirmed that it's definitely not normal. They are ordering a new PSU and should have it installed in 1-3 business days. Was a very good experience :)

So they were able to reproduce the buzz at the apple store? I have contacted my apple rep and she's exchanging my mac pro again. If this third Mac Pro still has issues, I will either get a refund or get the PSU fixed at the store. Please let me know if the new PSU they will be putting in your Mac Pro makes any difference :)

Also, are you from the UK? I'm wondering if this might be a voltage related thing.

[dissolve]

So they were able to reproduce the buzz at the apple store? I have contacted my apple rep and she's exchanging my mac pro again. If this third Mac Pro still has issues, I will either get a refund or get the PSU fixed at the store. Please let me know if the new PSU they will be putting in your Mac Pro makes any difference :)

Also, are you from the UK? I'm wondering if this might be a voltage related thing.

Yes he was able to reproduce the buzzing sound in store so it must not have been the circuitry in my apartment. I'm still surprised they replaced your entire machine, but hopefully third time's the charm :D

I'm in the US so it seems more like a 'bad batch' kind of thing since it's so sporadic between users (at least on these and Apple's forums). I'll certainly report back once they get the new one in.

[2contagious]

Yes he was able to reproduce the buzzing sound in store so it must not have been the circuitry in my apartment. I'm still surprised they replaced your entire machine, but hopefully third time's the charm :D

I'm in the US so it seems more like a 'bad batch' kind of thing since it's so sporadic between users (at least on these and Apple's forums). I'll certainly report back once they get the new one in.

Bad batch of PSUs? I don't know :/ the buzzing PSU issue was also present in some 08 and 09 Mac Pros (google buzzing mac pro).

[reel2reel]

Just wanted to report back that I took mine in to the Apple Store with that electric buzz and the tech confirmed that it's definitely not normal. They are ordering a new PSU and should have it installed in 1-3 business days. Was a very good experience :)

That's good to know! Was it the first time they ever saw a Mac Pro? :D

[dissolve]

Bad batch of PSUs? I don't know :/ the buzzing PSU issue was also present in some 08 and 09 Mac Pros (google buzzing mac pro).

You're right. I meant that it's not an issue for all models. Not sure where the issue comes from, but it can't be localized to one region. Plus, many here have attested that there's is silent so I guess we just got unlucky :confused:

That's good to know! Was it the first time they ever saw a Mac Pro? :D

Haha I'm not sure, but I got tons of looks walking through the mall and into the crowded Apple Store. That thing is heavy!

[zorinlynx]

My machine sometimes (rarely) buzzes somewhat loudly when the vibration from the hard drives happens to rattle the case just right. Usually moving the machine a little stops the buzz, or tapping the side.

Just saying, this may be the cause of some of your buzzing issues as well.

[phpmaven]

I know I'm the minority on this, but I see absolutely no reason to spend bundles of cash on a UPS. Unless you live in an area especially prone to power outages, I don't see the need for battery backup. I live in an area where we experience, at most, 1 to 2 power outages per year. My $30 power strip does just fine for me.

As for all the "clean power" claims some of those power supplies have, I don't buy into that either. I'm no electrician, but I do live with one, and they have said those claims are false. If the power coming into your house is bad, some power strip isn't going to magically fix it and provide you with "perfect" power. You're better off calling an electrician and getting your wiring fixed properly.

It's just like the story with Monster Power HDMI cables. So many people are fooled into purchasing $100+ cables, that are identical to ones you can find on MonoPrice for about $10.

It's not just about filtering out surges, it's about being able to shut down your Mac gracefully and not have the power just cut off. Of course that way you won't lose whatever you were working on, but far more importantly, i've seen more computers fried in my time when there was a power outage or someone kicking the cable out or accidentally stepping on a power strip than any other cause.

I wouldn't even think about running my Mac Pro without it. With all of the money you invested in it, a couple of hundred bucks is a small price to pay for the protection you get.

[nanofrog]

You're right. I meant that it's not an issue for all models. Not sure where the issue comes from, but it can't be localized to one region. Plus, many here have attested that there's is silent so I guess we just got unlucky :confused:
Multiple PSU suppliers and cost cutting are strong candidates. ;)

[2contagious]

Multiple PSU suppliers and cost cutting are strong candidates. ;)

So I happened to get two mac pros with the same crappy psu? :/

[nanofrog]

So I happened to get two mac pros with the same crappy psu? :/
It's quite possible, as there's a good chance both systems were made close enough together that the PSU's were from the same manufacturer and batch. :(

[2contagious]

It's quite possible, as there's a good chance both systems were made close enough together that the PSU's were from the same manufacturer and batch. :(

I hope that the next replacement will at least not come scratched (my replacement Mac Pro has a manufacturing mistake/scratch on the anodised aluminium at the back). If the second replacement still has the buzzing PSU, I'll keep it, but get the PSU exchanged at an Apple store like dissolve. I just hope that doing this will fix dissolve's issue and then mine, too. Already got everything installed on my SSD, ready to be taken from this Mac Pro and put into the final replacement unit. Thank god I don't have uni yet, otherwise this replacement game would suck even more.

[nanofrog]

I hope that the next replacement will at least not come scratched (my replacement Mac Pro has a manufacturing mistake/scratch on the anodised aluminium at the back). If the second replacement still has the buzzing PSU, I'll keep it, but get the PSU exchanged at an Apple store like dissolve. I just hope that doing this will fix dissolve's issue and then mine, too. Already got everything installed on my SSD, ready to be taken from this Mac Pro and put into the final replacement unit. Thank god I don't have uni yet, otherwise this replacement game would suck even more.
I wish you luck that the next unit will get you sorted. :)

[reel2reel]

So if I don't need more than 1-3 mins back up time (or not even that), but want a pure sine wave, would going for a cheaper APC UPS with 800va be sufficient? or does it really have to be a 1500va one even if I don't need 10-20 mins backup time?

I'm not sure if the issue is how long you can run things but how many devices you can have protected and plugged into it.

[reel2reel]

I wish you luck that the next unit will get you sorted. :)

+1

[dissolve]

I wish you luck that the next unit will get you sorted. :)

+2 :D

[2contagious]

+2 :D

Aren't you scared the genius is going to scratch your baby? :D
How did you get your Mac Pro to the store? In the original packaging?

[dissolve]

Aren't you scared the genius is going to scratch your baby? :D
How did you get your Mac Pro to the store? In the original packaging?

Definitely scared...I think that's something I can only admit here :D

Fortunately, I'm neurotic about keeping original packaging, so I still had the box and styrofoam they shipped it in. Thank goodness for those handles on the sides of the box!

[dissolve]

Sad news :(

I got my MP back today but the buzz is still there. I'm pretty sure it's quieter than before and almost easily overshadowed by the PSU fan itself. But, the pattern still sounds the same. Not entirely sure what to do at this point. It's not audible enough to bother me, I'm just worried about any other possible damage. At least I'm under AppleCare for quite some time longer.

Wish I could have a listen to all of those claiming there's no buzzing...maybe this is all in my head :p

[2contagious]

Sad news :(

I got my MP back today but the buzz is still there. I'm pretty sure it's quieter than before and almost easily overshadowed by the PSU fan itself. But, the pattern still sounds the same. Not entirely sure what to do at this point. It's not audible enough to bother me, I'm just worried about any other possible damage. At least I'm under AppleCare for quite some time longer.

Wish I could have a listen to all of those claiming there's no buzzing...maybe this is all in my head :p

Gahh.. what's wrong with you, Apple? :P
Are you sure it's not as loud as before?

[dissolve]

Gahh.. what's wrong with you, Apple? :P
Are you sure it's not as loud as before?

It's hard to tell, but I think I was wrong...it sounds pretty similar. Fortunately, I still can't hear it unless I get up to the PSU so it's not obnoxious. I brought it in because I was worried it may cause damage down the road. At least I have a service record now with this issue so bringing it in again shouldn't be an issue if it I go that route. Have you gotten your second replacement yet?

[2contagious]

It's hard to tell, but I think I was wrong...it sounds pretty similar. Fortunately, I still can't hear it unless I get up to the PSU so it's not obnoxious. I brought it in because I was worried it may cause damage down the road. At least I have a service record now with this issue so bringing it in again shouldn't be an issue if it I go that route. Have you gotten your second replacement yet?

No, no yet. I have received shipping confirmation today and it should be here on/before Friday.
Man, that really sucks about the buzzing. I just don't understand why we have the buzz and others don't?! Could someone who says his/her PSU isn't buzzing please make a recording? :P

[dissolve]

No, no yet. I have received shipping confirmation today and it should be here on/before Friday.
Man, that really sucks about the buzzing. I just don't understand why we have the buzz and others don't?! Could someone who says his/her PSU isn't buzzing please make a recording? :P

Ok I got a second opinion (from someone who doesn't visit this forum daily :p) and was told that it sounds better...more like a fan than a buzz. She heard it before I sent it in. I figure I'm not very impartial and am probably not hearing straight after this :o

Either way, this just shows that I have no reference point. A recording would be very nice, as would a quiet Apple Store with a Mac Pro on display. Let's work on the more reasonable first idea. ;) I tried to make a recording of mine for comparison. Here's the link (I'm new to hosting from Dropbox so hopefully it works):

Buzzing(?) audio track (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2644177/MPbuzz.m4a)

Good luck with your new MP 2contagious!

[nanofrog]

Ok I got a second opinion (from someone who doesn't visit this forum daily :p) and was told that it sounds better...more like a fan than a buzz. She heard it before I sent it in. I figure I'm not very impartial and am probably not hearing straight after this :o

Either way, this just shows that I have no reference point. A recording would be very nice, as would a quiet Apple Store with a Mac Pro on display. Let's work on the more reasonable first idea. ;) I tried to make a recording of mine for comparison. Here's the link (I'm new to hosting from Dropbox so hopefully it works):

Buzzing(?) audio track (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2644177/MPbuzz.m4a)

Good luck with your new MP 2contagious!
Sounds like a fan and a faint high pitch whine, not a buzz/hum. The fan noise is fine, but its the whine that bothers me (shouldn't be there).

[dissolve]

Sounds like a fan and a faint high pitch whine, not a buzz/hum. The fan noise is fine, but its the whine that bothers me (shouldn't be there).

Thanks for taking the time to listen nanofrog. That's a really good way to describe it...I knew something was different this time. My previous PSU had a very distinct buzz that would rapidly change pitch. I was thrown off because this noise is constant, albeit quieter (I think). The genius mentioned he didn't believe it to be a damage-causing problem, so I wonder if this quieter noise would still get their attention if I were to bring it in again.

[nanofrog]

Thanks for taking the time to listen nanofrog. That's a really good way to describe it...I knew something was different this time. My previous PSU had a very distinct buzz that would rapidly change pitch. I was thrown off because this noise is constant, albeit quieter (I think). The genius mentioned he didn't believe it to be a damage-causing problem, so I wonder if this quieter noise would still get their attention if I were to bring it in again.
:cool: NP. :)

I'd take it in, and hopefully they'll get you sorted (just get them to replace the PSU, not the entire system).

You should even be able to wait a bit, though annoying, in order to give them time to get the PSU issues sorted (supplier problems, bad batch,...). Otherwise, you may keep getting replacement units from the same bad batch/supplier if you keep doing this in rapid succession until you get a quiet one (could also piss them off a bit).

Something to think about anyway. ;)

[dissolve]

:cool: NP. :)

I'd take it in, and hopefully they'll get you sorted (just get them to replace the PSU, not the entire system).

You should even be able to wait a bit, though annoying, in order to give them time to get the PSU issues sorted (supplier problems, bad batch,...). Otherwise, you may keep getting replacement units from the same bad batch/supplier if you keep doing this in rapid succession until you get a quiet one (could also piss them off a bit).

Something to think about anyway. ;)

That's a great idea; didn't want to bring it back right away anyways. If any damage occurs in the meantime, at least it's covered :p

I'm sure it'll be fine and I'll certainly report back after handing it over to them down the road. Still interested to hear how 2contagious's round 2 turns out :)

[2contagious]

Hi,

I have just received my 2nd replacement - Same problem. The PSU is still buzzing and I noticed the PSU also gives off a high pitch noise when the Mac Pro is connected to mains, but turned off. At least this Mac Pro is not scratched like my first replacement.. so I think I will keep it (?!).. the buzzing is REALLY annoying though and worries me a lot :(.. and I didn't hear a high pitch noise coming from the PSU before either.. as I said now it's giving off a high pitch noise while turned off, but it also seems to be switching from buzzing to high pitch whining every now and then.. definitely sound like some electronic defect.

I have made a recording of the sound (when it's buzzing):
https://files.me.com/christianschmeer/5kc4rt.mov

[nanofrog]

Hi,

I have just received my 2nd replacement - Same problem. The PSU is still buzzing and I noticed the PSU also gives off a high pitch noise when the Mac Pro is connected to mains, but turned off. At least this Mac Pro is not scratched like my first replacement.. so I think I will keep it (?!).. the buzzing is REALLY annoying though and worries me a lot :(.. and I didn't hear a high pitch noise coming from the PSU before either.. as I said now it's giving off a high pitch noise while turned off, but it also seems to be switching from buzzing to high pitch whining every now and then.. definitely sound like some electronic defect.

I have made a recording of the sound (when it's buzzing):
https://files.me.com/christianschmeer/5kc4rt.mov
Wait a bit, and then schedule an appointment in order to get a new PSU (keep the system, but swap out the bad part).

The wait is intended to keep you from getting another bad unit (bad batch or supplier) yet again. ;)

[ActionableMango]

That is exactly the sound my line conditioner makes when someone turns a hair dryer on elsewhere in the house, and when the incoming voltage is too high (as indicated by the LEDs on the front of the line conditioner).

You are on your second or third one now, all with the same problem. I'd say the power supply in this model MP is not liking your power.

I would plug your MP into a line conditioner or a UPS with a line conditioner, not a cheap power strip or cheap UPS.

I've lived with a line conditioner for 15 years in three different towns and believe me, bad power is a very common event as evidenced from the display on the line conditioner and the noises it makes when the power gets really bad.

[2contagious]

That is exactly the sound my line conditioner makes when someone turns a hair dryer on elsewhere in the house, and when the incoming voltage is too high (as indicated by the LEDs on the front of the line conditioner).

You are on your second or third one now, all with the same problem. I'd say the power supply in this model MP is not liking your power.

I would plug your MP into a line conditioner or a UPS with a line conditioner, not a cheap power strip or cheap UPS.

I've lived with a line conditioner for 15 years in three different towns and believe me, bad power is a very common event as evidenced from the display on the line conditioner and the noises it makes when the power gets really bad.

I have tried direct connection to mains, connection via 'APC Line R 1200VA power conditioner', as well as connection via 'LINDY Mains Power Conditioner'. In all three cases the power supply buzzes..

[dissolve]

Hi,

I have just received my 2nd replacement - Same problem. The PSU is still buzzing and I noticed the PSU also gives off a high pitch noise when the Mac Pro is connected to mains, but turned off. At least this Mac Pro is not scratched like my first replacement.. so I think I will keep it (?!).. the buzzing is REALLY annoying though and worries me a lot :(.. and I didn't hear a high pitch noise coming from the PSU before either.. as I said now it's giving off a high pitch noise while turned off, but it also seems to be switching from buzzing to high pitch whining every now and then.. definitely sound like some electronic defect.

I have made a recording of the sound (when it's buzzing):
https://files.me.com/christianschmeer/5kc4rt.mov

Wow very sorry to hear that. That audio file is exactly what my first PSU sounded like. I can't believe it's actually making noise when off too. That tiny bit of 'vampire' power draw is enough to upset the power supply? That's nuts.

I'm going to take nanofrog's advice and wait a while before taking mine back. If you live near an Apple Store, perhaps you can just get your PSU replaced instead of the entire machine. I'm reading about power conditioners and UPSs, trying to decide which route to go. If I get one, I'll report back here any changes. Although it's disappointing to hear you haven't any luck with those.

[2contagious]

It seems we're not alone
http://discussions.info.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2595836&tstart=0

[dissolve]

It seems we're not alone
http://discussions.info.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2595836&tstart=0

Gonna be following that thread now too ;)

[2contagious]

I noticed that the buzzing changes frequency/rhythm when using the sliders in Lightroom, especially the graphically intense effects like lens distortion correction. That makes me think.. the 5870 video card needs A LOT of power and even needs two extra power cables that are connected to the motherboard. Is it possible that the buzzing is some kind of power issue coming from the graphics card making PSUs buzz?

[dissolve]

That is exactly the sound my line conditioner makes when someone turns a hair dryer on elsewhere in the house, and when the incoming voltage is too high (as indicated by the LEDs on the front of the line conditioner).

You are on your second or third one now, all with the same problem. I'd say the power supply in this model MP is not liking your power.

I would plug your MP into a line conditioner or a UPS with a line conditioner, not a cheap power strip or cheap UPS.

I've lived with a line conditioner for 15 years in three different towns and believe me, bad power is a very common event as evidenced from the display on the line conditioner and the noises it makes when the power gets really bad.

I was thinking this as well before I brought mine in. But if they can reproduce it at the Apple Store, doesn't it eliminate (or reduce) the chance that this is a wall power issue? Either that or their power sucks too :p

I noticed that the buzzing changes frequency/rhythm when using the sliders in Lightroom, especially the graphically intense effects like lens distortion correction. That makes me think.. the 5870 video card needs A LOT of power and even needs two extra power cables that are connected to the motherboard. Is it possible that the buzzing is some kind of power issue coming from the graphics card making PSUs buzz?

That's a really good point that I forgot to mention earlier. On my first PSU, Handbrake encodes would make the PSU slightly more audible. It makes sense that it'd be more general than the graphics card pulling extra power. I bet as the system demands more power, the PSU issue is amplified. Unfortunately, I never checked this out with graphics-intensive operations on my previous PSU (I have the 5870 as well so it would've been a good test).

[Concorde Rules]

Mines getting louder and louder now, and my HD4870 fan is rattling like anything so it's a trip to the Apple Store :(

[2contagious]

That's a really good point that I forgot to mention earlier. On my first PSU, Handbrake encodes would make the PSU slightly more audible. It makes sense that it'd be more general than the graphics card pulling extra power. I bet as the system demands more power, the PSU issue is amplified. Unfortunately, I never checked this out with graphics-intensive operations on my previous PSU (I have the 5870 as well so it would've been a good test).

You having the 5870 as well might be a sign (although a very small one). We'll have to find someone with a 5770 and a buzzing PSU :P
I am ordering a GT120 card next week (the one that was in 2009 Mac Pros), so I'll see what the buzzing is like with the GT120.

[2contagious]

Dissolve, how much less noisy is the sound your PSU makes now? Is there a lot of difference? I have an appointment for the Genius bar next week and I'll try to get them to replace the PSU. As far as I could tell (at that noise level in store), the 2.4 Octo they had on display did not have a buzzing PSU.

btw. do you also have any sound card issues (crackles?)

[dissolve]

Dissolve, how much less noisy is the sound your PSU makes now? Is there a lot of difference? I have an appointment for the Genius bar next week and I'll try to get them to replace the PSU. As far as I could tell (at that noise level in store), the 2.4 Octo they had on display did not have a buzzing PSU.

btw. do you also have any sound card issues (crackles?)

I can't really quantify it, but most of the time it is definitely quieter. It generally doesn't make that electrical buzzing sound anymore (caught it doing that a few times though). Instead, there's a steady high pitch that's buried below the fan noise...I can only hear it if I put my ear against the PSU just right. I may stop by the Apple Store this weekend and listen to their MP on display to compare as well.

I don't have any crackles coming from speakers. Turning on a small fan in my room will sometimes make them pop though; thanks, old apartment :rolleyes:

Good luck with the Genius Bar! At least they'll hopefully check out the new PSU after installing it instead of giving you a new, boxed MP.

[2contagious]

I don't have any random cracks either, just when stuff is being turned on/off.. It doesn't happen when I connect the speakers to my iPhone running on battery power and it only happens rarely when I use my speakers on my iMac G4..

Also, I just checked the back of 4 Mac Pros (2006 model) at my uni and their PSUs were all buzzing, just not as badly as mine (it was not audible through the front, only through the back of the case)

[dissolve]

I don't have any random cracks either, just when stuff is being turned on/off.. It doesn't happen when I connect the speakers to my iPhone running on battery power and it only happens rarely when I use my speakers on my iMac G4..

Also, I just checked the back of 4 Mac Pros (2006 model) at my uni and their PSUs were all buzzing, just not as badly as mine (it was not audible through the front, only through the back of the case)

Thanks for checking out those '06 systems (hope no one saw you with your head against the back of a MP ;) ). I was thinking about the speaker pops and honestly can't remember that happening with my first PSU. I'll try it with my iPhone later today; that's a good idea. Then we at least know it's not the speakers themselves. I don't know enough about the PSU system to understand why speaker popping may occur. Anyone have ideas?

[2contagious]

Thanks for checking out those '06 systems (hope no one saw you with your head against the back of a MP ;) ). I was thinking about the speaker pops and honestly can't remember that happening with my first PSU. I'll try it with my iPhone later today; that's a good idea. Then we at least know it's not the speakers themselves. I don't know enough about the PSU system to understand why speaker popping may occur. Anyone have ideas?

haha that's fine, it's art school. they don't mind me putting my head against their mac pros :P I ordered a high quality screened audio cable that should arrive tomorrow or friday, so I'll see if that makes any difference with the speaker problems.

[dissolve]

I tried my speakers plugged into an iPhone and they still pop when changing the speed of a plug-in fan. So the wiring is just bad in this apartment...and I need to get a UPS soon :eek:

I noticed something earlier today while doing a Handbrake encode. The PSU go noticeably louder and sounded a lot like my first one: electric buzzing, distinctly not a fan. I checked iStat the entire time and the only fans speeding up were one of the case fans and the 5870. I opened the case to be sure the noise wasn't coming from them and I'm pretty sure it was the PSU. Its fan stayed at a constant 600rpm over the hour I was encoding. Oddly, the noise persisted for at least 10 minutes after the encode, but now it's back to that weird high-pitch noise. I'm stumped.

I've been reading around a bit more and the Apple Support site is full of these issues dating back several years and models ago. I'm surprised not many more on here notice it or have the issue.

[2contagious]

A "genius" at the Regent Street store told me the buzzing was normal, it's "the current going through" (lol?!) He said it should not buzz excessively though.. What the hell is going on, I've never heard a buzzing PSU before (in my PC times) :/

[nanofrog]

A "genius" at the Regent Street store told me the buzzing was normal, it's "the current going through" (lol?!) He said it should not buzz excessively though.. What the hell is going on, I've never heard a buzzing PSU before (in my PC times) :/
If the PSU were a linear design, it's fairly common (large output values). They require much larger transformers and storage capacities.

But the MP's PSU is a Switched Mode unit (SMPS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switched-mode_power_supply)), so they don't have anywhere near the transformer or storage capacitance for the same sustained output rating. This results in quiet operation, not something that sounds like a huge electromagnet.

[dissolve]

If the PSU were a linear design, it's fairly common (large output values). They require much larger transformers and storage capacities.

But the MP's PSU is a Switched Mode unit (SMPS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switched-mode_power_supply)), so they don't have anywhere near the transformer or storage capacitance for the same sustained output rating. This results in quiet operation, not something that sounds like a huge electromagnet.

Print this out, bring it in with you, and read it to the Genius Bar ;)

[nanofrog]

Print this out, bring it in with you, and read it to the Genius Bar ;)
But can they read? And if they can, will they? :eek: :p

[fensterbme]

I too have a buzzing going on... At first it was pretty silent, but in the last two weeks a buzz has started and it's quite audible from where I sit. I also get pops when light switches are turned on/off on my desk from my speakers (.

I have a 2010 3.33Ghz. Hex Core Mac Pro, with a single ATI 5770. Mine is plugged into an APC Smart UPS 1400.

With my old Windows system (which had an Active PFC power supply) was dead silent, no pops through the speakers (Klipsch promedia 2.1).

It's pretty darn frustrating as other than the buzzing my office is totally silent which makes the buzzing sound all the more annoying.

[2contagious]

I too have a buzzing going on... At first it was pretty silent, but in the last two weeks a buzz has started and it's quite audible from where I sit. I also get pops when light switches are turned on/off on my desk from my speakers (.

I have a 2010 3.33Ghz. Hex Core Mac Pro, with a single ATI 5770. Mine is plugged into an APC Smart UPS 1400.

With my old Windows system (which had an Active PFC power supply) was dead silent, no pops through the speakers (Klipsch promedia 2.1).

It's pretty darn frustrating as other than the buzzing my office is totally silent which makes the buzzing sound all the more annoying.

Yeah, I can totally understand you.. my room is completely silent at night and the buzzing drives me crazy sometimes. Maybe I am just hallucinating, but it seems that over the past few days the buzzing noise went a bit quieter (?) The sound ALWAYS got worse when using the sliders in Lightroom, but I can't replicate that anymore now (for now at least).

I do have a resonating vibration sound going on in my Mac Pro, too though.. and the crackles in my speakers :( About the crackles, a digital to analogue audio converter also didn't help. I wonder what this means? How could the crackles be power/electricity related, but happen on both 3.5mm audio AND optical?! :confused: Optical shouldn't cause an electric problem (?)

I got some news btw.. I went to the Apple Store last week and they had a look at my Mac Pro. Got it back 2 days ago and they didn't repair or replace a thing.. said everything was fine with it (??) I got them to get a "repair "genius"" to talk to me (rather than a fake behind-the-counter genius) The genius then listened to the PSU of the store's Mac Pros with me and found the same noise on all of them. He said that it could be that it's either normal or there is some serious engineering fault going on. I also told him about the audio issues I am having and that these two issues are also present in other people's Mac Pros. He told me that they don't do this very often, but he would contact the Apple Engineering team in California about the two issues (I can't remember what he called it.. an "exclamation" or something?!) and get back to me.

EDIT: oh yeah, also I wanted to ask, has anyone ever seen reports of someone using noise reduction mats in a Mac Pro? (on the inside of the Mac Pro's door for example)

[dissolve]

I too have a buzzing going on... At first it was pretty silent, but in the last two weeks a buzz has started and it's quite audible from where I sit. I also get pops when light switches are turned on/off on my desk from my speakers (.

I have a 2010 3.33Ghz. Hex Core Mac Pro, with a single ATI 5770. Mine is plugged into an APC Smart UPS 1400.

With my old Windows system (which had an Active PFC power supply) was dead silent, no pops through the speakers (Klipsch promedia 2.1).

It's pretty darn frustrating as other than the buzzing my office is totally silent which makes the buzzing sound all the more annoying.

Can you do a quick test that we did earlier? Try plugging your speakers into another device and flip the light switches. I did that and my speakers still popped. Doesn't make me feel much better about the electricity being delivered to the MP, but at least it's not the system causing the pops. Hopefully the same is true for you.

I got some news btw.. I went to the Apple Store last week and they had a look at my Mac Pro. Got it back 2 days ago and they didn't repair or replace a thing.. said everything was fine with it (??) I got them to get a "repair "genius"" to talk to me (rather than a fake behind-the-counter genius) The genius then listened to the PSU of the store's Mac Pros with me and found the same noise on all of them. He said that it could be that it's either normal or there is some serious engineering fault going on. I also told him about the audio issues I am having and that these two issues are also present in other people's Mac Pros. He told me that they don't do this very often, but he would contact the Apple Engineering team in California about the two issues (I can't remember what he called it.. an "exclamation" or something?!) and get back to me.

That's some pretty cool news. Definitely post back when you get a response. As for me, I've tried to stop putting my head next to the PSU. Ignorance is bliss right? :rolleyes: If you get an interesting response from the Apple engineer, maybe I'll bring mine in though. One thing I noticed the other day, I can hear a very, very faint buzz even when off. I know it's still pulling power (~1W) but that was a little concerning.