(2019) 16" is HOT & NOISY with an external monitor! :(

[leonchu1225]

I know I'm complaining, yet still want to share my new findings with someone who might be interested.

Trying my work flow with clamshell mode for the past few days to keep the laptop cooler. Bought stupid expensive Magic Keyboard, Mouse and Trackpad. Surprisingly the mouse is easier to use for me. The trackpad's wedge design make it difficult to put above or under the keyboard (like a laptop), and when putting it aside, it feels weird to place my hand. Still need longer time to test and my wrist does feel a bit more uncomfortable with the mouse (compare to mbp's in-built trackpad), yet the keyboard position feels more ergonomic as it's closer to my body now.

Now done with that update. Here comes the complain. The microphone doesn't work in clamshell mode due to the T2 security. I don't know how you handle that problem, but throughout the day I probably need to pick up 10+ phone calls (Skype, Mobile, WhatsApp, WeChat...etc.) It was smooth to just pick it up from the laptop most of the time. Now I can't do it. A proper USB microphone is 100+ AUD...A reasonable webcam is also 100+ AUD (which I don't know if it can be good for just picking up calls). Checked a lot of desk setup videos on Youtube and they either don't need to do a lot of calls or they use their fancy DSLR+fancy microphone they already have.

I'm fine opening the lid when I need to do video conference as most of time I'll be prepared for that. But not being able to pick up the call instant is annoying. Pulling out and connecting my AirPods (gen1) is just not fast enough for me. Anyone has any exp to share or any product to recommend? I probably can get away with a cheap 3.5mm microphone but it makes my desk messier than I want.

 

[panzer06]

I know I'm complaining, yet still want to share my new findings with someone who might be interested.

Trying my work flow with clamshell mode for the past few days to keep the laptop cooler. Bought stupid expensive Magic Keyboard, Mouse and Trackpad. Surprisingly the mouse is easier to use for me. The trackpad's wedge design make it difficult to put above or under the keyboard (like a laptop), and when putting it aside, it feels weird to place my hand. Still need longer time to test and my wrist does feel a bit more uncomfortable with the mouse (compare to mbp's in-built trackpad), yet the keyboard position feels more ergonomic as it's closer to my body now.

Now done with that update. Here comes the complain. The microphone doesn't work in clamshell mode due to the T2 security. I don't know how you handle that problem, but throughout the day I probably need to pick up 10+ phone calls (Skype, Mobile, WhatsApp, WeChat...etc.) It was smooth to just pick it up from the laptop most of the time. Now I can't do it. A proper USB microphone is 100+ AUD...A reasonable webcam is also 100+ AUD (which I don't know if it can be good for just picking up calls). Checked a lot of desk setup videos on Youtube and they either don't need to do a lot of calls or they use their fancy DSLR+fancy microphone they already have.

I'm fine opening the lid when I need to do video conference as most of time I'll be prepared for that. But not being able to pick up the call instant is annoying. Pulling out and connecting my AirPods (gen1) is just not fast enough for me. Anyone has any exp to share or any product to recommend? I probably can get away with a cheap 3.5mm microphone but it makes my desk messier than I want.

Since I am working remote almost exclusively and my GF has a full setup for me at her place, the eGPU solution works great for me. no clamshell and no fan noise. eGPU also works with my Dell Alienware m15 R2 so it's a win win. That thing's fan sounded like a jet engine.

The eGPU (with RX 5600XT desktop GPU) is on the hardwood floor sitting on a 3" platform. Single TB3 (USB C power) cable to the MBP 16 and DP cable from eGPU cable to Dell 4K display. Final Cut works great and no fans except exporting several stream at once. 2TB 2.5" SSD inside the enclosure, 4TB external USB2 Time Machine Drive connected to one of the 5 USB ports.

This is a perfect solution for us.

 

[ConnorMac]

So I had enough and sold my $3200 2019 Intel i9 MacBook Pro 16 and bought the cheapest $1040 2020 M1 MacBook Air. Below are my initial impressions after 1 week with it

Background
To see how disappointing my experience was with the MBP 16, here are a few of my initial posts in this thread and my letter to Tim Cook..

Thread Posts

(2019) 16" is HOT & NOISY with an external monitor! :(

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction! I have also solved the issue with SwitchResX Had my MBP 16 since Nov 2019 and the fans have always run like jet engines (super hot and loud) when connected to my ext monitor (USB-C to Displayport).... until tonight after implementing the solution...

forums.macrumors.com

(2019) 16" is HOT & NOISY with an external monitor! :(

Out of the box high temperatures and high fan speed under very light loading Specs Apple MacBook Pro 16 – 2019 (16", Retina, Intel Core i9-9880H, 16GB, 1000GB, SSD Model Ref: MVVK2SM Stats with light loading and external monitor connected (USB-C to Displayport): Full Specs: Without...

forums.macrumors.com

(2019) 16" is HOT & NOISY with an external monitor! :(

During appointment today at the Apple Store Genius Bar.. Me to Apple Service Manager: "Are there any MacBooks in the current Apple product lineup which would not have this same heat and noise issue in the same scenario?" (Scenario: Clamshell, USB-C to DP, 2560x1440, 60Hz, gmail open in Chrome)...

forums.macrumors.com

Letter to Tim Cook

Apple MacBook Pro 16 Issue 08.07.2020 Open.pdf | Powered by Box

bit.ly

2020 M1 MacBook Air
Initial impressions after 1 week

THERMALS
- Incredibly cool
- Bottom panel and case section above keyboard rarely even gets warm to the touch

NOISE
- Completely and totally silent
- I don't miss those Intel i9 MBP 16 fans constantly spinning at 2-4k RPM

POWER
- Significantly more responsive than my Intel i9 MBP 16
- Noticeable with every task I carry out

BATTERY
- Battery life is so good that I have started to forget about it while working
- This is how all mobile devices should be

This video sums up my thoughts and experiences very well..

Apple have completely redefined what is possible and totally humiliated Intel and AMD in the process, who now need to take a good long look at themselves in the mirror.

For me there is no way back to the past and it's obsolete technology. M1 is a quantum leap for computing and renders everything before as simply irrelevant. If this first "worst" generation of Apple silicon is so fast, cool, quiet and efficient and already soooo far ahead of the competition, I can't wait to see what the future holds.

I am happy to answer any questions you guys may have

 

[dukee101]

For me there is no way back to the past and it's obsolete technology. M1 is a quantum leap for computing and renders everything before as simply irrelevant. If this first "worst" generation of the M1 chip is so fast, cool, quiet and efficient and already so far ahead of the competition, I can't wait to see what the future holds.

So happy to hear about this @ConnorMac! I've ordered an M1 MBP too and eagerly await its arrival. I have a feeling I'll be on the same page as you

I do have one question: how much were you able to get for your 16" MBP on the second-hand market?

I think what you and I are doing is smart: dump the Intel 16" now while it's still worth something, before next year's pro-level M1s completely decimates the market value of these Intel MBPs. When the time is right next year, we can sell these "base" M1s and get the true pro versions, without having to lose so much money trying to sell an Intel MBP in 2021.

 

[ConnorMac]

So happy to hear about this @ConnorMac! I've ordered an M1 MBP too and eagerly await its arrival. I have a feeling I'll be on the same page as you

I do have one question: how much were you able to get for your 16" MBP on the second-hand market?

I think what you and I are doing is smart: dump the Intel 16" now while it's still worth something, before next year's pro-level M1s completely decimates the market value of these Intel MBPs. When the time is right next year, we can sell these "base" M1s and get the true pro versions, without having to lose so much money trying to sell an Intel MBP in 2021.

I sold my Nov 2019 MBP 16 (Model Ref: MVVK2SM) for $2200

When the new 2021 MBP 16 with Apple silicon is released, resale values for the old Intel models are gonna free fall

 

[dukee101]

I sold my Nov 2019 MBP 16 (Model Ref: MVVK2SM) for $2200

That's pretty good! Still kept ~70% of its value after 1 year *and* after the M1 debuted. More people on this thread should consider this plan -- assuming they can make do with a 13" 2-port laptop for several more months.

 

[leonchu1225]

That's pretty good! Still kept ~70% of its value after 1 year *and* after the M1 debuted. More people on this thread should consider this plan -- assuming they can make do with a 13" 2-port laptop for several more months.

I definitely thought about this plan. But I think the mbp16 is still plenty power for most of the day to day work. It's just annoyingly power hungry/hot when there is external monitor. Noise is not a huge issue for me, as anything under 3k rpm is barely noticeable for me (above 3k is loud). And my mbp is hovering around 3k rpm with lid open. My biggest concern is the heat that may decrease the lifespan of this machine. Normally I can push my Mac product for 4 to 6 years of usage.

I bought mine knowing Apple Silicon is coming so I get the most basic base model for me to maybe upgrade in a shorter cycle. While I hate this stupid external monitor thing, I still feel pushing the current one for as long as you can and upgrade with m3/4/5 is and more widely supported SW is a better decision as long as the noise/heat does not affect the work you do today.

For new ones, m1 is no brainer for majority of the ppl out there.

 

[timelessbeing]

For new ones, m1 is no brainer for majority of the ppl out there.

More people on this thread should consider this plan

I can appreciate that you have problems, but this is an exaggeration. You are small group of people. The majority of 16" MBP owners are happy with their machines.

I have no intention of giving up my 16" laptop for an early 13" one that will require more dongles. Much less an experimental one that is only weeks or months on the market. Much less lose $1000 or more trying to trade up. Almost non of my software is designed to run on the new hardware, and peripherals are an even bigger question mark. I have absolutely no issues with my 16" MBP, using my external monitor or otherwise. It's a tested platform, out for a year now, with a plethora of supported software. It is serving me very well and likely will for many more years. When it no longer does, the new platform will be well established, bugs will be worked out, and a proper lineup of models will be available. Do whatever you like ... but stop trying to recruit people to make yourself feel better about your decision.

 

[panzer06]

I can appreciate that you have problems, but this is an exaggeration. You are small group of people. The majority of 16" MBP owners are happy with their machines.

I have no intention of giving up my 16" laptop for an early 13" one that will require more dongles. Much less an experimental one that is only weeks or months on the market. Much less lose $1000 or more trying to trade up. Almost non of my software is designed to run on the new hardware, and peripherals are an even bigger question mark. I have absolutely no issues with my 16" MBP, using my external monitor or otherwise. It's a tested platform, out for a year now, with a plethora of supported software. It is serving me very well and likely will for many more years. When it no longer does, the new platform will be well established, bugs will be worked out, and a proper lineup of models will be available. Do whatever you like ... but stop trying to recruit people to make yourself feel better about your decision.

Agreed and I use Windows under Parallels and Bootcamp. I won't be using a M1 based system any time soon.

 

[Grohowiak]

eGPU sold and MBP sold.
Seriously thinking of dropping apple completely.
Not sure how to do it yet but I'm not happy.

 

[GumaRodak]

Try desktop models, your egpu wasnt mobile too much anyway

 

[panzer06]

eGPU sold and MBP sold.
Seriously thinking of dropping apple completely.
Not sure how to do it yet but I'm not happy.

Sorry to see you go but perhaps you'll find something that works better for you.

For me I don't see Windows or Linux working for me to completely replace MacOS, however, I do need access to Windows for games and certain business apps that are Windows only. My Macs are my only solution so I need to take the steps I need to get around any limitations.

I believe the eGPU solution works for the next few years

 

[Tribune]

I've read through most of this thread, however the situation seems to be quite complex. I was using a Dell U2720Q via USB-C in Clamshell mode with the Radeon 5500 drawing 5-10 watts. I just connected an additional P2421D monitor via HDMI, which increase the power requirements of the radeon to min. 19 watts. Any chance that I could reduce this by using a Displayport-to-USB-C cable? Or will I just have to live with it. Basically I can also open the lid now, since this does not really increase the required power any more ☹️

The radeon stays at 19 watts even if the second external monitor is turned off. It only drops back to 5-10 watts if I remove the HDMI-to-USB-C cable.

 

[rioriojc]

Snagged a Razer Core X and RX570 on the cheap and it has solved my problem. Prior to this, my 5500-equipped machine would scream like a 747, even in clamshell mode, when using Logic Pro X. Now I'm in the same session, lid open and fans are at 1800-2k with a 4W Radeon draw. No audible fan noise and great performance.

 

[ght56]

I've read through most of this thread, however the situation seems to be quite complex. I was using a Dell U2720Q via USB-C in Clamshell mode with the Radeon 5500 drawing 5-10 watts. I just connected an additional P2421D monitor via HDMI, which increase the power requirements of the radeon to min. 19 watts. Any chance that I could reduce this by using a Displayport-to-USB-C cable? Or will I just have to live with it. Basically I can also open the lid now, since this does not really increase the required power any more ☹️

The radeon stays at 19 watts even if the second external monitor is turned off. It only drops back to 5-10 watts if I remove the HDMI-to-USB-C cable.

Check the refresh rate of the Dell display that is problematic. If it is like 59.xx Hz, using SwitchResX to change it to 60 Hz exactly (if you don't have the option) may reduce the power draw.

This is a display I have which has a weird refresh rate. I haven't changed it on my 5600M MBP, but if I used it on my former 5500M MBP, it would pull 20 watts in both clamshell mode and with the lid open. Apparently changing to 60 Hz in some cases resolves this (with clamshell - with the lid open it obviously will make no difference.)

 

[klemn18]

Hej guy, where do you check graphics power draw?

 

[Minga089]

Hej guy, where do you check graphics power draw?

iStat Menus

 

[Tribune]

Check the refresh rate of the Dell display that is problematic. If it is like 59.xx Hz, using SwitchResX to change it to 60 Hz exactly (if you don't have the option) may reduce the power draw.

Thanks. The refresh rate was indeed not 60 Hz but 59.88 Hz. However, changing it to 60 Hz does not reduce the power draw ?.
I now connected it via a Displayport-to-USB-C cable. Unfortunately, right after turning on the second monitor, the power draw jumps to 19 Watts... How can this laptop not even drive two external monitors in clamshell mode without draining a static amount of min 19 Watts on its graphic card. But yeah, I am not the only one complaining in this tread...

 

[lucky_boy]

Hi guys! I have a MacBook Pro 16 i9 5500m.

also mac connected to lg 25um58-p (2k resolution).
i use type c - to hdmi adapter (support 4k, 60hz).

Everything is fine, everything works.. in addition, as with many - the laptop is heated and the fan is load.

DisplayPort not available in this model.

Is there a way to use the adapter somehow type-c - hdmi4k@60 so that the laptop does not heat up and does not make noise?


I read that there are users of M1-based mac in the branch - how they behave if they are connected to type-c - hdmi@4k ?

 

[ght56]

Thanks. The refresh rate was indeed not 60 Hz but 59.88 Hz. However, changing it to 60 Hz does not reduce the power draw ?.
I now connected it via a Displayport-to-USB-C cable. Unfortunately, right after turning on the second monitor, the power draw jumps to 19 Watts... How can this laptop not even drive two external monitors in clamshell mode without draining a static amount of min 19 Watts on its graphic card. But yeah, I am not the only one complaining in this tread...

Bummer. I figured it was worth a try. I wish I had more.

 

[WilliamG]

Why has this site not made a front-page post on this? Is 182 pages of complaints not enough?

 

[arobert3434]

Agreed and I use Windows under Parallels and Bootcamp. I won't be using a M1 based system any time soon.

I bought the 5500M a year ago when the 16" came out, and use it when in desktop mode with a 4K monitor plus lid open. I need the camera and mic, and like using the fingerprint reader for passwords. I considered selling it and getting a 5600M model but thought I'd wait and see what Apple Silicon would bring. Now that I have, my exit strategy has changed to waiting for the M2 and trading up then. I can live with the 5500M for another year, particularly as it is just fine in "laptop mode" with great battery life, a quantum leap in GPU performance compared to my previous MBP, and a screen that rivals the late, great 17" in real estate. I'm hoping both eGPU and Windows virtualization support will arrive with the M2.

 

[IceStormNG]

Why has this site not made a front-page post on this? Is 182 pages of complaints not enough?

No. This issue just affects „a few users“.

Apple management musst be laughing their a**es of when they read this thread and see through what loops we jump to get our expensive machines to work like we expect it.

 

[dukee101]

I can live with the 5500M for another year, particularly as it is just fine in "laptop mode" with great battery life, a quantum leap in GPU performance compared to my previous MBP, and a screen that rivals the late, great 17" in real estate.

I will say, after my months of complaining on this 182-page thread, and on the cusp of receiving a new M1 MBP next week, the 16" in many ways redeemed the flaws of the 15" MBP redesign in 2016. It has everything you mentioned, and for me the most important: the keyboard was finally "fixed" to become a Magic Keyboard (+ physical ESC key).

All that said, there's still a lot of problems with it besides this heat/noise issue with external displays, including ridiculous amounts of coil whine (literally sounds like it has a hard drive from 2005 in it), very odd speaker popping when switching apps under high load, and a battery that degrades in health/lifespan rapidly.

 

[timelessbeing]

I will say, after my months of complaining on this 182-page thread

Why has this site not made a front-page post on this? Is 182 pages of complaints not enough?

it's the same people repeating themselves