Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Fans not working on rMBP 13"?

JOSE891

JOSE891

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Sep 15, 2012
601
2
Las Vegas
Ok for about the past month and 1/2 I've noticed that the fans don't work on my 2012 rMBP 13" when it gets really hot. I just ignored the issue but it really starting to annoy me as now it goes super slow when it gets hot.

I mostly use the internet and do light stuff, nothing CPU intensive.
Even tried converting a few videos and playing GTA iV and the fans still never turned on.

Is this normal?, Im really puzzled at this point.

I also use Windows on BootCamp occasionally and the fans still don't ever turn on there.

I did a fresh reinstall of Mavericks and still the same issue. I even did a diagnostics test and I hear the fan turn on for like 3 seconds while it's running, but the test doesn't read back any problems.

Is it possible a heat sensor is defective? Or something like that.

My standard warranty expired last month but I bought Apple Care+ so my Apple Care+ just kicked in. Is there anyway I can just have Apple Replace it? Or will they just replace some part? I also have a problem with it not reading any Wi-Fi networks after its closed for a few min and have to manually turn off wifi and turn it back on.

TYIA
 
JOSE891 said:
Ok for about the past month and 1/2 I've noticed that the fans don't work on my 2012 rMBP 13" when it gets really hot. I just ignored the issue but it really starting to annoy me as now it goes super slow when it gets hot.

I mostly use the internet and do light stuff, nothing CPU intensive.
Even tried converting a few videos and playing GTA iV and the fans still never turned on.

Is this normal?, Im really puzzled at this point.

I also use Windows on BootCamp occasionally and the fans still don't ever turn on there.

I did a fresh reinstall of Mavericks and still the same issue. I even did a diagnostics test and I hear the fan turn on for like 3 seconds while it's running, but the test doesn't read back any problems.

Is it possible a heat sensor is defective? Or something like that.

My standard warranty expired last month but I bought Apple Care+ so my Apple Care+ just kicked in. Is there anyway I can just have Apple Replace it? Or will they just replace some part? I also have a problem with it not reading any Wi-Fi networks after its closed for a few min and have to manually turn off wifi and turn it back on.

TYIA
Click to expand...

I'm not sure about the sensor, but to see if the fans are actually capable of running for a certain period, you could download and install UltraFan:

https://sites.google.com/site/ultrafansoftwareformac/

Once installed, switch from Automatic into Manual mode. Leave the cursor at approximately 50%. That should get your fans spinning and you will usually see the temps start to drop after a few minutes. If it doesn't, move the cursor up a bit more (towards 100%) and see what happens. If you set at 100%, this will set the fans to max speed as if the machine were under a heavy load, and you should hear the fans howling and the temps should drop progressively. Personally, I rarely use UltraFan, but it's a great tool if you're having fan issues.
 
The fans do work , but they are very quiet, even under moderate load. Are you actually using a temp monitor such as iStat? That will show the fan speed in RPM and I believe you can change the speed using it as well. I have only heard my fans once and that was when I tried to by setting to fan speed close to the highest speed. If the fans didn't work, the computer would have shut itself down a long time ago.
 
JOSE891 said:
Ok for about the past month and 1/2 I've noticed that the fans don't work on my 2012 rMBP 13" when it gets really hot. I just ignored the issue but it really starting to annoy me as now it goes super slow when it gets hot.
Click to expand...
If you're not already doing so, use iStat Pro (free) or iStat Menus ($16) to get accurate readings of your temps, fan speeds, etc., rather than relying on your sense of touch or sound. A forum member has posted a copy of iStat Pro that has been "tweaked" to enhance compatibility with Mountain Lion. You can download it here.
​
The Intel processors used in Macs are designed to automatically shut down to prevent damage if they truly overheat. CPU Tjmax = 105C (221F), GPU Tjmax = 100C (212F) on i3, i5, i7 processors. (Source: Intel)
​
Unless there is a rare defect in a Mac, most temps are well within the normal operating range, considering the workload being put on it. Websites with Flash content, games and other multimedia apps will put higher demand on the CPU/GPU, generating more heat. This is normal. If you're constantly putting high demands on your system, such as gaming or other multimedia tasks, expect temps to rise and fans to spin up accordingly. It's just your Mac doing its job to maintain temps within the normal range.
​
It is also quite normal for your Mac to become extremely hot to the touch during intensive operations. The aluminum body transfers heat more effectively than other materials used in computer casings, so you will feel the heat more. This doesn't indicate that it's overheating and will not harm the computer to be hot to the touch.
The bottom of your Mac notebook may become very warm during normal use. If your notebook is on your lap and gets uncomfortably warm, move it to a stable work surface that allows for good ventilation.
Click to expand...
Your fans are always on when your Mac is on, spinning at a minimum of 2000 rpm (for MBPs) or 1800 rpm (for MBAs, MBs and minis), or 1200 for the newest MBAs. Older iMacs have 3 fans with minimum speeds in the 800-1200 range, while the newest iMacs have a single fan, spinning at a minimum of about 1400 rpm. They will spin faster as needed to keep temps at a safe level. If your fans are spinning up without increased heat, try resetting the SMC. (PRAM/NVRAM has nothing to do with these issues, so resetting it will not help.)
​
The intake and exhaust vents are in the back of the computer near the hinge on all notebooks in the MacBook line (except the new MBP with retina display, which has intake vents along the sides at the bottom). The iMac vent is a slot on the back near the top of the computer. Make sure the vents remain unblocked to allow your computer to perform at its best. For Flash-related issues:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back