emcalist
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Q: High pitch noise when connecting Retina Macbook to external Thunderbolt Display.

Im getting a high pitch noise whenever I connect my Retina Macbook to my external Thunderbolt Display. It randomly starts and stops whenever connected. It sounds like its coming from the monitor itself, but it stops once I unplug from my macbook. Please help!

iOS 7.0.4

Posted on Feb 12, 2014 9:53 AM

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emcalist

Q: High pitch noise when connecting Retina Macbook to external Thunderbolt Display.

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  • by sterling r,

    sterling r sterling r Feb 14, 2014 2:57 PM in response to emcalist
    Community Specialists
    Feb 14, 2014 2:57 PM in response to emcalist

    Hello there emcalist,

     

    It sounds like you are getting a high pitched hum, or whine coming from the Thunderbolt Display when it is connected to your MacBook Pro Retina. I recommend these troubleshooting steps from the following article to help isolate the issue, named:

    Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays

    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1573

    When using an external display be sure to check the following:

    1. If you're using an Apple notebook, confirm the AC power cable or adapter is securely connected to the computer and the cable providing power to the display is also secure. It is always good to have your notebook connected to AC power when an external display is in use.
    2. Confirm display adapters are fully seated in their respective connections and that they are supported models and for the computer and display. Refer to these articles to assist you with adapter compatibility and further configuration information:
    3. Remove all display cable extenders, KVM switches, or other like devices and retest to determine if the issue is resolved.
    4. Try unplugging the video adapter or cable and then plug it back in.
    5. If more than one video adapter is in use (or "daisy-chained"), troubleshoot by using only one adapter.
      • Example: A mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter connected to a DVI to HDMI adapter is an unsupported configuration because there is a series of adapters in use.
    6. If available, try using a different display and or adapter (or use a different connector by using DVI instead of VGA, for instance).

    Reset the systemYou can reset the Mac's parameter RAM and SMC.Reset the resolutionStart by resetting the Mac's parameter RAM. If the display does not come up, was previously set to an unsupported resolution, and still results in no video:

    1. Start up in Safe Mode.
    2. From the Apple () menu, choose System Preferences.
    3. Choose Displays from the View menu to open the preferences pane.
    4. Select any resolution and refresh rate that your display supports.
    5. Restart your computer.

    Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

    All the very best,

    Sterling