I have an early 2011 i7 MBP 15". I notice that from time to time the fans are running but for no apparent reason. I haven't run any programs or done anything. When I check activity monitor the CPU is being used at less than 10%. Time Machine isn't on. I don't understand what is causing the issue. Any advice?
Fan
The computer's fans run at high speed although the computer is not experiencing heavy usage and is properly ventilated.
Reset SMC. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
Choose the method for:
"Resetting SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own".
Dominic
Sorry for the long delay. I tried resetting the SMC, but still have the issue. I have smcFanControl installed. Right now my temp is about 80 degrees C and fans are at 3500 RPM. CPU usage is below 20%. Why is this thing running so hot? It's well venitlated.
If I launch Nike.com in a new tab in Chrome, which I know is a heavy flash site, and scroll up and down, temps will run up to 90 and the fans go nuts. That seems crazy for just adding another tab.
Neither your temperatures nor your fans speeds are normal. If resetting the SMC didn't help, I think that it's time for a visit to the Apple Store. Just curious, though: does the heat/fan issue only come up when using Chrome? Have you tried shutting down Chrome and using Firefox or Safari?
Clinton
Fans come on for no apparent reason
