How big an issue is the fan noise on the nTB MBP?

[saintforlife]

Looking at the 2017 nTB for my next Mac. Been reading threads here that say that the TB version has two fans and hence they do not turn on as often as the single fan on nTB MBP.

Just wondering how big an issue, the fan noise is on the nTB model, if at all? Also in what scenarios does the fan usually turn on - YouTube, Netflix, Chrome tabs etc.? And when it turns on, is it obviously and annoying loud?

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

The nTB is a lower wattage processor which only requires a single fan to cool. The TB is a higher wattage which requires 2 fans. Both are reasonably silent in day to day operation.

The key is in the turbo-boost mode, this is when the system gets pushed and requires extra cooling. The TB model already has a higher wattage processor and so can handle a lot more load than the nTB model can without requiring the extra cooling.

So effectively, if you are just using a Pro machine to browse Netflix and YouTube, you'll be fine. If however you're using a Pro machine to run complex simulations or processes, then the TB model will stay cooler.

Either way it's not an 'issue', the Macs are significantly quieter than Windows computers, and are pretty much silent for simple tasks, only kicking up the fan when required. Which in the case of a laptop is stressing the GPU/CPU, which if you're rendering out a complex 3D scene in Cinema4D or processing some 4K video, then it's to be expected.

 

[project_2501]

So effectively, if you are just using a Pro machine to browse Netflix and YouTube, you'll be fine.

Not for me. Netflix, youtube, iplayer overheats my nTB and makes the fans go cazy like an aircraft engine. In 20yrs never seen anything like it.

Full detailed review incl pictures of glue failing, videos and screenshots of temp/fan app. And Apple are denying a problem. A £1800 pro machine .. my £500 3yr old thinkpad doesn't sweat.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2017-macbook-pro-13-non-tb-review.2056971/

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

Not for me. Netflix, youtube, iplayer overheats my nTB and makes the fans go cazy like an aircraft engine. In 20yrs never seen anything like it.

Full detailed review incl pictures of glue failing, videos and screenshots of temp/fan app. And Apple are denying a problem. A £1800 pro machine .. my £500 3yr old thinkpad doesn't sweat.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2017-macbook-pro-13-non-tb-review.2056971/

You had Netflix, YouTube, and iPlayer 20 years ago? Maybe strictly is just too much for the Mac to handle? Had a quick look, seems you're using your laptop in clamshell mode most of the time? That'll be why it's getting hot, it's not really designed to be used as a desktop. Try leaving it open on the desk and see if it still does it. 90' is a little excessive but then it is a baby MBP.

 

[bcaslis]

I see a lot of complaining here but I'm very happy with my nTB MBP. The fans for most things are completely off and silent. Even when on they are very quiet until 5000 rpm. I only get them to come on with very intensive apps such as running a Windows VM. I'd had most models of the 13" MBP and this is the best one I've owned yet. It's not like the fans on the TB model won't make noise either. And the performance difference between the nTB and TB are minimal. The only real drawback is 2 TB3 ports instead of 4.

 

[KhunJay]

Im not as worried about the fan noise as I am about the annoying noise while typing on that keyboard.

 

[CTHarrryH]

Is it only noise or does the machine slow down also. I have a late 2012 mbp that I am thinking of replacing with this model. On my 2012 when the fan comes on performance dies at the same time - I suspect it i really the other way around some process is running away and thus the fan but I'm worried when I hear about any fan coming on at high speed

 

[bcaslis]

I have not seen any performance change when the machine is under load and the fans are on. I'm sure it's possible to go it you are under load long enough but I've not seen any issues.

 

[Sensamic]

Do desktops make less fan noise in the same scenarios as a laptop?

 

[bcaslis]

Do desktops make less fan noise in the same scenarios as a laptop?

Usually, yes. Desktops like an iMac have much greater cooling capacity than ultra thin laptops which have a harder time dissipating heat. But it's hard to carry an iMac with you like a laptop.

 

[jimmypod]

The vast majority of the time, the fans are going to be off.

However...

When they turn on, they have a presence. They announce themselves, and you can hear the whirring sound as well as a small electronic buzz. Their persistent drone deafens your auditory senses until you get used to the taste of defeat.

Just kidding, kind of. They're not loud, but they're definitely annoying.