MBP 16" Checklist and Tests

[baybaytenayje]

Just bought a MBP 16" today and wanted some advice on what to look for before my 14 day return window expires. I bought from the refurbished store to save a couple hundred $$$. It seems like people have good experiences with refurbished gear and it'll allow me to invest more in a good case/sleeve. Here are the specs:

MacBook Pro - 16"

• 2.3GHz 8-core 9th-generation Intel Core i9 processor
• Turbo Boost up to 4.8GHz
• AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 4GB of GDDR6 memory
• 16GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory
• 1TB SSD storage

After reading some threads today it seems like some of the obvious ones are battery life, startup/shutdown issues and excessive heat. I'm new to combing through the performance stats on a machine like this so any pointers are much appreciated. If you could include your preferred 3rd party resources in your recommendations as well that'd be great. Thanks, Everyone!

 

[1218335]

This is a checklist I put together for this same device. I wrote it for myself, so not really detailed. Let me know if I can clarify anything -

• Inspect box (dents, holes, info [model no, specs])
• Check About My Mac to make sure the specs and model match the box / what you ordered
• Enclosure (blemishes, ports, discoloration, scratches, warping)
• Display / touch bar (dead pixels, backlight bleed, motion blur) http://lcdtech.info/en/tests/dead.pixel.htm
• Camera, microphones, speakers, keyboard, trackpad (these are easy since they’re performed during normal use)
• Check that all ports transmit power / data
• WiFi / Bluetooth (another easy one)
• SSD speed (Blackmagic on Mac AppStore)
• Apple Diagnostics Test https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202731
• Battery cycle count / capacity 8790 mAh (System Report, coconutBattery) https://www.coconut-flavour.com/coconutbattery/
• Thermals / GPU (Fans revving up at idle is normal when new due to Spotlight indexing, iCloud drive / photo library syncing. When in doubt, check activity monitor) https://crystalidea.com/macs-fan-control
• Speaker popping (this may be a software issue)
• Display hinge looseness / wobbling
• Coil whine / SSD noises (this has also been widely reported; you have to decide if you can live with it. Keep in mind that some coil whine on a new machine can be somewhat normal as well)
• Restart/crash bug / Bridge OS kernel panic (apparently also a software issue that occurs during sleep)
• Geekbench https://www.geekbench.com/ / Cinebench (Mac AppStore)
• Get AppleCare+ (this might be one of the biggest ones to do in those 14 days)

Keep in mind that Apple refurbs are supposed to be like new, and so the same standards you’d have for a brand new device should still apply.

For what it’s worth, I’ve used two models and only experienced one of these issues (the coil whine) on one model and it went away after the first day.

 

[katmeef]

After reading some threads today it seems like some of the obvious ones are battery life, startup/shutdown issues and excessive heat. I'm new to combing through the performance stats on a machine like this so any pointers are much appreciated. If you could include your preferred 3rd party resources in your recommendations as well that'd be great. Thanks, Everyone!

Congrats on buying a sweet computer. I'd say just use it as you normally would and keep an eye out for any problems. Most of the issues you read about here are probably only happening to a very small percentage of the units which are being sold by Apple, it's quite unlikely for the majority of the products being manufactured to have serious flaws. As well, if it's from the Apple Refurbished store then it's been taken apart, reconditioned where required and reassembled by an expert looking for any issues - I've never had a problem with a refurbished Mac aside from butterfly keyboard woes. Oh, and AppleCare+ is great peace of mind.

 

[simonmet]

I’d say the above isn’t strictly true because there are some issues that very few people claim not to have, but for me such issues have been relatively minor and not worth returning over.

Some quick tests you should do are:

1. Launch Keynote and open a new plain white presentation (one of the templates). Change the presentation dimensions to 16:10 because the default is 16:9. Click the present button and turn brightness up. Look for any dead pixels and discolouration patches.
2. Repeat as above with the black template. Turn brightness to maximum. Look for any uneven backlighting and backlight bleed, particularly around the edges. Nothing should be noticeable and it should appear as a fairly even dark grey.
3. Find some benchmarking utilities like Cinebench 20. Run Cinebench a few times and listen to the fans to ensure they aren’t high pitched, rattly or whiny. They should sound pleasant at all fan speeds (though maximum speed is quite loud).
4. Check over the case edges and look for any marks, dents or scratches.
5. Check the keyboard. Each key should feel responsive and not rattle or wobble more than very slightly (the space bar does wobble slightly more due to its size but that’s normal).
6. Play some music at all volumes and ensure there isn’t any rattle or distorted sound (that isn’t present in the audio recording).
7. Feel around the trackpad edge. It should feel ever so slightly recessed compared to the surrounding aluminium and even all the way around.
8. Check system information to ensure you got the specs that you paid for! (Lol).
9. Don’t stress too much. Use and enjoy the Mac.

These are some of the quick and easy checks you can do.

 

[baybaytenayje]

This is a checklist I put together for this same device. I wrote it for myself, so not really detailed. Let me know if I can clarify anything -

• Inspect box (dents, holes, info [model no, specs])
• Check About My Mac to make sure the specs and model match the box / what you ordered
• Enclosure (blemishes, ports, discoloration, scratches, warping)
• Display / touch bar (dead pixels, backlight bleed, motion blur) http://lcdtech.info/en/tests/dead.pixel.htm
• Camera, microphones, speakers, keyboard, trackpad (these are easy since they’re performed during normal use)
• Check that all ports transmit power / data
• WiFi / Bluetooth (another easy one)
• SSD speed (Blackmagic on Mac AppStore)
• Apple Diagnostics Test https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202731
• Battery cycle count / capacity 8790 mAh (System Report, coconutBattery) https://www.coconut-flavour.com/coconutbattery/
• Thermals / GPU (Fans revving up at idle is normal when new due to Spotlight indexing, iCloud drive / photo library syncing. When in doubt, check activity monitor) https://crystalidea.com/macs-fan-control
• Speaker popping (this may be a software issue)
• Display hinge looseness / wobbling
• Coil whine / SSD noises (this has also been widely reported; you have to decide if you can live with it. Keep in mind that some coil whine on a new machine can be somewhat normal as well)
• Restart/crash bug / Bridge OS kernel panic (apparently also a software issue that occurs during sleep)
• Geekbench https://www.geekbench.com/ / Cinebench (Mac AppStore)
• Get AppleCare+ (this might be one of the biggest ones to do in those 14 days)

Keep in mind that Apple refurbs are supposed to be like new, and so the same standards you’d have for a brand new device should still apply.

For what it’s worth, I’ve used two models and only experienced one of these issues (the coil whine) on one model and it went away after the first day.

Thanks - this is exactly what I was looking for. Appreciate the advice!

Congrats on buying a sweet computer. I'd say just use it as you normally would and keep an eye out for any problems. Most of the issues you read about here are probably only happening to a very small percentage of the units which are being sold by Apple, it's quite unlikely for the majority of the products being manufactured to have serious flaws. As well, if it's from the Apple Refurbished store then it's been taken apart, reconditioned where required and reassembled by an expert looking for any issues - I've never had a problem with a refurbished Mac aside from butterfly keyboard woes. Oh, and AppleCare+ is great peace of mind.

Yes I totally agree with this method as well. I won't enjoy the purchase if I'm actively looking for something wrong... It was probably a mistake to look at the forums immediately after buying. Kind of like looking at WebMD after you sneeze...

That being said though it's one of the more expensive purchases I've ever made so I'll be on the lookout for major issues. Thanks for your advice!

I’d say the above isn’t strictly true because there are some issues that very few people claim not to have, but for me such issues have been relatively minor and not worth returning over.

Some quick tests you should do are:

1. Launch Keynote and open a new plain white presentation (one of the templates). Change the presentation dimensions to 16:10 because the default is 16:9. Click the present button and turn brightness up. Look for any dead pixels and discolouration patches.
2. Repeat as above with the black template. Turn brightness to maximum. Look for any uneven backlighting and backlight bleed, particularly around the edges. Nothing should be noticeable and it should appear as a fairly even dark grey.
3. Find some benchmarking utilities like Cinebench 20. Run Cinebench a few times and listen to the fans to ensure they aren’t high pitched, rattly or whiny. They should sound pleasant at all fan speeds (though maximum speed is quite loud).
4. Check over the case edges and look for any marks, dents or scratches.
5. Check the keyboard. Each key should feel responsive and not rattle or wobble more than very slightly (the space bar does slightly more due to its size but that’s normal).
6. Play some music at all volumes and ensure there isn’t any rattle or distorted sound (that isn’t present in the audio recording).
7. Feel around the trackpad edge. It should feel ever so slightly recessed compared to the surrounding aluminium and even all the way around.
8. Check system information to ensure you got the specs that you paid for! (Lol).
9. Don’t stress too much. Use and enjoy the Mac.

These are some of the quick and easy checks you can do.

These seem like super easy steps I can take right away. I'll probably do these first before getting into the nitty-gritty. Thanks!

 

[simonmet]

Yeah, I didn’t want to focus too much on the performance aspects.

In fact, I don’t even remember seeing that amazing checklist above my answer. If I had I probably wouldn’t have even bothered writing the points that I did (some of which were also on @1218355 ’s list)!

 

[bill-p]

Download Cinebench R20, set it to run indefinitely for 24 hours, then connect 2x external 4K monitors to your MacBook Pro, and then point a heater at the computer and turn it to maximum, then put a microphone right next to the computer, and then route the microphone to the loudest speaker you find and turn volume to max.

Record all of that.

Then send it to Apple and tell them their computer has an issue.

I'm half joking but half serious as well. That's the single biggest issue thread I have seen on the 16", and the weirdest discussion I have ever had.

But aside from that, seriously, just use it like normal and enjoy. If you are already having second thoughts because it's a bit out of your budget and the computer has to be absolutely pristine/perfect, I'd say... return it and get something that you're comfortable with.

Or if you do want to keep the computer, perhaps consider investing in AppleCare+ and then just call it a day.

 

[LFC2020]

Enjoy the beast, don't go looking for problems that aren't there.

If you do encounter any issue, that what warranty is for.

Plus you have apples 14 days no questions asked return policy.

 

[simonmet]

Stress from bill shock is a normal reaction! I felt anxious buying a $900 bed once, it’s only natural to feel it when buying a $4,000 laptop, which I’ve done 3 times (even more for lesser ones).

3 months in and I feel fine now. I’m over babying it! I got Apple Care so that helps. I know from experience I can get a good price when it comes time to sell, if and when I want or need to.

It’s been great and enjoyable so far. I have had some panic restarts on sleep, but they aren’t common enough to bother me (I always close everything before putting it to sleep anyway). I still hope they get fixed, though.

Speaker popping is also fixed for me. I haven’t heard it for a month or two. Some of the early graphics driver issues have also been fixed, but others seem to remain (though I don’t run external displayed myself).

Wondering where the next macOS patch is!

 

[FilmIndustryGuy]

just got my 16" apple refurbished. everything looks good except I can see a small ding in the side of the display. you can only see it when looking from the side of laptop and its small maybe 1 mm. I can feel it when running my finger through the edge of the screen. would you bother returning over this or just keeping it? would apple give a further discount if I call? I guess they missed this ding when reconditioning this Mac.

 

[b.kind]

Re: refurb ...
You won't dicker them cheaper. If the unit is good, I would keep it. I got a base model 16" refurb a month ago, no visible wear. Been very pleased with it so far.

 

[simonmet]

just got my 16" apple refurbished. everything looks good except I can see a small ding in the side of the display. you can only see it when looking from the side of laptop and its small maybe 1 mm. I can feel it when running my finger through the edge of the screen. would you bother returning over this or just keeping it? would apple give a further discount if I call? I guess they missed this ding when reconditioning this Mac.

If it bothers you, return it and try again. Apple says refurb units can have minor cosmetic imperfections, but then so can new units if you’re unlucky. I’m a bit OCD so personally I would, but it depends on the size of the discount.

The fact you noticed it means you’ll always know it’s there, but you can cause such things yourself by accident at any time. Life isn’t perfect. Murphy’s Law states you’ll put a scratch or dent in your new car in its first week of ownership and then never again!

Apple may give you a voucher or something if you ask nicely; and there’s no harm in doing so. They’ll want to avoid a return because that means they have to assess and prepare the laptop for sale again.

 

[rhashem]

Download Cinebench R20, set it to run indefinitely for 24 hours, then connect 2x external 4K monitors to your MacBook Pro, and then point a heater at the computer and turn it to maximum, then put a microphone right next to the computer, and then route the microphone to the loudest speaker you find and turn volume to max.

Record all of that.

Then send it to Apple and tell them their computer has an issue.

I'm half joking but half serious as well. That's the single biggest issue thread I have seen on the 16", and the weirdest discussion I have ever had.

But aside from that, seriously, just use it like normal and enjoy. If you are already having second thoughts because it's a bit out of your budget and the computer has to be absolutely pristine/perfect, I'd say... return it and get something that you're comfortable with.

Or if you do want to keep the computer, perhaps consider investing in AppleCare+ and then just call it a day.

What exactly is weird about it? I've used Macs for 14 years, and the 16" is the first one that has always been on the verge of spinning up the fans just because you connected an external monitor.

 

[bill-p]

What exactly is weird about it? I've used Macs for 14 years, and the 16" is the first one that has always been on the verge of spinning up the fans just because you connected an external monitor.

I have used Macs for as long as you have as well. The 16" is definitely NOT the first one that is always on the verge of spinning up the fans. External display or not.

Please try the 2018 - 2019 15". Heck, the title of a review about the 2018 15" is literally about "heat":

New MacBook Pro review: the heat is on

New processors, new keyboard, and True Tone displays

www.theverge.com

This has been an issue ever since Apple made the 15" thinner in 2016. You may not have seen it with the 2015 15" (I have one still, by the way), but it's definitely something I have seen with other 15" since 2016 as well, which is why I went with the 12" (no noise whatsoever) and the 13" (more minimal noise) for the past 4 years.

But beside that point, I don't know if you have read the whole thread. I'm one of those who posted multiple screenshots to people to prove that:

1. The high power consumption issue only affects people who need to run both the internal monitor and external monitor(s) at the same time and cannot work any other way.

2. It is not an issue at all for those who use clamshell mode without third-party adapters and those who just use the MacBook by itself.

I'm the latter case, so this is essentially not an issue for me at all. But... the thing is, that discussion is weird because almost everyone who is affected by it insists that it's a universal issue that somehow affects all 16" users without fail, despite this being use case specific.