New Retina Macbook Pro - strange whining Sound

Whether they have them in stock or not is besides the point that you can take it back to ANY Apple Store and Return it for Full Refund. Then order a new one online.

But I do know this. If you walked into an Apple store and made a simple request to go over the upgrade features offered on any Mac and place the order through that store they will, and have to, do it for you. That is one reason they are there, to sell Apple/Mac products

What you got was a store that did not want to be bothered dealing with your issue.

well, I just got a replacement for my macbook today and have not had this sound at all yet. Hopefully it stays that way. Nice and quiet, no more nails on a chalkboard in a quiet room.

awesome, keep us posted on any updates.. still waiting for my 2nd replacement.

Well, mine went from making the sound a few times a day to almost constantly. I called Applecare, and they said it sounds like it could be a bad graphics card? Anyway, they said they'll either fix it or just give me a new computer. I'd rather just get this one fixed. Has anyone had this problem identified with the diagnostic tool they use at the Genuis Bar? Also, does anyone know of a temporary fix for this issue? I'm out of town, and this is extremely annoying.

diagnostic at Apple store didnt identify a problem. for temp solution try turning off automatic graphics switching in the power menu. it solved my problem (temorarily). As far as a physical fix, i seriously dont know why you would even consider repairing your brand new computer, the retina macbook pros are build very precicely I wouldnt want anyone - even an apple specialist messing around in there, especially if there was an option for a new unit; just my two cents.

Skribilo22 wrote:

Well, mine went from making the sound a few times a day to almost constantly. I called Applecare, and they said it sounds like it could be a bad graphics card? Anyway, they said they'll either fix it or just give me a new computer. I'd rather just get this one fixed. Has anyone had this problem identified with the diagnostic tool they use at the Genuis Bar? Also, does anyone know of a temporary fix for this issue? I'm out of town, and this is extremely annoying.

Just for your knowledge. The MBP Retina is irreparable. It is a Throw away computer. As with all MBPs the CPU and GPU are soldered to the logic board. On the Retina models the RAM is also soldered to the logic board. The screen is glued to the outer case shell and the batteries are glued to the lower case. About the only "PARTS" that can be replaced are the fans and the heatsink.

iFixIt gave it a 1 rating, that is 1 out of 10, for repairability.

Thanks for the advice, guys. I wasn't aware of how difficult it is to repair. I will ask for a new one when I take it to the store.

got my second replacement unit today - no problems so far (as far as the noise issue), been working with it for a couple hours. Also this unit doesnt have the gaps between the base-plate and the rest of the unibody that my first replacement unit had. So far so good *crossing fingers*

scratch that... the lid of the rMBP replacement (#2) is creaking - loudly, as if its catching on pieces of plastic. what is going on with apple quality control..!?

Same problem here, received mine yesterday, after 24 hours of use started making this strange noise. My config is 2.6/512/16Gb.

Well Apple didn't want to replace the unit, but they reset the SMC controller, and that seems to have worked. I've had 4 days now with no noise from it. 🙂

Suddenly today the noise is back 😟

you should really request a return - the noise is not normal and not all rMBP have this problem - coming from experience and having had replacement units that did not exhibit the noise issue.. that said, I have been frustrated with the build consistency of these new retina macbook pros, I just sent back my 2nd replacement due to some other hardware inconsistencies and I am now requesting my 3rd;

so far when one problem has been solved another arises, (my first was making the buzzing noise noted in this thread, my second was making a even stronger buzzing noise in addition to having gaps on the bottom of the base plate assembly, my third would make loud clicks every time I opened and closed the lid as if it were catching on something internally - in addition to squeaking and cracking all over the place... now onto my fourth within 6 weeks..!) I am really hoping this to be the last time I have to deal with a replacement, its been a huge inconvenience, having had a single working laptop is what I expected from Apple.

My girlfriend has also ordered a rMBP with the same configuration as mine (2.6i7/512SSD/16GBr), I am hoping her computer fairs better, if its doesnt I am going to take this up with Apple management, its not fair to have so many issues with several brand new $3k computers.

I tried to demo the noise to the Genius Bar, and they couldn't hear it. I even had a YouTube video of it, but they still couldn't hear it. They refused to do a replacement, and just reset the SMC controller. After the iPhone 4/4S and now this, I feel Apple's quality control is slipping in order to keep shipping times low.

you should contact Apple care, take more - better recordings and explain your frustration.. The Apple store also turned me away - although they did admit there "might" be a problem, the store genius was not very cooperative or understanding, Apple Care was much more understanding so go for that. Good luck.