Noise from Macbook Pro 15inch when SSD is being accessed

Question

Level 1

11 points

Noise from Macbook Pro 15inch when SSD is being accessed

Hey guys,

i noticed that my Macbook Pro emits a strange zipping or spring noise, when my SSD is being accessed.

I can reproduce it, e.g. when my system runs Blackmagic Disc Speed Test, or by simply launching the photos app.

It also occurs during scrolling in Safari or Preview, or by loading a new website, or downloading app updates via iTunes or app store.

It is a faint noise, but I can definitely hear it from a normal distance in a quieter environment. It is very annoying.

My question:

Can anybody commit this issue and make a test if you can also hear this noise on your machine.

Thank you in advance.

Yours macnovicius

My system settings:

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014), OS X El Capitan (10.11.1)

Posted on Nov 23, 2015 1:29 PM

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Answer 1

macnovicius Author

Level 1

11 points

Jan 3, 2016 10:35 AM in response to macnovicius

Has anybody made same experiences with this kind of "coil" noise on MacBooks with SSD?

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Answer 2

Jan 3, 2016 10:37 AM in response to macnovicius

Take it to an authorized service center for evaluation.

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Answer 3

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,317 points

Jan 3, 2016 10:38 AM in response to macnovicius

Make an appointment at an Apple store genius bar and have the MBP evaluated for FREE. In the meantime, run Apple diagnostics. It may offer a clue.

Ciao.

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Answer 4

macnovicius Author

Level 1

11 points

Jan 3, 2016 10:47 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

I have already been at an authorized service center twice, but the couldn't solve the problem, unfortunately.

They changed both the logic board and the SSD, but the noise still remains. So I thought to ask the community, if they have made similar experiences.

If it is a "normal" problem and every macbook has it, i think it wouldn't make sense to ask for an exchange.

Maybe you could run the tasks i described to force the sound and tell me if you can also hear a "zipping" sound. Would help me a lot 🙂

I'm a bit disappointed that the authorized service center couldn't help me.

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Answer 5

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,317 points

Jan 3, 2016 10:54 AM in response to macnovicius

I would do it if I could, but I do not have a retina MBP. I have 'old fashioned' non retina MBPs with SSDs, but not the same as what is installed in a retina MBP. The SSDs in my MBPs are totally silent.

Ciao.

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Answer 6

macnovicius Author

Level 1

11 points

Jan 3, 2016 11:41 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

thank you. Maybe some Retina MBP could test it. I have also read some other forum discussions with the same problem.

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Answer 7

Jan 3, 2016 12:06 PM in response to macnovicius

I have a retina MacBook Pro and have never heard the sound you are describing. As the SSD has no moving parts I can not think of what is causing the sound. The fans, very infrequently, come on but that is a fan noise. There are no other moving parts.

If the service center can not identify the sound there is no chance we can since they had the advantage of having the computer to analyze.

Why did they change the logic board and ssd?

Maybe check you hearing aids 😉. Just kidding 😁

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Answer 8

macnovicius Author

Level 1

11 points

Jan 4, 2016 3:16 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

Thanks for your advise zu Check my hearing aids. But because I am not the only one to hear the noise I think my ears are ok.

I Just wanted the Community to test if this is a common failure or if I should be concerned and insist for a replacement, as long as the MacBook is under warrenty.

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Answer 9

Jan 4, 2016 3:22 PM in response to macnovicius

If you turn your Mac on, then the fans are running. Always. They idle at ~2000rpm, under an extreme load they can ramp up to ~6000rpm (this is the jet plane taking off noise.)

I highly doubt this is your problem.

SSD have no moving mechanical parts to cause noise.

Maybe you just need to turn up your external speakers a bit higher 😉

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