Level 2

252 points

MacBook 16-inch Fan Noise

We are testing two new 16-inch MacBook's before doing a rollout across our organization. Under low loads (25% cpu utilization), fan noise will get annoyingly loud. We're not doing any GPU related and more routine work such as: using web applications, debugging web pages, Microsoft Teams conferencing (audio/video) with a handful of people, Photos downloading from iCloud, Mac Mail downloading a new mailbox from Exchange.

We DID NOT notice this on our 2015 MacBooks and this might prevent us from continuing the 16-inch MacBook rollout in our organization.

Interested to hear others experiences.

Tim

MacBook Pro 16", macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 21, 2019 11:34 AM

Top-ranking reply

TimUzzanti Author

Level 2

252 points

Posted on Dec 23, 2019 9:27 AM

All,

We are kind of wrapping up all our testing and working with the Apple Business Team to figure out how we move forward.

This thread is getting a little side tracked with monitors and so I wanted to point out that these issues discussed are completely unrelated to brand/model of monitors being used. That said, it IS related to having monitors connected and the internal GPU within the MacBook, along with the CPU and the overall heat that both generate.

In our final testings, we did clean installs with 10.15.2 and primarily tested an eGPU using a Razor Core and a Radeon RX Vega 64 so we could eliminate the internal GPU in the MBP.

It became really clear the combined heat from the internal Radeon Pro 5500m GPU and the i9-9880G CPU is too much for the current thermal management system, especially when using all USB-C ports. (I.e., for power, USB-C hub, USB-C to Display Port video cables). From all the testing and heat generated by the unit, it looks like our Radeon Pro 5500m GPU is fried because we are seeing artifacts on text (laptop display and external monitors) but not when we use the eGPU.

Just so you understand our configuration with the eGPU: We have one USB-C Hub connected to the MBP and one USB-C cable connected to the eGPU. The one USB-C cable to the eGPU is powering the MBP but also the eGPU has the two Display Port cable to the monitors. Now the MBP has two free USB-C ports. This was producing about 38 degrees less heat in Airflow on the MBP.

When the eGPU is connected, we can push the MBP to about 60% CPU for sustained periods before hearing the fans at about 4500 RPM. But as many of us have noticed, when we don’t have an eGPU, we’re seeing this at 5% to 10% CPU.

We have installed Parallels and ran Windows 10 on three monitors on separate space and have done Geekbench tests and a variety of stress tests with the eGPU and its operating normally.

Bottom line, the combination of using the GPU and CPU is pushing the MBP into heat conditions causing the FAN issues and in our case, possibly damage to the GPU.

Apple had a similar issue with the 2018 MacBook Pro and people were starting to stick their machines inside a Freezer to see if they could avoid the CPU’s from stepping down prematurely.

Hopefully Apple can find a solution because these new 16 inch MBP could be incredible.

Please start a support case with Apple so we can get this resolved sooner than later and it will also protect you a bit more if you need to return your units beyond the return policy. Moving forward, its all on Apple!

Tim

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4,224 replies

Dogcow-Moof

Level 8

36,821 points

Jun 15, 2020 9:54 AM in response to jc_9

It's happened before.

The clock speed is lower due to the desire to keep TGP down to 50w.

iTech23 wrote:

I know because that type of memory consume less power,

do some research before writing.

I'm not sure why you're targeting me, as I never questioned your assertion on this.

HBM2 memory does use less power, but AMD considered the power usage of memory + the GPU when tuning the clock speed to keep power usage down to the envelope they wanted, so it may well be that the power consumption levels of the 5600M will be the same as those of the 5500M, it's just the 5600M will have greater capabilities at those power levels.

Jun 15, 2020 9:55 AM in response to DPJ

It's an open ended question, I'm not looking for answers from you ☺️

I'm very happy you don't have problems with your unicorn MacBook and thank you for admitting that you do believe it is reasonable to expect fans not to be audible when in a zoom call just because you're connected to an external display therefore any macbook that does this is clearly defective.

Jun 15, 2020 9:57 AM in response to DPJ

It's not sarcasm when the vast majority of people are reporting issues and yours isn't, it's a statement of fact that most MacBook 16"s by your definition are defective, and by extension yours being a minority that doesn't have issues is a unicorn, be happy you're one of the very few lucky ones ☺️

RICHD101

Level 1

12 points

Jun 15, 2020 9:59 AM in response to DPJ

Thank you ahmedfromreservoir . Hopefully we are closer to a fix .The ableron live community is suffering gravely with the fan noise while connected to an external monitor.

i am documenting my post as I have said nothing offensive.

thank you !

DPJ

Level 4

1,374 points

Jun 15, 2020 10:02 AM in response to ahmedfromreservoir

"be happy you're one of the very few lucky ones ☺️"

Nope, not lucky and not one of the few. Millions of these machines are sold everyday and according to many more people on Reddit (that I frequent daily) people are very satisfied, and these people are the ones posting pics of their 16" MacBook connected to external displays. If this isn't the machine for you then you may sell it (if you already bought it and are past the return period) and buy the proper computer to suit your needs.

You want to argue, I don't. I came here to reply to the poster making statements that Apple never stated on their website. Good day.

TimUzzanti Author

Level 2

252 points

Jun 15, 2020 10:08 AM in response to ahmedfromreservoir

Instead of a solution for current 16inch MBP's, now there is a higher end video card and potentially even more heat or issues.

https://www.cnet.com/news/apples-16-inch-macbook-pro-gets-graphics-boost-with-amd-radeon-pro-5600m/

Dogcow-Moof

Level 8

36,821 points

Jun 15, 2020 10:11 AM in response to ahmedfromreservoir

ahmedfromreservoir wrote:

Crazy how whole communities are having trouble because of the fan noise indicating the defects are quite far reaching, thank you for confirming again that a macbook pro that doesn't have audible fans just for being plugged into an external display is in fact the exception not the norm.

Actually, we don't know what "the norm is;" certainly many here are having issues, but among MBP 16 customers, certainly many are not. Apple knows for sure as they have the actual data.

However, it makes sense that most posting to a forum thread dedicated to those with the issue would find many having the same experience here.

TimUzzanti Author

Level 2

252 points

Jun 15, 2020 11:00 AM in response to Dogcow-Moof

As discussed in this thread, we have used many monitors, cables and connections all with the same results. Our customers have had the same experience and it seems everyone in this thread is in the same situation. This includes 1080p and 4k monitors but not 2560x1440 which is what I believe the U2717D is. If 2560x1440 is the only resolution that works, Apple would need to solve that but Apple just stops responding to customers and disappears. This is why customers are so upset, Apple hasn't done anything to show us they realize it is an issue or if they are working on it. In many cases, they say it is working as expected which is extremely disappointing because there is clearly a problem.

As I also mentioned, we have new customers who have purchased new 16inch MBP's and are experiencing these same issues. I am currently waiting for a call from our Apple Business Team who has now connected with the Enterprise Team at Apple. Maybe we will have some luck after 7 months.

Dogcow-Moof

Level 8

36,821 points

Jun 15, 2020 11:00 AM in response to TimUzzanti

I'm not saying 2560x1440 is the only resolution that works, I'm just saying that's what I had available to try and had zero issues.

Yes, most everyone in this thread had issues, but this thread exists for people who did have such issues or are interested in them.

Most people not having issues aren't bothering to post here.

Apple doesn't "stop responding to customers," they contact customers for specific pieces of information and once they have them, they do not respond further. That's how Apple has always worked, we've been through this time and time again.

The machines may be heating more or using more power due to a bug,, or they may be working as designed but the machines involved are all working.

The new GPU adds significantly more graphics power but if the fans spin up the same way when using the 5600M you will know that the current behavior is in fact what is expected.

Dogcow-Moof

Level 8

36,821 points

Jun 15, 2020 2:18 PM in response to LeoKost

LeoKost wrote:

Oh, so the point you're trying to make through all your responses is that "If it turns ON, IT WORKS". Okay then, yea, sure.

Cute, but I never said that, rather the inverse:

If your machine does not hit thermal shutdown, you can still get whatever you bought your MPB 16 for done.

DPJ

Level 4

1,374 points

Jun 15, 2020 5:41 PM in response to Dogcow-Moof

""Loud as ***" is massive exaggeration, by the way - an average desk fan is louder."

Agreed. I had to turn up the volume to max on my iMac to hear the fan noise from that other poster who just put up a video to hear the noise. 😁

Dogcow-Moof

Level 8

36,821 points

Jun 15, 2020 6:12 PM in response to jc_9

I had mine playing full-screen HD video from YouTube.

I would expect compiling code to drive the laptop to the point where it has to throttle the CPUs or you're leaving performance on the table.

You should hear how loud the fans get in my tower PC when I do a full Linux kernel build.

jc_9

Level 1

16 points

Jun 15, 2020 6:16 PM in response to Dogcow-Moof

No one is debating the computing performance here, but you decided to share your specs and then write: "I threw everything I could at it and the fans never kicked in, nor did it get overly warm."

Can't let you say that!

Dogcow-Moof

Level 8

36,821 points

Jun 15, 2020 6:18 PM in response to iTech23

iTech23 wrote:

You are comparing the Macbook Pro 16-inch with a 15 year old computer? Really? And the fans are still louder on the video of the MacBook Pro.

Yeah, no.

The Acer Ferraris were known for being obnoxiously loud, so yes, I think it's a valid comparison.

Even at its loudest the MBP16 is a soft whirr, especially by comparison, but as has been stated before, it's your perception that's important as to whether you find it annoying.

Dogcow-Moof

Level 8

36,821 points

Jun 15, 2020 6:29 PM in response to jc_9

Yes, and my fan didn't turn on at all with either the Apple 30" Cinema Display or the Dell, and the machine itself was warm, but not hot.

Both the internal and external screens were being driven by the 5500M.

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MacBook 16-inch Fan Noise