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

johnpowers802

Level 1

4 points

Posted on Jan 10, 2020 7:08 AM

RESOLVED: For those of you using a second monitor.

My 16 was plugged into the Usb c HDMI cable, AND plugged into the Macbook charging cable, thus "double charging" my laptop which would cause the fans to ramp up and my computer would over heat. As soon as I removed the Macbook charger the fans returned to normal. I didn't realize the newer Usb C HDMI cables would also charge the device from my computer monitor.

Hope this helps!

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4,224 replies

Dogcow-Moof

Level 8

36,821 points

Jul 12, 2020 9:50 AM in response to nwnmusic

It wasn’t random at all, it was a typical mid-life upgrade and the technology simply wasn’t available before.

TailsDog

Level 1

18 points

Jul 12, 2020 11:21 AM in response to nwnmusic

It sounds like a lot of us have been ripped off >_<

simo1337

Level 1

4 points

Jul 15, 2020 9:32 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

1920x1200, HDMI over a dongle.

Until now I could not really feel a difference with 5HZ less. But my desk is SILENT again :)

raffi2

Level 1

12 points

Jul 20, 2020 8:31 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

it’s look like there is lot’s issue when connected to hdmi specialty @ 30 hz and no at 60hz !!!

raffi2

Level 1

12 points

Jul 20, 2020 1:35 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thanks for this informations

this explain a lot ...

and this may orient us to display port or tubderbolt link !

i don’t get why the external display should be under horizontal row ?

foxted

Level 1

4 points

Jul 24, 2020 12:03 PM in response to nwnmusic

I might try that, it might solve the issue. We’ll see what the genius bar says next week.

savita88

Level 1

90 points

Jul 31, 2020 1:36 AM in response to TimUzzanti

Anyway, not to be able to make a professional laptop in 2020 that does not sound like a steam machine from 1900 and to charge $5000 for it is a real shame ...

savita88

Level 1

90 points

Jul 31, 2020 6:36 AM in response to Dogcow-Moof

Previous Macbook Pros were the same noisy ...

iTech23

Level 1

44 points

Jul 31, 2020 7:04 AM in response to savita88

Not true, I have 5 MacBook Pro in the last 8 years, including the MacBook Pro 15-inch 2019 with the Vega Pro 20 and it was super quiet (except when running heavy task apps, but that’s normal).

savita88

Level 1

90 points

Jul 31, 2020 11:22 AM in response to iTech23

I had about 4 MBP in the last 10 years ... the same noise ... (also big Macs like G4 or G5). I always hope that Apple will become civilised ... but no ...

JusterNL

Level 1

4 points

Sep 10, 2020 5:24 AM in response to nong

@nong

Mine is a i9/2.3Ghz/8-core/16GB/5500M/4MB with a TS3+

It draws 17,8 watts to drive just one screen Philips 244E 23.5 inch 1920x1080.

I tried different screens without any luck.

Sep 10, 2020 12:44 PM in response to JusterNL

Yes , this is the noise-when-external-monitor-used defect of the MBP with the 5500 GPU. Taking to much power consumption.

Sep 11, 2020 6:12 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

It overheats in IDLE. Comparing to my MacBook Pro 13" 2015 with Core i5 my new MacBook Pro 16" is very loud with external display connected .

Dogcow-Moof

Level 8

36,821 points

Sep 12, 2020 3:41 AM in response to LucaPipolo

It's not more powerful; among other things it has a less capable GPU.

eindaj

Level 1

4 points

Sep 17, 2020 2:52 AM in response to Dogcow-Moof

I give up William. You win. Yes the noise is perfectly fine and the heat not a problem and the machine is wonderful. All because you say so.

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MacBook 16-inch Fan Noise