5th Gen Airport Extreme Buzzing Noise

[madsci954]

I have a 5th gen Airport Extreme, Apple refurbished, that makes buzzing noises on data downloads. The noise sounds similar to a spinning hard drive, but no hard drives are attached to the router, nor are there any in the area of the router. When it sits idle, the buzz noise doesn't sound.

I have about 2 weeks left on the one year warranty, should I have Apple look at it, or is that noise always there and I just started noticing it? I haven't seen any negative performance on my network lately.

 

[marzer]

I have a 5th gen Airport Extreme, Apple refurbished, that makes buzzing noises on data downloads. The noise sounds similar to a spinning hard drive, but no hard drives are attached to the router, nor are there any in the area of the router. When it sits idle, the buzz noise doesn't sound.

I have about 2 weeks left on the one year warranty, should I have Apple look at it, or is that noise always there and I just started noticing it? I haven't seen any negative performance on my network lately.

That's not normal. If I had to guess without hearing it, I'd say the power supply might be going. Downloading is heavier activity, causing higher power draw. You don't hear on idle because of the lower power draw.

 

[madsci954]

Got in touch with Apple, they said I have to bring it in for testing and repair. Unfortunately, I won't be able to get to an Apple Store (over an hour drive) until next weekend. We have a non-Airport router to use in the mean time, so not worried about being without it.

 

[Altemose]

Got in touch with Apple, they said I have to bring it in for testing and repair. Unfortunately, I won't be able to get to an Apple Store (over an hour drive) until next weekend. We have a non-Airport router to use in the mean time, so not worried about being without it.

Another option is a send in repair. AppleCare can facilitate a repair where you send in your Extreme and they will repair or replace it. This maybe an easier option because you don't know if the Apple Store is going to have 5th gen. units in stock. The last time I got my school's 5th gen. replaced at the local Genius Bar they had to order one in from AppleCare and have me pick it up a few days later.

 

[madsci954]

Another option is a send in repair. AppleCare can facilitate a repair where you send in your Extreme and they will repair or replace it. This maybe an easier option because you don't know if the Apple Store is going to have 5th gen. units in stock. The last time I got my school's 5th gen. replaced at the local Genius Bar they had to order one in from AppleCare and have me pick it up a few days later.

I asked the rep, as this would be the better option for me. But the rep said I have to go through an Apple Store or certified Apple repair shop first, then it would get forwarded to the proper repair facility. Neither option is close to where I live.

 

[Altemose]

I asked the rep, as this would be the better option for me. But the rep said I have to go through an Apple Store or certified Apple repair shop first, then it would get forwarded to the proper repair facility. Neither option is close to where I live.

It is possible that mail in repairs on AirPorts is limited to the education and business market. Either way, I am sure that if you got out there and they didn't have the repair unit in stock that they would find a way to help you.

 

[madsci954]

Oh I'm sure they will help me, Apple CS is one of my few expectations I have for the company. I just won't be able to get out there until next weekend. Only thing I'm worried about is having to make two trips, one to drop off the other to pick up. #firstworldproblem

I'm going to ask when I go for my appointment if they can ship me the replacement unit if they need to ship to me.

 

[Altemose]

Oh I'm sure they will help me, Apple CS is one of my few expectations I have for the company. I just won't be able to get out there until next weekend. Only thing I'm worried about is having to make two trips, one to drop off the other to pick up. #firstworldproblem

I'm going to ask when I go for my appointment if they can ship me the replacement unit if they need to ship to me.

They likely will have the Extreme in stock but I am sure they will work with either shipping one to you or replacing it with a 6th generation in light of your situation if necessary.