MacBook Pro 13" (Mid-2012, A1278) Fan making loud noise.

I got this MacBook Pro fan that is making a very very loud noise and the RPM is slowing.


I've been manually controlling the speed of my fan these past few years because I felt that my MBP is heating up and the fan is only at minimum speed, so every time I open my MacBook I set the fan at full speed.


This past few weeks, I've been experiencing some loud annoying sound and I know this is coming from the fan.


I would like to know how to fix this loud noise or is there any replacement fan that I can buy.

(Fan Model is KSB0505HB | Fan Make is BRUSHLESS)


For now, I removed the fan from my laptop as it is so annoying to listen.

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.14

Posted on May 26, 2019 1:31 AM

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2 replies

May 26, 2019 12:09 PM in response to chof64

If your laptop is the non-Retina model, then you can still get it serviced by an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. If it is a Retina model, then it may still be serviceable by Apple even though it is considered Vintage depending on whether Apple still has the fan in stock in their parts warehouse (this is a relatively new option for some Vintage units and may vary by region).


Check to make sure no foreign object is stuck in the fan and make sure the fan housing is not bent which could interfere with the fan blades. Is the Bottom Case dented below where the fan sits?


If the fan bearing is failing, then you may be able to find a replacement online if you don't want Apple to service the unit (or Apple is unable to procure the part). An independent Service Provider may be able to acquire the fan and replace it for you).


It is also possible the heatsink thermal compound is dried up and needs replaced which can help lower the temperature of the CPU.

May 26, 2019 10:16 AM in response to chof64

This happened to my old MacBook that I used as a server. It held up really well, but the fan ended up failing after 3-4 years of continuously running. I'd take this to be a fairly good lifespan, especially being used way more than it should. The fan still spins, but very slowly. I was able to improve it slightly by removing the fan and blasting it with compressed air. This didn't fully remedy it either. If you're really experience, you could try taking the fan itself apart to see if there is any debris wrapped around it. If not, you may be able to buy a new fan from Apple for $40-$50 bucks.


Be really careful running your Mac without a fan though.

Keep an eye on the temperatures. Anything over 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 Celcius) sustained for a few hours could cause damage to the expensive components in your laptop. I'd be much better to bite the bullet now and get the fans replaced then to have to replace the $700+ repair for a fried CPU.

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MacBook Pro 13" (Mid-2012, A1278) Fan making loud noise.

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