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Loud fan on brand new macbook?

I'm not sure if this is normal or if theres something up with my new macbook.
i just got the 2.4 version and the fan runs about the half the time and it seems louder than it should. according to the istat widget (which i don't know how accurate that is) its running at about 2000 rpm. anyone have any info on this?

2.4 Macbook, Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Oct 21, 2008 8:46 PM

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61 replies

Oct 21, 2008 11:17 PM in response to ryanjames206

okay, after scouring the internet for more about this, I've come up with a few more details, because at this point the fan is driving me crazy.

the computer is not hot whatsoever, and according to istat my cpu is fine. The fan runs almost constantly, not just when I'm using a specific application.
It's definitely louder than the fan was on my hp desktop I just switched from.
I have no idea why the fan is constantly on, please help!

Oct 22, 2008 2:20 AM in response to ryanjames206

I would definately have an Apple 'Genius' check it out. Though they'll probably say "It's within normal specifications", like they always do do.

I've got a previous generation MBP (2.4ghz) and the fans slowest speed is 2000rpm. At that speed they are DEAD SILENT.

The fact your fans are making noise that bothering you quite a bit at that speed suggests to be that (perhaps) some clearance inside the computer is too tight and the fan is brushing up against something.

Oct 23, 2008 4:10 PM in response to ryanjames206

My fans are running at almost 2000 and they are dead quiet. I can't hear them at all--and, unless you've very sensitive hearing, you shouldn't be able to hear them either.

Take your MacBook in and don't let them send you away. Your Macbook Al should run so quietly you can't tell that the fans are running.

Oct 28, 2008 3:54 PM in response to ryanjames206

mine also makes pretty loud fan noise. I noticed that if I put a little pressure on the right side of the track pad, the noise reduces a bit.

Did you try to take it back to the Apple Store? Would be interested what they say. I can't see how they will be able to hear the sound when every Apple Store I've been to is mad with people.

Oct 28, 2008 6:39 PM in response to ryanjames206

Mine usually runs at about 1996 to 2000 on average; which is a big improvement over my laster generation macbook. I can't hear them at all and the system runs extremely cool in general. I've had an hp notebook before and I couldn't ever hear the fans on that one either, but you really shouldn't be having any noticeable noise on your new macbook...bring it in to the apple store if you feel it warrants it.

Oct 29, 2008 1:19 PM in response to flurokitty

are you sure your fan speed is 990rpm and it is the 2.4Ghz Aluminum Macbook? It seems just about everyone else is at around 2000rpm.

My first unibody macbook had a software problem so Apple gave me a new one. But for some reason this one seems louder than the other - but not certain. But if yours in running at 990 it is possible that my ears are not playing a trick.

Nov 1, 2008 7:27 AM in response to prafferty

I notice that the "hum" on the aluminium macbook when idle is more audible than the whitebook

And I'm talking about in a complete dead silent room in the middle of the night – if you have both on – the Al macbook is more audible than the whitebook – whether this is the fan or the hard drive hum I'm not sure.

Although under load the whitebook's fans will spin up and are very loud.

My theory is that the material is thinner on the Al Macbook – and thus less sound dampening between the components and your ears – and therefore the "hum" from the fans and/or hard drive appears more audible

Anyone else notice that?

Nov 3, 2008 8:51 PM in response to ryanjames206

"My fans are running at almost 2000 and they are dead quiet. I can't hear them at all--and, unless you've very sensitive hearing, you shouldn't be able to hear them either.

Take your MacBook in and don't let them send you away. Your Macbook Al should run so quietly you can't tell that the fans are running. "

I'm with JE13, I can't even hear mine running. 🙂

Nov 6, 2008 12:59 AM in response to ryanjames206

I noticed the same problem on my new aluminum macbook. I had the new macbook pro for a while, and it was DEAD SILENT. The second I turned on the new macbook, I noticed a difference.

To give people an idea of exactly how loud it is, playing itunes in the background, the fan is louder than the music at +1 volume (of the volume button). I can notice the fan in the background until the volume is set to +5.

The fan also stays on an additional 5 seconds after I close the lid. RPM always reads somewhere between 2000 and 2005 as measured by istat pro.

Not sure it's worth sending back, but noticeably louder than my previous macbook air and new macbook pro at idle.

Nov 6, 2008 1:09 AM in response to Hendrick

I think I solved my own problem. I think it's istat reading my fan incorrectly. I put my computer under a heavier load (itunes playing video, 40% CPU utilization, CPU 150 degrees) and the fan is actually slower now than before (1996 RPMs). I think istat just needs to update their program.

My guess is the two fans on the macbook pro actually do run at low RPM, while the regular macbook runs at a slightly higher RPM to compensate.

Loud fan on brand new macbook?

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