Fan noise or hard drive noise?

[jomama7366]

I also notice a slight fan-like sound coming from the hard drive. I can only hear it in a very quiet room, though. Any ambient sound will drown it out.

Model: Hitachi HTS543225L9SA02 (250 GB)

Spoke to Apple. The guy was very nice, but said the noise might not be a problem unless it gets worse. So, for now, I'm going to wait.

Here's an interesting thing: when I very gently rest my fingers on the case to the right of the trackpad (ie, right over the hard drive) it gets quieter!

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone who sent theirs in could jump on here when they get their replacement and report. Also, is anyone's drive really completely silent? Even if you lean down and stick your ear next to the case?

 

[twynne]

I also notice a slight fan-like sound coming from the hard drive. I can only hear it in a very quiet room, though. Any ambient sound will drown it out.

Model: Hitachi HTS543225L9SA02 (250 GB)

Spoke to Apple. The guy was very nice, but said the noise might not be a problem unless it gets worse. So, for now, I'm going to wait.

Here's an interesting thing: when I very gently rest my fingers on the case to the right of the trackpad (ie, right over the hard drive) it gets quieter!

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone who sent theirs in could jump on here when they get their replacement and report. Also, is anyone's drive really completely silent? Even if you lean down and stick your ear next to the case?

I think you've got the same noise as mine, and I reckon it's vibrational noise coming from the drive not being seated firmly. I find if I lift the machine and move it around at different angles the noise gets worse. If you remove the battery cover and hold the drive the noise subsides.

I'm going for a replacement as the drive should be shielded properly from vibration like this.

 

[jomama7366]

Hmm, that's interesting. Let us know if your new one has the same problem, and if not, if you still suspect it was a seating issue.

 

[jhu2]

I got a noisy left fan too on my mbp. It sounds like a fan isn't tight like a rattling. I also have the crooked f keys, loose battery cover. I'm at school right now and I'm going to head straight for the apple store when I go home this coming weekend. It'll be 13 days but I couldn't go back since I got it, so I hope they understand.

Question should I run smc fan control to show them the noisy fan, or should I just run spore or wow? The noisy only comes from after 3000rpm

 

[Tex-Twil]

I also notice a slight fan-like sound coming from the hard drive. I can only hear it in a very quiet room, though. Any ambient sound will drown it out.

Model: Hitachi HTS543225L9SA02 (250 GB)

Spoke to Apple. The guy was very nice, but said the noise might not be a problem unless it gets worse. So, for now, I'm going to wait.

Here's an interesting thing: when I very gently rest my fingers on the case to the right of the trackpad (ie, right over the hard drive) it gets quieter!

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone who sent theirs in could jump on here when they get their replacement and report. Also, is anyone's drive really completely silent? Even if you lean down and stick your ear next to the case?

Hello,
I have the same issue. The noise is not that loud but still a bit annoying.

 

[jomama7366]

Well, I took my MBP into a local Apple Service Provider (really nice to have, since I'm not near an Apple Store), and they're ordering a new hard drive for me (under warranty). Should get it today or tomorrow.

I'm beginning to think, though, that the drives just make a little noise normally, and that I have sensitive ears, and especially that since my computer is in a very quiet room, it's more obvious than it would be in a room with ambient noise.

I'll let you know if the new one makes any difference...

 

[jomama7366]

Replaced the hard drive. Same model, Hitachi. No change at all.

Two things:

1. I think that the hard drive is actually very quiet and that it's actually a design issue with the aluminum casing ("echoing" the whirring?) or something like that (again, since when I place my fingers lightly on the case where the hard drive is, the "fan noise" quiets down to almost nothing).

2. I think that my environment is very quiet. When there's a bit of ambient noise, I don't hear anything and the whole computer seems as silent as can be. It's only when there's no ambient noise at all that I notice the hard drive whirring.

Bottom line: it's not the end of the world. I'll just have to get used to it. This computer is so amazing that, on the whole, I think it's worth it.

 

[MacPil0T]

Fan Whirring Noise

After reading through this thread I was wondering if we should make this two separate threads? One for each problem?

I definitely have a fan noise problem as I recognize it from a 1st generation MacBook I used to own. I didn't notice it until I was in a completely silent room. BTW, I have only had this MacBook Pro for 1 day.

I have two questions:

1. My MacBook Pro is flawless in my eyes besides this. I have done as many tests as I can think of and examined it very closely. Should I risk swapping it out for another one or have this one repaired?

2. If I have Apple replace the machine with a new one, is it possible to keep my existing drive with all my data on it? I literally spent 5hrs today prepping this drive for use and have only 37GB out of 320GB free and would like to avoid the transfers again...

I also included a recording I did in garageband of the fan whirring sound so that people can hear it for themselves. It actually sounds quieter in real life but the sound is the same.

 

[ragnartrains]

Fan or harddisk constantly running on macbook

If you have this problem (mac running hot and a constant whirring noise) you probably have a process running that doesn´t stop and you need to stop it manually. Go to the Activity control and check for harddisk activity and processes running. If you have recently installed a printer you may have a printjob running for example. Now manually stop the process. That should do it.......

 

[MacPil0T]

If you have this problem (mac running hot and a constant whirring noise) you probably have a process running that doesn´t stop and you need to stop it manually. Go to the Activity control and check for harddisk activity and processes running. If you have recently installed a printer you may have a printjob running for example. Now manually stop the process. That should do it.......

I have checked activity monitor before I posted. This is what my fan sounded at low speeds (2000) it gets much much worse at high rpm. It's the whir/ticking noise that concerns me not the rush of air. It was like something was hitting something else. But the strange thing is that late last night I was doing some video editing and kept the fans at full speed for a prolonged period of time, after they slowed back down they are silent once again. It's like the problem fixed itself except I am never that lucky.

 

[Tex-Twil]

Hi,
some other facts:

- I didn't have this noise since the beginning. It started after some days of usage

- The noise is not there all the time. Sometimes it goes away then comes back again.

- it doesn't come from the fans cos they are all the time at 2000 rpm

 

[DoNoHarm]

100% CPU load

I have a MBP Classic i'm running with a 100% cpu load 24/7 due to the Rosetta @ Home project. It's quiet. There is the sound of air going out, but it's really not that loud. All computers I've owned prior to this had way more noise. I love this Mac!

 

[wallstreetcrash]

My Alu 2.0 MB, I installed a WD 500GB HD and now after about 20 hours of use, I am getting this clicking sound every 10 seconds or so.

When I ran a lot of processes, eg two HD videos, the clicking goes. But when I close the files, it comes back. I turned off put HD to sleep in energy prefrences as well.

I'm not sure what to do now. I can return the HD maybe, I just got it yesterday. But I hate the battle of proving something is wrong, I bought it online as well

 

[imagex]

constant whirring sound

i too have this problem. have a macbook 2.4 ghz. coming from the right is the constant noise. took my computer to the apple store, the she-man working there told me since i was out of the 14 day range she wouldnt exchange it which i was ok with, but she didnt even bother to look at it. im really curious tho, whose macbook is DEAD quiet?

 

[SWLinPHX]

i too have this problem. have a macbook 2.4 ghz. coming from the right is the constant noise. took my computer to the apple store, the she-man working there told me since i was out of the 14 day range she wouldnt exchange it which i was ok with, but she didnt even bother to look at it. im really curious tho, whose macbook is DEAD quiet?

So is it an Apple policy that no matter what authorized dealer you buy your Mac from you can bring it in to an Apple retail store within 14 days of purchase for a new exchange instead of repair?

Hmmm.... Come to think of it I think I remember a she-male at an Apple Store too. Are you in SoCal or Phoenix areas by any chance Imagex? I know it had to be in one of those areas, LOL.

 

[SWLinPHX]

You guys got me all worried....

I am selling my iBook G4/1.33 to a friend and lately it started making very load buzzing sounds, sometimes like that of an electric razor, and even more so when picked up. I thought it was in line with the fan activity and it was confirmed when I took it in to the Apple Store. However, I meant to have it looked at a couple months ago before my AppleCare ran out, but now I'd have to pay if I want it fixed before selling. They quoted my $135 labor and possibly $50 if the fan needs a full replacement. That seems hefty for an iBook I'm selling for $600 with an issue with doesn't not affect performance, though completely irritating.

Also I just ordered my replacement: A new MacBook Pro 2.53 GHz/4 GB RAM with a lot of peripherals I either needed or will get free with rebate. Up front it totals over $3,100.00, though I'll get $400 or so back in rebates. But before I've even gotten the thing, all over Mac forums such as this and AppleInsider et. al., I am reading about so many issues!...


1) Loud fan (again) and/or hard drive noises

2) The frequent non-responsive glass trackpad click issue

3) The external display connection cutting out

4) Draining during sleep, and/or other sleep & wake issues

5) Loud hard drive sounds/improper seating

6) Hinge causing screen to fall shut when tilted at an angel (not a firm hold in all positions as with previous, etc.)

7) Different manufacturers such as LG and Samsung making display on same model with different degrees of quality.

...etc, ...etc ...etc

Gee, I almost feel discouraged and like I'm in for some hassle or ordeal already and it hasn't even arrived yet!

 

[twynne]

Well I hate to report bad news, but my replacement (2.8ghz, 250gb/7200rpm drive) turned up today and the noise is *exactly* the same as the previous one. I'm inclined to think it's just a fault of the design of the new machines - maybe symptomatic of the fact that the drive attaches to the top case (I believe someone highlighted this elsewhere in this thread).

When sitting flat on a solid surface it's not too bad, but when held/suspended and at a slight angle - approx 30 degrees to horizontal - the noise is quite loud. I may eventually take it into a genius for a view, but for now I'm going to live with it. The machine is otherwise flawless - so far!

 

[imagex]

So is it an Apple policy that no matter what authorized dealer you buy your Mac from you can bring it in to an Apple retail store within 14 days of purchase for a new exchange instead of repair?

Hmmm.... Come to think of it I think I remember a she-male at an Apple Store too. Are you in SoCal or Phoenix areas by any chance Imagex? I know it had to be in one of those areas, LOL.

i am located in socal. she really was a transvestite.

anyways, it seems like everyone at one point or another is having this problem. anybody not having this problem with more than a couple days of ownership?

 

[imagex]

Replaced the hard drive. Same model, Hitachi. No change at all.

Two things:

1. I think that the hard drive is actually very quiet and that it's actually a design issue with the aluminum casing ("echoing" the whirring?) or something like that (again, since when I place my fingers lightly on the case where the hard drive is, the "fan noise" quiets down to almost nothing).

2. I think that my environment is very quiet. When there's a bit of ambient noise, I don't hear anything and the whole computer seems as silent as can be. It's only when there's no ambient noise at all that I notice the hard drive whirring.

Bottom line: it's not the end of the world. I'll just have to get used to it. This computer is so amazing that, on the whole, I think it's worth it.

i wouldnt mind so much except that there are some ppl who say their computer is DEAD quiet. i think i have the exact same problem as you and was wondering what i should do. so are you just going to tough it out?

 

[brop52]

I have the same sound. It goes away when you press it. But honestly anyone wanting to buy the machines have nothing to worry about. It is actually very quiet. It's one of the quietest Macs and certainly notebooks.

What does drive me a little crazy is the HDD head parking to save energy every 5-20 seconds. (Makes a quiet clicking sound.) I have seen ways to fix this through hdapm.

 

[Tex-Twil]

What does drive me a little crazy is the HDD head parking to save energy every 5-20 seconds. (Makes a quiet clicking sound.) I have seen ways to fix this through hdapm.

it is not to save energy. It is the sudden motion sensor which does it cos it thinks that your mbp is moving too fast.

It looks like the sensor is a bit too sensitive on the new MBPs.

Tex

 

[bcaslis]

Well I hate to report bad news, but my replacement (2.8ghz, 250gb/7200rpm drive) turned up today and the noise is *exactly* the same as the previous one. I'm inclined to think it's just a fault of the design of the new machines - maybe symptomatic of the fact that the drive attaches to the top case (I believe someone highlighted this elsewhere in this thread).

When sitting flat on a solid surface it's not too bad, but when held/suspended and at a slight angle - approx 30 degrees to horizontal - the noise is quite loud. I may eventually take it into a genius for a view, but for now I'm going to live with it. The machine is otherwise flawless - so far!

So, let me get this straight. You are taking a drive whirling at 7200rpm and hold it at an angle and find it makes more noise than when level. 7200rpm, right?

And yet this is a "fault" of the machine since it's made out of aluminum? I don't know this couldn't be, oh say, simple physics?

Geez.

And FYI, the drive has bolts attached that mount into rubber mounts. It does not attach directly to the case, I've changed drives in these models.

 

[SWLinPHX]

i am located in socal. she really was a transvestite.

LOL, okay... you are talking about the one in Canoga Park and/or Northridge, right? I remember it seeming odd that they had such an obvious cross dresser/tranny working there, like a guy dressed for Halloween almost. Apple must surely be an equal opportunity employer. Nothing against it, but just highly unusual to see an Apple Store salesperson that makes such an immediate odd & conspicuous impression like that.

 

[SWLinPHX]

I am reading about so many issues!:


1) Loud fan (again) and/or hard drive noises

2) The frequent non-responsive glass trackpad click issue

3) The external display connection cutting out

4) Draining during sleep, and/or other sleep & wake issues

5) Loud hard drive sounds/improper seating

6) Hinge causing screen to fall shut when tilted at an angel (not a firm hold in all positions as with previous, etc.)

7) Different manufacturers such as LG and Samsung making display on same model with different degrees of quality.

...etc, ...etc ...etc

Gee, I almost feel discouraged and like I'm in for some hassle or ordeal already and it hasn't even arrived yet!

When I receive my entire MacBook Pro order this week (Thursday), what do you guys suggest I check for or lookout for the most? Does seeing if the display is the "good one" LG/Philips, etc. and not the "lesser" one (as explained in another thread) apply to the Pros? Any other things I can be vigilant about from the get-go since I am now gonna be one of the Revision 1 "guinea pigs"?

Also, no one answered my previous question: is it an Apple policy that no matter what authorized dealer you buy your Mac from you can bring it in to an Apple retail store within 14 days of purchase for a new exchange instead of repair?

Thanks in advance!

 

[imagex]

LOL, okay... you are talking about the one in Canoga Park and/or Northridge, right? I remember it seeming odd that they had such an obvious cross dresser/tranny working there, like a guy dressed for Halloween almost. Apple must surely be an equal opportunity employer. Nothing against it, but just highly unusual to see an Apple Store salesperson that makes such an immediate odd & conspicuous impression like that.

YES! Haha, what a coincidence. I wouldn't have even mentioned her/him except she/he was really rude.