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

[norda72]

I saw a PC-laptop (Acer Aspire 5) and it had cooling holes in the bottom plate. Why isn’t that an option for Apple? Does the premium-feeling get lost? I think it was the same hatch to use for upgrading memory and perhaps even SSD.

 

[richinaus]

Yes and no. Apple didn't improve it, AMD upgraded it. It's a hardware design issue.

Anyway, we've really beaten this dead horse to the point there isn't a horse any more.

Conclusions are the same, all Intel-based Mac throttle and hit thermals when combined with GPUs.

The 16 has both a high-end CPU and powerful dGPU. both throttled due to competition for thermals. This will never change due to hardware design (Windows is no exception so not even a discussion point.) The monitor situation is a hardware design choice by AMD as to how it scaled memory up for displays. Again, will not change no matter silly tweaks.

End of the day, you either:

• buy a model with 5600 and send a lot of money to limit the issue
• use in clamshell with external display (one)
• be smart and buy an M1 MacBook Pro/Air/Mini
• use an eGPU (anything works)
• live with it

So far nothing new has been discussed for the 187 pages of this thread. Not sure what more can be said.
My first choice was Clamshell, then eGPU, then finally I moved on to a faster laptop the M1 MacBook Pro 13. Done.

Great post - I don’t think there is anything left to say either.

 

[richinaus]

I saw a PC-laptop (Acer Aspire 5) and it had cooling holes in the bottom plate. Why isn’t that an option for Apple? Does the premium-feeling get lost? I think it was the same hatch to use for upgrading memory and perhaps even SSD.

Doesn’t work

 

[Jeff Flowerday]

I keep turbo boost disabled on my MBP16. No issues in clamshell mode, heat and fan noise are at acceptably low levels, including when on video conference calls via Teams and Zoom when screen sharing. No issues at all. I have it connected to a 34 inch widescreen monitor (which is powering the MBP connected via USB-C) and a 22 inch monitor (connected via HDMI via an adaptor). The other apps I use (always running) as well as video conferencing are the MS Office for Mac apps, Outlook for Mac, Chrome, Safari, Mail, Music, Podcasts. The browsers always have multiple tabs open.

I think both Teams and Zoom have advanced options to disable HW acceleration for those looking to possibly reduce GPU heat when using those 2 apps.

 

[hedehodo34]

Yes and no. Apple didn't improve it, AMD upgraded it. It's a hardware design issue.

Anyway, we've really beaten this dead horse to the point there isn't a horse any more.

Conclusions are the same, all Intel-based Mac throttle and hit thermals when combined with GPUs.

The 16 has both a high-end CPU and powerful dGPU. both throttled due to competition for thermals. This will never change due to hardware design (Windows is no exception so not even a discussion point.) The monitor situation is a hardware design choice by AMD as to how it scaled memory up for displays. Again, will not change no matter silly tweaks.

End of the day, you either:

• buy a model with 5600 and spend a lot of money to limit the issue
• use in clamshell with external display (one)
• be smart and buy an M1 MacBook Pro/Air/Mini
• use an eGPU (anything works)
• live with it

So far nothing new has been discussed for the 187 pages of this thread. Not sure what more can be said.
My first choice was Clamshell, then eGPU, then finally I moved on to a faster laptop the M1 MacBook Pro 13. Done.

Well said. This is the summary of 188 pages.

 

[apr]

My first choice was Clamshell, then eGPU, then finally I moved on to a faster laptop the M1 MacBook Pro 13. Done.

Windows (intel) virtualization is must have for many users, so M1 is not an option for us
When future OS releases stops supporting the intel based hw, we need to go back to non-apple machines.

My mb 16 with the occasional fan noise is still better than any other notebooks I had in the past, so I will use it for years. (For home use I will buy of course the M1, no need for virtualization.)

 

[Kung gu]

I saw a PC-laptop (Acer Aspire 5) and it had cooling holes in the bottom plate. Why isn’t that an option for Apple? Does the premium-feeling get lost? I think it was the same hatch to use for upgrading memory and perhaps even SSD.

I guess with M1 for 16" on the horizon that won't be needed

 

[interbear]

Yes and no. Apple didn't improve it, AMD upgraded it. It's a hardware design issue.

Anyway, we've really beaten this dead horse to the point there isn't a horse any more.

Conclusions are the same, all Intel-based Mac throttle and hit thermals when combined with GPUs.

The 16 has both a high-end CPU and powerful dGPU. both throttled due to competition for thermals. This will never change due to hardware design (Windows is no exception so not even a discussion point.) The monitor situation is a hardware design choice by AMD as to how it scaled memory up for displays. Again, will not change no matter silly tweaks.

End of the day, you either:

• buy a model with 5600 and spend a lot of money to limit the issue
• use in clamshell with external display (one)
• be smart and buy an M1 MacBook Pro/Air/Mini
• use an eGPU (anything works)
• live with it

So far nothing new has been discussed for the 187 pages of this thread. Not sure what more can be said.
My first choice was Clamshell, then eGPU, then finally I moved on to a faster laptop the M1 MacBook Pro 13. Done.

That's an excellent post and should probably be a sticky at the top of this thread to save people reading the rest of it. The options you mention are indeed the available options. There are no others. I went with clamshell option for my MBP16 although have 2 external displays connected and it's just fine. I'll go with the M1 option when they release one with a bigger display and at least 4 usb-c ports, probably at the end of this year.

 

[Jeo_cz]

Yes and no. Apple didn't improve it, AMD upgraded it. It's a hardware design issue.

Anyway, we've really beaten this dead horse to the point there isn't a horse any more.

Conclusions are the same, all Intel-based Mac throttle and hit thermals when combined with GPUs.

The 16 has both a high-end CPU and powerful dGPU. both throttled due to competition for thermals. This will never change due to hardware design (Windows is no exception so not even a discussion point.) The monitor situation is a hardware design choice by AMD as to how it scaled memory up for displays. Again, will not change no matter silly tweaks.

End of the day, you either:

• buy a model with 5600 and spend a lot of money to limit the issue
• use in clamshell with external display (one)
• be smart and buy an M1 MacBook Pro/Air/Mini
• use an eGPU (anything works)
• live with it

So far nothing new has been discussed for the 187 pages of this thread. Not sure what more can be said.
My first choice was Clamshell, then eGPU, then finally I moved on to a faster laptop the M1 MacBook Pro 13. Done.

Perfect summary. You just forgot one more option for dual screen... use in clamshell with one external display and one iPad (or other computer) via Sidecar/Duet monitor.

 

[dingobiatch]

Just a heads up - I’ve been on this thread since it started, 5500m here, and finally decided to get an eGPU. While it has helped a lot (Radeon high side is 2w now), and I’m not getting any UI lag or anything now, my laptop’s fans are still getting loud. It’s only when my CPU is fully utilized, but that’s what I have this laptop for - I run large sessions in Logic Pro. I’m going to try disabling turbo boost today, I’m guessing that will fix the issue. Unfortunately that results in my sessions overloading the CPU sometimes, but I can work around that for now. I think once the 16” M1 is released and Big Sur is fully supported by all the plugins I use, I’ll have to upgrade.

 

[baummer]

I think both Teams and Zoom have advanced options to disable HW acceleration for those looking to possibly reduce GPU heat when using those 2 apps.

What I've never fully understood is what benefits those applications get from HW acceleration as means of understanding whether or not I disable HW acceleration. Is it strictly for video/screen sharing performance? Audio? Something else?

 

[thebluepointe]

Since I have using virtual machines to test or manage DC, I still want support for intel. But I can run my VMs remotely if I had to use M1 model.

This is very frustrating. M1 has compability issues, 16" has temp issues. Maybe I should stay with the current 13" pro intel.

Both Parallels and VM Ware are working on the VM problem, albeit slowly. And focus is on ARM guest OSes. Probably a long time before we see any headway emulating guest x86 OSes on M1, if at all. If ARM guests would work for your needs and you don't use them regularly, I'd wait until later this year (or do your remote VM things) and go for M1.

 

[thedocbwarren]

Both Parallels and VM Ware are working on the VM problem, albeit slowly. And focus is on ARM guest OSes. Probably a long time before we see any headway emulating guest x86 OSes on M1, if at all. If ARM guests would work for your needs and you don't use them regularly, I'd wait until later this year (or do your remote VM things) and go for M1.

As much as I prefer VMWare (and have many licenses) Parallels Tech Preview is very good and works well. You can use Windows 10 ARM to run x86 stuff (slower than Rosetta.)

 

[maik_is_here]

Yes and no. Apple didn't improve it, AMD upgraded it. It's a hardware design issue.

Anyway, we've really beaten this dead horse to the point there isn't a horse any more.

Conclusions are the same, all Intel-based Mac throttle and hit thermals when combined with GPUs.

The 16 has both a high-end CPU and powerful dGPU. both throttled due to competition for thermals. This will never change due to hardware design (Windows is no exception so not even a discussion point.) The monitor situation is a hardware design choice by AMD as to how it scaled memory up for displays. Again, will not change no matter silly tweaks.

End of the day, you either:

• buy a model with 5600 and spend a lot of money to limit the issue
• use in clamshell with external display (one)
• be smart and buy an M1 MacBook Pro/Air/Mini
• use an eGPU (anything works)
• live with it

So far nothing new has been discussed for the 187 pages of this thread. Not sure what more can be said.
My first choice was Clamshell, then eGPU, then finally I moved on to a faster laptop the M1 MacBook Pro 13. Done.

One more option missing: use Displaylink adapters. They allow to connect even 4K monitors and don’t use the gpu at all. Of course there are some trade offs, but I have started using them as well alongside egpu. Works surprisingly well and keeps my laptop quiet.

 

[spachner]

One more option missing: use Displaylink adapters. They allow to connect even 4K monitors and don’t use the gpu at all. Of course there are some trade offs, but I have started using them as well alongside egpu. Works surprisingly well and keeps my laptop quiet.

Hi maik_is_here,

could you please give an example of this kind af adapters.

regards

spachner

 

[maik_is_here]

Hi maik_is_here,

could you please give an example of this kind af adapters.

regards

spachner

I have placed these two around the house where monitors are.
Advantage is it works really with every type of laptop. Windows or Mac as soon as you install the displaylink software. Kids and wife can just plug in and it works. Disadvantage, there is some lag and performance penalty. Despite 60hz. I use it for light work only. Final Cut Pro is quite laggy with it. Office type work is completely fine. For real intensive work I use my eGPU in the office. The difference in fluidity it very noticeable to me. best to try! There are plenty other options out there.

USB 3.0 Mini Dock - Dual 4K 60Hz DP/GbE - USB-A Docking Stations | Universal Laptop Docking Stations | StarTech.com

USB to Dual DisplayPort Mini Dock with GbE LAN - Mac & Windows - Dual 4K

www.startech.com

WL-UG69DK5 USB-C Dual 4K Ultra 5K HD Multiple-Display Universal Docking Station

WL-UG69DK5 USB-C Dual 4K Ultra 5K HD Multiple-Display Unique plastic wire matte vertical design, the new USB Type-C connector works seamlessly with this Ultra HD 4K Universal Docking Station.

www.wavlink.com

 

[kyds3k]

Update on my situation (2019 16" MBP with the 5500M):

Previously I was experienced severe lag, slowdown, and overheating by the end of my workday. I bought this dock:

Plugable 14-in-1 USB-C and Thunderbolt Dock - 40Gbps, 96W Charging, Compatible with Mac and Windows, 2X HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 4K60, 7X USB, Ethernet, Certified, Driverless, Replaced by TBT4-UDZ

100W MAX POWER—up to 100W (96W certified), while also safely charging laptops needing 85W or less. Maximize compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C systems 14-IN-1 EXPANSION—Thunderbolt 3 dock expands to 2x HDMI or DisplayPort monitors, 1x USB-C (10Gbps), 1x USB-A (10Gbps), 5x USB 3.0 (5Gbps),...

smile.amazon.com

WORLDS of difference! My laptop now runs like a dream, been working steady all day and it's awesome and way cooler! Plus I have a ton more inputs, win overall!

 

[lookash]

I have successfully sold my MacBook Pro 16 for a good very price! Currently, I still have my company MBP 15 2018 so I'll wait for what Apple will show this year.

 

[huythanhv2]

I have the Ultrafine 5K and I love TrueTone.
It's so annoying that you have to pick between having no TrueTone but quiet or TrueTone with a loud fan!

 

[muckintosh]

I reported this issue to Apple as well and got no reply.

I bought the Cooler Master NOTEPAL A200 notebook cooler. That made no perceivable difference. So I had the idea of putting an ice gel back underneath the cooler. That drops the fan speed by 700 RPM to under 4000 in a 30C room.

A $4000 computer tamed by a 10c gel pack. Thank you Apple.

 

[mstipic]

There is no solution. It's a hardware design. Deal with it.
I sold mine 16".

 

[thedocbwarren]

There is no solution. It's a hardware design. Deal with it.
I sold mine 16".

I reported this issue to Apple as well and got no reply.

I bought the Cooler Master NOTEPAL A200 notebook cooler. That made no perceivable difference. So I had the idea of putting an ice gel back underneath the cooler. That drops the fan speed by 700 RPM to under 4000 in a 30C room.

A $4000 computer tamed by a 10c gel pack. Thank you Apple.

Stated on page 187 -

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

Yes and no. Apple didn't improve it, AMD upgraded it. It's a hardware design issue. Anyway, we've really beaten this dead horse to the point there isn't a horse any more. Conclusions are the same, all Intel-based Mac throttle and hit thermals when combined with GPUs. The 16 has both a...

forums.macrumors.com

Really not much more to say.

 

[klemn18]

Ok, Im now in communication with to our authorized reseller in Slovenia. We dont have any Apple store here
I will let you know how I resolved my case.

Ok. Last week I gave my MBP 16" on service. They decide to replace the motherboard as part of warranty.

But note that my laptop had huge issue with heating. Probably even more than for most other throttling issues reported here. In my case it was throttling to 1GHz all the time. So dont expect that they will replace it every case.

Once I get the laptop back, I can write how it behaves.

 

[diekehle]

In my opinion the 2019 Macbook Pros 15" and 16" are a scam, these are the last Intels so they sold it to roll out their new M1. I have similar issues with my 15" Macbook, just wrote an post here. Check it out.

 

[Boneheadxan]

Ok. Last week I gave my MBP 16" on service. They decide to replace the motherboard as part of warranty.

But note that my laptop had huge issue with heating. Probably even more than for most other throttling issues reported here. In my case it was throttling to 1GHz all the time. So dont expect that they will replace it every case.

Once I get the laptop back, I can write how it behaves.

I have this issue at times, throttling to 1GHz during some of my sessions. Please do report back if you find out anything. A restart usually fixes it for me, so I haven’t bothered taking it into the store yet.