Noise when scrolling

Issue resolved. I noticed a faint electrical noise when I scrolled or typed. I changed my power source and the noise disappeared. I was using the 2 prong power cord in a study table that had outlets in it (like at a library). Once I plugged the 3 prong directly into the outlet (instead of the outlets on the table) it stopped.

2014 13' MBPr 2.6GHz i5

Original Apple MagSafe

I have a MacBookPro 2015 with a PCIe SSD, so I knew it couldn't be disk related.

Disconnecting the apple-supplied mag-safe power supply stops the sound.

Re-connecting the same power adaptor UP THE OTHER WAY also stops the sound!

So I've now put a dot on the side of my power connector that I want "UP" when connected. This rather bizarrely solves my problem.

You must have very good ears 🙂

I have heard it but it is very faint. If it is loud enough to hear in a typical Apple store I would be surprised.

I have never heard "processor noise" though. I don't know what that is.

Neither the trackpad, nor the screen have any movable parts that would be related to s rolling. My guess is that you're just hearing hard drive access activity.

I think it has to do with how humans are wired. Something might exist for years and we don't notice it, but once we do notice it consciously, it's almost impossible to ignore ever after.

Without hearing the noise it is difficult to be certain what it is - perhaps one day ASC will permit audio uploads.

The noise I hear occasionally while scrolling is a very faint whine. The hard disk makes a faint clicking sound.

The fans on these machines are very quiet, so any other noises they make becomes more noticeable. In any event the Apple Genius will be able to determine if it is something to be concerned about. I doubt it is.

Hi Jonathan,

Just saw this post and lo and behold...I'm hearing a faint 'processing' sound when scrolling up or down in safari or word on my 3 month or so old mac. Its also particularly audible when charging?!

Was just wondering what your apple genius said? Was it a fault in the end?

You are probably head the DC/DC converters inside the computer. These are power supplies that change one voltage to another. They supply power to the various ships on the motherboard and adjust several frequencies depending on the acutal demand. when you start scrolling demand goes up so the frequency changes. I assert you are hearing the envelope of that change.

I used to hear this on my previous MacBookPro (Core Duo) but I do not on my MBP, 15" purchased in Aug 2011

I just googled "macbook pro makes noise when scrolling" and found this post. I have the exact same issue on my same age 13 inch Macbook Pro. Took my powercord out to test it after I read that you noticed a difference between charging/not charging and had the same experience - noise diminishes. So no, you aren't the only one, and there is clearly some sort of flaw here.

Just noticed it today in quiet room, but it is there without a doubt. Have late 2011 MBP 13 inch.

Same problem here! Macbook Pro 2011...

I have found this on my 15" Macbook pro (early 2011) and it has been bugging me for a while. Sounds like it might be harddrive HDD noise, can't think why it would be triggered when scrolling though.

I have the same problem with my white mid 2010 macbook. When I scroll in Safari, or sometimes when it's just loading a page or some graphics, the computer makes low creaking sounds from the top left corner. I don't hear it when I use other programs like Scrivener (word processing). Hope it's not dangerous.