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New Macbook Sounds Like a LightSaber

Z

zombiemom

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 17, 2012
35
0
I've been researching this issue and haven't seen many recent threads that address it. It seems no one has come up with a concrete answer in the earlier threads, so I wanted to ask again for the newer models.

I have a MacBook Pro 13" that I got about 2.5 weeks ago. Today I noticed a sound when I moved it very slightly. It's the sound of a lightsaber. It's pretty worrisome, but I wasn't sure if I didn't notice it before (as I have loud kids) or if it just started.

Could this sound be normal? Could it indicate something wrong?

The hard drive seems to be okay when I run disk utility.

Anyone with a similar issue?

Thank you
 
I'd say you got your money's worth if it sounds like a lightsaber.

Jokes aside, it's probably a harddrive issue or more likely a fan issue.

I have the same issue with my right fan, which makes a grinding noise if I move it too fast, what you can do is open up your computer, take some engine oil and grease up the fan, it'll work for about 4-5 months before it comes back.
 
wankey said:
I'd say you got your money's worth if it sounds like a lightsaber.

Jokes aside, it's probably a harddrive issue or more likely a fan issue.

I have the same issue with my right fan, which makes a grinding noise if I move it too fast, what you can do is open up your computer, take some engine oil and grease up the fan, it'll work for about 4-5 months before it comes back.
Click to expand...

LOL, thanks for the response. Do you think it's worth taking it in? I did open it up today to upgrade my RAM. Didn't touch anything else. Hope I didn't muck up something. I'm not a newb to opening up computers, BUT this is my first MAC as I'm a PC tech. hehe

yusukeaoki said:
A lightsaber sound?
Not like a click sound?
Click to expand...

Definitely lightsaber. I thought so and when I asked my daughter if she heard it, she said, "What? That lightsaber sound?" lol
 
Last edited:
zombiemom said:
LOL, thanks for the response. Do you think it's worth taking it in? I did open it up today to upgrade my RAM. Didn't touch anything else. Hope I didn't muck up something. I'm not a newb to opening up computers, BUT this is my first MAC as I'm a PC tech. hehe



Definitely lightsaber. I thought so and would I asked my daughter if she heard it, she said, "What? That lightsaber sound?" lol
Click to expand...

So its like the "vroom vroom" sound when they swing it?
 
This is the weirdest thing ever. Does it glow and cut through things?

Are there specific motions that are more likely to cause the sound, or is it simply caused every time you move it? Can you get a video with sound of this?
 
iThinkergoiMac said:
This is the weirdest thing ever. Does it glow and cut through things?

Are there specific motions that are more likely to cause the sound, or is it simply caused every time you move it? Can you get a video with sound of this?
Click to expand...

Only glows in the dark. ;)

When lifting it gently straight up, no sound.
Tilting (gently) back or forth you get a sound. I doubt video would pick it up. It's VERY low, and I wouldn't have noticed had my kids been talking or if the tv was even on.

goMac said:
Is there a cd in the drive?
Click to expand...

No CD. I haven't used the drive at all. Sound does come from that side from what I can tell. But I think that's the side the hard drive is on as well. :confused:
 
yusukeaoki said:
Seems to be the HDD or the fans fault.
If it annoys you, take it to a genius and get it checked out
Click to expand...

When you guys say HDD, do you mean just a sound it makes or something wrong?

Yeah, I'll likely take it in or I'll probably obsess over it. :D
 
zombiemom said:
When you guys say HDD, do you mean just a sound it makes or something wrong?

Yeah, I'll likely take it in or I'll probably obsess over it. :D
Click to expand...

I have a 17in but never heard of "lightsaber" sound on my Mac.
It might be a defect but Im not sure since I havent heard it.
Is it possible for you to record it?
 
yusukeaoki said:
I have a 17in but never heard of "lightsaber" sound on my Mac.
It might be a defect but Im not sure since I havent heard it.
Is it possible for you to record it?
Click to expand...

Thanks.
I think the sound is too low to record. I'll make an attempt though.
Will update.
 
That's awesome, it almost does sound like a lightsaber. My guess is the fan, as others have said. It's possible, but very unlikely, that it's the HDD.
 
yusukeaoki said:
I heard it! And yes it does sound like an lightsaber! lol

Im strongly guessing its the fan. Have you every opened your Mac before?
Click to expand...

I certainly did. Today! I upgraded my ram to 8gb. I assume I know what I was doing since I was a PC tech for about 10 years. But, I've been known to screw up. LOL. I am hoping it's nothing I did. I didn't touch anything but a little metal to ground myself and then swapped out the ram.

iThinkergoiMac said:
That's awesome, it almost does sound like a lightsaber. My guess is the fan, as others have said. It's possible, but very unlikely, that it's the HDD.
Click to expand...

It does sound like it, doesn't it? Strange. I suppose I'll take it in to be sure. I'm so lazy. HAHA
 
zombiemom said:
I certainly did. Today! I upgraded my ram to 8gb. I assume I know what I was doing since I was a PC tech for about 10 years. But, I've been known to screw up. LOL. I am hoping it's nothing I did. I didn't touch anything but a little metal to ground myself and then swapped out the ram.
Click to expand...

This is just a guess, but the fan might be damaged.
I had a 2008 MacBook Air and I accidentally damaged the fan.
After that it sounded like clicking and that "vroom" sound but way louder.
Never thought it sounds like a lightsaber lol

Try cleaning out the fan without scratching it or anything.
The dust or something might be clogging/damaging the fan creating that noise.
 
I totally forgot to update in case anyone else had the issue. My Mac is still going strong. I took it in that week I posted and they could find nothing wrong. Matter of fact, they claimed they couldn't even hear anything! Of course I didn't either, until I got home. So strange. I back up regularly, just in case. And yes, it still makes the sound when moved. LOL.
 
same issue

I have this same issue on my 2011 Macbook Pro 13". Apart from that it works fine. Never any problems with it.
 
I do have this issue on my 13" 2008 Pro. The sound is due to the hard drive and it particularly noticable on 'soft surfaces' such as a bed or sofa.
 
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