MacBook 16-inch Fan Noise

The only way I was able to live with this machine is by using a monitor with a 144 Hertz refresh rate and using 10.15.4 (any other version has problems, even the one that is coming out in the fall). If I connect an additional monitor or any other monitor that is not 144 Hertz the machine will go crazy.

I'm also using a DisplayPort to USB-C cable, when I bought the machine I was using a HDMI cable, so maybe that helps a little too.

The machine still has some issues, but I can live with that (it shouldn't have to be like that for a machine that expensive and that is supposed to be the best MacBook Pro available today).

Yes it isnt technically a engineering issue, however - It is a poor choice of hardware and design for a mobile unit.

However a number of things in the design to mitigate these fan issues; like the 5600m does.

Given the benchmark on previous devices however, i will say Apple didnt engineer this product for previous standards set in place. Apple currently has the position that fan noise is working as intended according to the engineers we've spoken with.

I've gone ahead and returned my 16", the fan noise is unacceptable when in meetings, zoom, etc.

Also these issues arnt related to chrome, this is a hardware gpu power usage issue where the GPU is pulling too much wattage relative to its load.

Maybe so. But I have to use Chrome for certain work related tasks as the websites only work with the Chrome browser. So I have to use Chrome as my default browser and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only Mac user to be in this position.

Apple did force us to use the 5XXX DGPU for all video out, the 930 UHD igpu inside our cpus' which can technically run 3 displays is locked out for this task, and cannot be manually selected via terminal.

the onboard gpu is underutilized for use cases when it is better suited then our DGpu.

The graphics switch method on this device, the video out being locked to the dgpu is a major factor in whats causing this.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/products/98909/graphics/graphics-for-7th-generation-intel-processors/intel-hd-graphics-630.html

See intel specs on the 930 inside our cpus.

Are we really debating whether we should be using Chrome or Safari for better performance on a $3,7k machine?

I mean, come on.

I've been reading this thread since it's 40th page and tried keeping myself replying as less as possible to avoid frustration, but man, it's a god **** $3,7k machine. Compromises such as an external GPU, specific type of cables, selection of apps based on their requirements shouldn't even be a matter to be discussed, Jesus.

Chrome is more CPU-intensive than Safari, more resource-intensive, too.

That's always been the case; Chrome has been known to cause the fans on PC desksides to ramp up, too.

LeoKost wrote:

Are we really debating whether we should be using Chrome or Safari for better performance on a $3,7k machine?

Yes - it's trivial to write software that uses a lot of C?PU, causing the fans to spin up on any machine, even a Mac Pro, and Chrome has long been a CPU hog.

So, as per your say, it's Chromes fault that even just by a single tab of Google Hangouts video call, the Radeon High Side drains 20W connected to an external monitor, the overall temperature of the laptop reaches a high level and the fans start spinning at 3k-5k RPM. Correct?

I honestly don't know why he keeps bringing up the Chrome vs Safari argument over and over again.

The overheating/loud fans issue still happens if NO browsers are open when an external monitor is connected.

The Fan noise on this machine when using in clamshell mode just connected to an external screen not doing any work on the laptop is ridiculous. Just blows my mind how you can sell such an expensive product with such a big design failure.

Seems fixed with new GPU according to some posts on macrumors thread (to similar issue here).

I'm assuming that you probably don't realize how severe a 20-watt power consumption is. From the first second on which the external monitor has connected the power consumption is 20 watts. That is, if every day the GPU power consumption goes up to 20 watts for 8-10 hours of daily work, that means that in the long run the wear and tear will be much faster than usual, in stark contrast to previous models that have proven their reliability. Such energy consumption is legitimate for a few seconds or at most for a few minutes during an intense process.

You're quite too bold when it comes to your statements about people "assuming" & "expecting" a particular behaviour from their machines, but this is the 2nd time you're caught within the very same action that you're judging people for.

"likely the combination of the GPU power load and the extra CPU load caused by Chrome"

You're making assumptions, William, that maybe it's the CPU load, and maybe Safari might behave differently.

We're not looking for assumptions here or misleading facts, such as you implying in your previous posts that Chrome might be causing this, which is not.

We're here to discuss about the machines that we own and don't function as they should when connected to an external monitor and probably try to work out something until Apple comes out with any type of announcement.

We're trying to collect stats and behavioural patterns of our machines. You're OK with your machine doing whatever it does, and that's good.

If you don't have any valuable input towards our issue, you can steer away from this thread and enjoy your unicorn MBP.

It's simple as that.

I am not sure about drivers development policy. Who is responsible apple or AMD? But nevertheless, we did a post on AMD forum about 5300m and 5500m

I can't leave a link, but it is easy to find.

The main concern that device works properly under windows bootcamp, but have mentioned issue under OSX, which is really very ridiculous.

So I've had my 16" i9, 64gb, 8GB 5500m for a few days running on 2 4k LG monitors. The fans were going crazy at first; so I switched one monitor out from HDMI to Displayport to USB C which helped. With one monitor it's fine, with two the fans kick in on menial tasks.

Today I've been running them at "default" scaling options "Looks like 1920 x 1080" and it's completely calm and silent and has been for two hours. I know if I scale it up to 2560 x 1440 it'll kick them in again.

Does anyone know if the 5600M fixes the fans/heating issues? I'm wondering if I return it and go down to 32gb ram and up the GPU instead. Also does anyone know if it has the issues with the LG Ultrafine 5k?

This machine is VERY noisy on video calls using external monitors. Teaching during the Covid-19 pandemic has been a nightmare. Collaborating on musical projects by using video chats is a pain. Lots of fan noise for simple tasks and not pushing the CPU very hard. APPLE fix this or admit it is defective and replace it under warranty. I'm very disappointed.

LeoKost wrote:

You're quite too bold when it comes to your statements about people "assuming" & "expecting" a particular behaviour from their machines, but this is the 2nd time you're caught within the very same action that you're judging people for.

"likely the combination of the GPU power load and the extra CPU load caused by Chrome"

Given a steady 20w power draw by the GPU and Safair doesn't cause fans to rise anywhere near 3000 RPM not to mention higher in my case, it was a supposition based upon that.

We're here to discuss about the machines that we own and don't function as they should when connected to an external monitor and probably try to work out something until Apple comes out with any type of announcement.

I have and have published the stats, accordingly.

If you don't have any valuable input towards our issue, you can steer away from this thread and enjoy your unicorn MBP.

It's simple as that.

Your assertion is that it is a "unicorn" MBP, yet no one else here has made an attempt to duplicate my results with their MBP.