2011 Macbook Pro Fan noise?

Same ridiculous fan noise problem here. I started with an early 2011 13" Macbook Pro and returned it because of fan noise which often overpowered sound I wanted to hear coming from the Macbooks speakers. I now have the 2011 15" and thought it would have enough graphics power to keep the processor cool enough, but was unfortunatly wrong. Granted it is a bit quieter for games/ streaming video, but not much. Even doing simple tasks like browsing the internet, the core temp is really high.

Like others here, the fan noise for me is a game breaker. I absolutly need a quiet environment to work in. I am calling Apple today and will update this forum.

So I spoke with apple care and they had me do the SMC and PRAM reset, which I did over the phone. They also sent me this article on "Calibrating your computer's battery for best performance". You can find it here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1490?viewlocale=en_US

I hope this helps, but we'll see.

Just changed out my 2 week old macbook pro 15" (256 sdd drive) with a new one, since I was within the window to do a return, I returned it and purchased a new one to get the 2.5 ghz i7 chip. I updated dated the firmware, so not sure if that is the reason, but the fan noise seems to be slightly louder. The one I had before was literally whisper quiet. Now there is a slight hum. Anyone else with noticing this?

Just bought a refurb early 2011 MBP to replace the late 2008 model I previously had (and loved). Absolutely miserable! The fans are INCESSANT and loud-loud-loud. My old MBP may have been slower but it never, ever made noise like this. I am currently running Mail, Twitter, Firefox and iPhoto, and iStat tells me both fans are running at 6200rpm.

How is that even remotely acceptable?!

I am beyond disappointed in this purchase.

iStat tells me the same thing - both fans running at 6200 rpm 😟

I just bought a 2011 MacBook Pro, I had the i7 2010 model as well...

I am very unhappy with this new model.

It runs a lot hotter, also alot noiser....

The fan speeds are totally erratic, it spikes up to about 6200rpm, then sits there basiclly full bore for a few minutes... then drops to 2000rpm.... then the heat spikes up to 125F and fans kick back on full blast...

it is very annoying, also when playing any sort of games (StarCraft 2, Half Life 2) my brand new mac just lags to a crawl... it seems very heat inefficient.

Its sad my old Macbook Pro i7 2010 model seems much faster and cooler.... and better designed in general.

After droping almost $3000, this is a deal breaker.

I honestly regret the "upgrade".

does anyone use external cooler stand? does it help. i sold my pc laptop and pc desktop to be an apple user after i had 13'' core 2 duo that made me so happy. then i decided to have a single good computer. i bought my mbp i7.

so far no one found a solution for this fan noise.

Hi, i have the same problem, fan are always on, macbook pro (i7) is always hot, is my 4th apple laptop and i have to say that quality is dropping down...

To get additional cooling, you can use a cooing pad, or raise the computer so that there is at least 3/4 inch (20mm) underneath to allow a convection current to form.

Try to keep the screen LESS than 90 degrees open, as wider than 90 degrees begins to impinge on the fan output out the rear.

i bought zalman ZM-NC3000 cooler pad. there is no difference. i intent to sell my mbp.

Today I use my MBP in a classroom, I feel like the fan noise really embarrassed me. So it's smart to get rid of it before it humilates you.

Ok I think I found a fix...

First run the computer until it dies...

iTunes, podcasts whatever...

Anyways after it dies,

hold the power button down for about 1 minute. (yes, with no power)

Next fully charge the battery, without turning on the MacBook Pro...

Lastly hold the "option + command + P + R keys, and power on the MacBook Pro.

You will hear the SuperDrive move and a power on "Bong", keep holding it down, the MBP will reboot quickly...

Hold it down until the you hear the power on "Bong", 3 times.

After that enjoy your new quiet MacBook Pro!

I hope this helps!!!

Is it the SOP for resetting the SMC?

i reset SMC. it is better now. i rendered a 3d scene on blender and i did not see 6000 rpm. after it is around 5000 rpm, it slows down faster.

i did reset SMC before but i could not help. then i reset battery (full empty) then i did not try to reset smc again.

i hope it will not be the same as in the past :-)

Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)

there are three blue links partway down the page -- one for MacBooks where you CAN remove the battery,

one for MacBooks where you can NOT remove the battery:

Resetting the SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own

Note: Portable computers that have a battery you should not remove on your owninclude MacBook Pro (Early 2009) and later, all models of MacBook Air, and MacBook (Late 2009).

1. Shut down the computer.
2. Plug in the MagSafe power adapter to a power source, connecting it to the Mac if its not already connected.
3. On the built-in keyboard, press the (left side) Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time.
4. Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.
5. Press the power button to turn on the computer.
   Note: The LED on the MagSafe power adapter may change states or temporarily turn off when you reset the SMC.

and one for desktop Macs (no main battery)