Clicking Noise - 2012 MacBook Pro (SMS?)

[mwotus]

I just recently got a MacBook Pro through my college and every time I pick it up or move it suddenly there is this clicking noise coming from the hard-drive. I've read all about the Sudden Motion Sensor, but even when the laptop is closed and I move it there is a clicking noise. Is that normal, and is that the SMS, or is something wrong?

 

[sevoneone]

Is it a 15" Classic Pro? If so, there is a small plastic retaining clip inside on the underside of the computer that helps hold the bottom case plate flush. For whatever reason, I suppose to provide some give for heat expansion, it isn't 100% tight. When you pick up the machine, or apply other small amounts of torque you can sometimes hear it click or move a little. My 2010 15" has done it since the day I got it.

I read about other people experiencing it and a few months later while upgrading the RAM, I noticed the clip right the ram slots and battery connector. Sure enough, it had a little give and that is about where the sound comes from. I still notice it all the time, but it doesn't bother me. Especially since I put in an SSD last year and know it is not the HDD. ;-)

 

[yusukeaoki]

Thats normal.
If its not a retina model with SSD/Flash it should be making that noise.
Even if its not moving, the HDD detects all the sudden motion and tries to protect it from losing data.

 

[mwotus]

Is it a 15" Classic Pro? If so, there is a small plastic retaining clip inside on the underside of the computer that helps hold the bottom case plate flush. For whatever reason, I suppose to provide some give for heat expansion, it isn't 100% tight. When you pick up the machine, or apply other small amounts of torque you can sometimes hear it click or move a little. My 2010 15" has done it since the day I got it.

I read about other people experiencing it and a few months later while upgrading the RAM, I noticed the clip right the ram slots and battery connector. Sure enough, it had a little give and that is about where the sound comes from. I still notice it all the time, but it doesn't bother me. Especially since I put in an SSD last year and know it is not the HDD. ;-)

It's a 13" Pro without Retina Display

 

[groove-agent]

Sounds like laptop is parking the head to prevent possible data loss in case of a jostle or fall. It's normal, or at least it is for my last 3 MBPs.