I have the same issue on my MBP 15/16GbRam/2.9Mhz/Intel HD Graphics 530 1536 MB.
I took it to the apple store mentioning all the forum posts and tech news talking about this popping noise.
I had to show them how I could replicate the noise and this is quiet important for them.
- Let the computer off for 2h - cool down
- Start the computer when you are with the Apple staff
- Start CPU demanding program (illustrator/3D design package ...)
- The CPU start heating up and the popping noise appear soon after (due to body heat expansion in my opinion)
Note : it was hard to hear cause it was really noisy around
After they acknowledge the issue, I told them than none of the repair I saw through forums where succeful.
They contacted Apple engineer team and they told me they had no solution for this at the moment.
They also mentioned it would be useless to change any parts because they had no clue where the issue was from.
They took notes of all my comments with the date of my visit which is really important for warranty purposes.
They told me they will contact me when they find a solution.
Good reason for you to spend 30 minutes at the apple store :
- I have tracking with date of my visit for warranty purposes even if the apple solution comes after the warranty expiring date
- They acknowledge the problem and sent me copy of the report
- They have more information to replicate the same popping noise
- I didn't have to leave my laptop for unnecessary repairs and I can still work on it until they find a solution
Finger cross, we will have a solution soon.