2011 Macbook Pro making vibrating/humming noise

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Level 1

1 points

2011 Macbook Pro making vibrating/humming noise

My Macbook Pro began making a loud humming noise last night - it was very hot. had it on a bed while watching a movie, so I simply chalked it up to the computer overheating at first, so I decided to shut the computer down for a while - when I returned to it, the noise had gone.

But this morning, even upon boot up when the computer is cold / not running any processes, the noise has returned. It is a low humming noise that vibrates the computer, and it seems to be localized directly under my "tab" key on the left side.

I ran an Apple Hardware Test and it came up with no problems, so I'm at a bit of a loss. I'll probably have to end up taking this into an Apple Store for repairs, but was wondering if anyone out there had any ideas with regards to what the problem could be / solutions I could attempt on my own before taking more drastic measures.

Thanks all.

MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2011), Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Jan 13, 2012 11:00 AM

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Answer 1

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Jan 13, 2012 12:24 PM in response to bryyguy89

It needs a new cooling fan.

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Answer 2

Jan 15, 2012 4:31 PM in response to bryyguy89

Mine is doing the exact same thing.

It's dissapointing that I already need to replace the cooling fan when I just paid a bundle for this MacBook Pro not even a year ago. My cheap Acer laptop is several years old and has no problems at all.

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Answer 3

eww

Level 9

53,028 points

Jan 15, 2012 4:53 PM in response to graphicsgurl

Be glad it happened after less than a year -- the repair will be free.

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Answer 4

Jan 15, 2012 4:56 PM in response to eww

I just found that out.. very thankful about it! 🙂

The only bummer is that the closest place I can get it fixed is an hour away. I hope they can fix it while I wait so I don't have to drive back again to pick it up.

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Answer 5

Shootist007

Level 6

16,703 points

Jan 15, 2012 4:58 PM in response to graphicsgurl

graphicsgurl wrote:

Mine is doing the exact same thing.

It's dissapointing that I already need to replace the cooling fan when I just paid a bundle for this MacBook Pro not even a year ago. My cheap Acer laptop is several years old and has no problems at all.

The real problem is you used it on your bed which caused it to overheat.

Never Ever use any notebook on a soft surface. Laptop it is not.

I would suggest you don't mention that to the Apple repair center. That is clearly abuse.

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Answer 6

Jan 15, 2012 5:01 PM in response to Shootist007

I didn't use it on my bed, that was the original poster. I use mine at my desk and on the table.

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Answer 7

Shootist007

Level 6

16,703 points

Jan 15, 2012 5:05 PM in response to graphicsgurl

graphicsgurl wrote:

I didn't use it on my bed, that was the original poster. I use mine at my desk and on the table.

Sorry please accept my apology. I thought your post was from the original poster.

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Answer 8

Jan 15, 2012 5:08 PM in response to Shootist007

It's ok, you were just trying to help.

Have a great day!

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