Should I avoid buying a Macbook Air with loud fan noises on startup?

[SCtester]

I'm considering buying a 2013 11" Macbook Air on Ebay for a good price. The catch is that the seller says the fan kicks in on high upon startup, for a few minutes after startup, and when many programs are open. But they say it doesn't see to overheat and performs as normal.

Could fans going on high be a sign of something serious, or should it not be a concern? I've heard that this might be able to be fixed by resetting the SMC, but is there potential for it to be something more serious?

Thanks!

 

[Shirasaki]

I’d consider high fan noise kind of a positive as that means heat can be dissipated rather quickly. SMC reset will probably change it back to the default terrible “noise first thermal next” Apple way, increasing the chance of further damaging internals and such.

 

[chscag]

If you can get the machine for a real good price it might be worth taking a chance on. High fan RPM on startup could be the sign of trouble: Bad heat sensor for one, buildup of dust and fuzz inside the machine, and so on. If you're a handy person and can work on the MBA yourself, it might be alright. Check with www.ifixit.com and see what's involved with getting inside that machine.

 

[Audit13]

Hi fan noise could also be a sign of repaired liquid damage.

With any MacBook, make sure there is no EFI password before handing over your hard-earned cash.

 

[MultiFinder17]

Honestly, if it's a 2013, it may just be time to repaste the little bugger. The thermal paste dries up over time. If you're cool with opening it up, I'd go for it.

 

[The_Joker13]

Why are you buying a 6 year old laptop in the first place?

 

[SCtester]

Why are you buying a 6 year old laptop in the first place?

Money. Obviously.
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Hi fan noise could also be a sign of repaired liquid damage.

With any MacBook, make sure there is no EFI password before handing over your hard-earned cash.

That's good to know, thanks for the information.

 

[Audit13]

Money. Obviously.

Another good thing about the mid-2013 Air? All parts from the 11" Air mid-2013 to early 2015 are interchangeable. Same for the 13" Air because I have swapped logic boards, screens, keyboards, and drives among the many Air 13" MacBooks I have fixed.

Re 11" Air: https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/453953/Does+MacBook+Air+11"+2015+share+all+parts+with+2013-2014