2017 Macbook Pro 15" Fans with External Display

[Maverick686]

I just bought a 2017 Macbook Pro, 2.8ghz i7, 16GB ran, Radeon Pro 560 4GB, and 1 TB SSD.

I've found when i plug in my Dell P2715Q 4k Display that my MBP's fans run constantly anywhere from 3000 to 4000 RPM. It's mostly annoying, but it seems disconcerting to me. Is there a way to fix this issue?

I've enabled reduce transparency in Accessibility Options and disabled Spotlight indexing. No dice.

This is a bit disconcerting since I bought this damned $3k notebook to replace my aging 2014 Macbook Pro 13" when the wifi card gave up the ghost.

Getting a little frustrated with Apple lately...

I've attached screenshots of my Activity Monitor.

I'm not running in Clamshell mode. Obviously the discrete GPU is active (and must be for external displays apparently

Edit: My Logitech MX Revolution doesn't like to play nice with this computer either (Studders with bluetooth or the USB dongle - when my MBP 13" from 2014) never did that).

 

[0922251]

You could use this software to manually adjust the fan speed to your liking:

https://www.crystalidea.com/macs-fan-control

 

[Patcell]

I have a similar configuration 2017 15" that I use with my Dell P2415Q (same display at 24"). While my fans don't come on immediately after connecting the display, it doesn't take much to get them spinning to 3k-4k RPM. Playing 1080p youtube video in Safari will do it easily.

Do you run a temperature monitor to see the CPU temp with the monitor connected? iStat Menus or the like?

 

[alien3dx]

I just bought a 2017 Macbook Pro, 2.8ghz i7, 16GB ran, Radeon Pro 560 4GB, and 1 TB SSD.

I've found when i plug in my Dell P2715Q 4k Display that my MBP's fans run constantly anywhere from 3000 to 4000 RPM. It's mostly annoying, but it seems disconcerting to me. Is there a way to fix this issue?

I've enabled reduce transparency in Accessibility Options and disabled Spotlight indexing. No dice.

This is a bit disconcerting since I bought this damned $3k notebook to replace my aging 2014 Macbook Pro 13" when the wifi card gave up the ghost.

Getting a little frustrated with Apple lately...

I've attached screenshots of my Activity Monitor.

I'm not running in Clamshell mode. Obviously the discrete GPU is active (and must be for external displays apparently

Edit: My Logitech MX Revolution doesn't like to play nice with this computer either (Studders with bluetooth or the USB dongle - when my MBP 13" from 2014) never did that).

just uninstall the Spotify and try it again.. pretty weird memory usage there... my Spotify helper memory just 163..7

 

[Queen6]

Being an owner & user of the 15" MacBook Pro since forever; Over the years the 15" has frequently struggled with it`s thermals, especially when an external display is connected as the dGPU engages by default, internal temperatures soar, equally there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the systems temperature;

• Elevate the rear, aluminium passive coolers generally work best (I use RainDesign`s mStand & iLap)
• Increase base fan RPM to 3K or as much as you are comfortable with (MacsFanControl or SMC Fan Control)
• Limit the dGPU`s usage with gfxCardStatus
• Swap out Chrome for Chrome Canary as it`s generally more optimised for OS X and will extend battery run time, reduce thermals
• Swap out VLC for Movist as again it`s a reduced load on CPU/GPU
• Uninstall or block Flash
• Install an ad blocker Wipr or AdGuard works well
• Powered coolers are very much a "mixed bag" when it comes to Mac portables, you need one that has a high capacity (100 CFM minimum) and preferably a large single fan, this can help to keep the 15" internal fans below 4K which for many is good enough as often it`s this point and beyond where the fans become intrusive. Don't expect a powered cooler impact internal temperatures, beyond a couple of degrees
• Older notebooks can benefit from cleaning of the cooling system
• Retina`s can benefit from cleaning of the cooling system, as the heat syncs are far smaller and loose efficiency faster, due to build up of dust
• Replacing the thermal paste has been hit & miss, some with very positive results, some with no improvement over stock. Personally I would only do this on a Mac Portable that was either very old, or one that I can confirm was definitely running hotter than stock.
• If your MBP has a discrete GPU, it will fire up when an external display is connected as default, temperatures will rise rapidly.
• Consider a specific vertical stand when using a MPB in "Clamshell" mode allowing for greater circulation of air. Some recommend inverting the MBP in the stand with the exhaust at the top & intake at the bottom (Retina`s)
• Another option for static setups is a USB powered fan strategically placed so it blows across the MBP keyboard deck (air flow L-R above & below)

The key to a quiet life with a 15" MacBook Pro is several incremental changes that can and do add up to reduce thermals. From my experience over the years if your going to push a 15" hard the fans are going to max out fast, with associated temperature & noise. If your using it with a moderate load, life can be made quieter. For the most part your MBP runs hot as that`s how Apple designed it, this is the trade off for thin & light...

Like it or loath it, there's good reason why the majority of Windows MBP counterparts have significantly more cooling/vents, nor is it due to their design teams being inept. Apple simply place form over function first in many circumstances.

Primary culprit here is the dGPU, combined with Apple's more aggressive fan curve for the newer 15" models, likely to stave off another round of mass dGPU failure. There is no way to disengage the dGPU when an external monitor is connected, all one can do is take small steps to reduce the overall temperature to a level where the fans will not spool up to an unacceptable level, generally 4K RPM+.

The old adage still applies; it`s easier to keep a system cool, than cool-down an already overly hot machine. This being said it`s not strictly necessary, equally it`s nice to know that there are some options for reducing temperature out there, and a quieter life.

n.b. based on experience with the Classic, Unibody & Retina 15" MacBook Pro, equally no reason not expect some aspects to help with the current 16/17 15" models...

Q-6

 

[Maverick686]

I have a similar configuration 2017 15" that I use with my Dell P2415Q (same display at 24"). While my fans don't come on immediately after connecting the display, it doesn't take much to get them spinning to 3k-4k RPM. Playing 1080p youtube video in Safari will do it easily.

Do you run a temperature monitor to see the CPU temp with the monitor connected? iStat Menus or the like?

Cool thanks for the input. I'm almost wondering if I should have just picked up the 13" without discrete GPU.

I'm guessing Safari is the culprit - especially with all the ads websites like to run (animated, pop ups etc.). Perhaps I'm being overly OCD and should just accept the fans will run at times when connected to the GPU.

I've reinstalled Spotify just in case.

I am running SMC Fan Control. Lately the fan issue seems to better, especially on a stand (Roost).

Thanks guys.