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jaduffy007

macrumors regular
May 23, 2018
146
139
I‘m in this category. I use my MacBook Pro 16 connected to a USB-C widescreen monitor. Using MS Teams, Zoom regularly for video calls and presentations, every day. I don’t do any intensive work, Office for Mac and Chrome / Safari primarily. No video editing, no coding, nothing like that. In retrospect I’ve probably over specced my MBP for what I need. However, it should not have the fans run like crazy and sound like a jet engine when I’m working or presenting. But it does. After reading other experiences on here I downloaded the Turbo Boost Switcher app today and will see if that helps. However I don’t think it reasonable to spend this sort of money on a laptop to then have to download 3rd party software to have it play nicely. Neither should I have to use it in clamshell mode. I prefer having the two screens when presenting, I also use the speakers on the MacBook Pro for video / conference calls (audio quality being a key selling point of this laptop) and I personally prefer using the onboard keyboard and touchpad than externals. I also find the touchbar quite useful for volume changes and simple things. So I want / need to keep my laptop open as it’s very functional for me to do so. I should add that I also had to disable the PowerNap feature to stop it crashing and causing graphic corruptions, a totally different issue but another niggle. I’ve had mine for 6 months now and have been putting up with it but I‘m not sure I should be.


You and I have the exact same spec'd machine. I agree with you 100%. And I don't think you should be "putting up with it" either. Via SwitchResX, adding a custom resolution at 60hz (in my case) definitely helped, but it didn't completely fix it. In Photoshop, I still get fans ramping up and down as I perform BASIC PS tasks such as dodging and burning. Using Turbo Boost Swticher Pro to turn off Intel's Turbo Boost "solves" this issue for me, but that isn't a real solution..because..of course, we PAID for Turbo Boost performance. I will be on the phone with Apple tomorrow raising bloody hell for a store credit.
 
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Texsippi

macrumors newbie
Jun 2, 2020
10
1
You and I have the exact same spec'd machine. I agree with you 100%. And I don't think you should be "putting up with it" either. Via SwitchResX, adding a custom resolution at 60hz (in my case) definitely helped, but it didn't completely fix it. In Photoshop, I still get fans ramping up and down as I perform BASIC PS tasks such as dodging and burning. Using Turbo Boost Swticher Pro to turn off Intel's Turbo Boost "solves" this issue for me, but that isn't a real solution..because..of course, we PAID for Turbo Boost performance. I will be on the phone with Apple tomorrow raising bloody hell for a store credit.

Please report back what Apple says. Still within my return window and am considering "downgrading" to a machine with the 5300M since another poster said they had better results after the latest update.
 

mrmachine79

macrumors regular
Mar 31, 2020
134
165
Please report back what Apple says. Still within my return window and am considering "downgrading" to a machine with the 5300M since another poster said they had better results after the latest update.

If it costs nothing to try (e.g. you can also return the lower spec machine), then give it a shot. But I believe it will make very little or no difference, and any reports of fan noise (or the absence of) without evidence (screenshots during repeatable tests) are subjective and anecdotal. In 1700+ messages, I think not one person has shown a 16" MBP to use less than ~20W with the lid open.

I have an i9 2.4GHz and 5300M, which I chose specifically for the lowest thermal output for a given workload. The CPU is a better binned chip than the 2.3GHz, so should produce less heat for a given load. The i7 has 2 less cores, but may be a lower quality chip so I'm not sure if it's cooler for a given load.

But I think the CPU is irrelevant. The CPU is not generating the excessive heat or using excessive power. The CPU is being crippled by the dGPU using too much power (the two share a dynamic pool of thermal headroom and available power), and the fans are a result of heat generated by the dGPUs excessive power consumption.

From what I've seen and heard, the 5300M has the same excessive power consumption as the 5500M.

That all said, I don't have much personal experience with the heat and noise issue on this machine because I use it with an eGPU which allows the CPU to run at maximum performance under high load, and cool/quiet under medium load, as the dGPU is barely used for anything at all and consumes 0-5W.

I only ran it a few times without the eGPU to test. See this post for more test results and eGPU info: https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...r.2211747/page-66?post=28505779#post-28505779
 

kooky

macrumors member
Jan 16, 2017
48
17
I'm on 2560x1440 at 18W high side and the fans are in the range of 2100 - 2600. Definitely no longer a problem for me now. While I understand the concern about 18W, is it such a great concern if the fan speed has been improved after 10.15.5 ?
 

maik_is_here

macrumors member
Nov 4, 2019
34
14
It would still be a concern if the CPU runs at much lower speed. The main problem/impact of the Dgpu drawing 18+ Watts is that it reduces capacity for the CPU to maintain turbo boost. Most people will see that their machines can’t maintain speeds above base clock very long when both Cpu and dgpu are taxed.

So I am curious, how does your CPU frequency hold up under medium load while dgpu draws 18 watts and fans are Low? If it stays at 3Ghz+ for longer than 10-15 min at acceptable fan rates (3k or less) I will be impressed.

and to confirm: you are connected to monitor and in which mode? Clamshell or open lid?
 

Texsippi

macrumors newbie
Jun 2, 2020
10
1
Did Apple change something just now? I got an alert for a supplemental update, 10.15.5 or something. Said it was for security and recommended for all users. Sorry wish I took a screenshot of it. But now with the monitor plugged in, my CPU highside went from 18W to 6W or lower. (Radeon still high though) Idle my temps are reading around 50C. Which they where 60C+ before update. I can still hit the low 60C mark pretty easy with Sketch, Notion, Outlook, Teams, Slack and a few Chrome tabs open to do it. Wishful thinking perhaps, but I'll keep an eye on it tomorrow through a full day of work. Thoughts? Anyone else do an update recently?
update.jpg
 

Alex W.

macrumors 6502
Apr 18, 2020
353
190
This issue is way worse in the i9 5500m, get the i7 5300m, it’s drastically better engineered in this aspect, the i9 5500m is pushing things too far.
 

Camarillo Brillo

macrumors 6502a
Dec 6, 2019
531
525
Did Apple change something just now? I got an alert for a supplemental update, 10.15.5 or something. Said it was for security and recommended for all users. Sorry wish I took a screenshot of it. But now with the monitor plugged in, my CPU highside went from 18W to 6W or lower. (Radeon still high though) Idle my temps are reading around 50C. Which they where 60C+ before update. I can still hit the low 60C mark pretty easy with Sketch, Notion, Outlook, Teams, Slack and a few Chrome tabs open to do it. Wishful thinking perhaps, but I'll keep an eye on it tomorrow through a full day of work. Thoughts? Anyone else do an update recently? View attachment 921154
Would be interested to know how the cpu speed differs between these two - I wonder if they’re making the cpu run slower to keep the heat in check with the external connected, because the Radeon issue simply can not be fixed?
 

ateslik

macrumors 6502
Oct 18, 2008
411
551
Supplemental update is documented here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211215

macOS Catalina 10.15.5 Supplemental Update, Security Update 2020-003 High Sierra
Released June 1, 2020
Kernel
Available for: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6, macOS Catalina 10.15.5
Impact: An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges
Description: A memory consumption issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
CVE-2020-9859: unc0ver

I had to go to Apple Logo->About this mac->Software updates to get it to show up. I'll install it, but I can't test the sleep issues today. Too much work to do.

It would be weird for them to slip in an undocumented fix for such a big issue, so I'm not hopeful.

update: this is a much bigger update than I was expecting. It says 18 minutes to install and the screen has blanked and reset twice already.

update: damn, this is a seriously beefy update. I would not have done this right now if I knew. Screen reset/reboot two more times so far for four total.

last update: Nope. Radeon still running at ~20W with absolutely nothing going on. Unplugging the DisplayPort again. Back to laptop mode. :(
 

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Texsippi

macrumors newbie
Jun 2, 2020
10
1
Supplemental update is documented here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211215

macOS Catalina 10.15.5 Supplemental Update, Security Update 2020-003 High Sierra
Released June 1, 2020
Kernel
Available for: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6, macOS Catalina 10.15.5
Impact: An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges
Description: A memory consumption issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
CVE-2020-9859: unc0ver

I had to go to Apple Logo->About this mac->Software updates to get it to show up. I'll install it, but I can't test the sleep issues today. Too much work to do.

It would be weird for them to slip in an undocumented fix for such a big issue, so I'm not hopeful.

update: this is a much bigger update than I was expecting. It says 18 minutes to install and the screen has blanked and reset twice already.

Yeah it was larger than I expected as well and took a bit to finish. Curious to see what everyone's experience with it is in the coming days.
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Would be interested to know how the cpu speed differs between these two - I wonder if they’re making the cpu run slower to keep the heat in check with the external connected, because the Radeon issue simply can not be fixed?

Hope that's not the answer. Anyone have Intel Power Gadget or something else installed that can weigh in? I'll check as well.
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This issue is way worse in the i9 5500m, get the i7 5300m, it’s drastically better engineered in this aspect, the i9 5500m is pushing things too far.

That what you have? Base specs or bump up RAM? Any insights on performance (outside the heat issues) between the two?
 
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interbear

macrumors regular
Sep 5, 2012
240
182
UK
You and I have the exact same spec'd machine. I agree with you 100%. And I don't think you should be "putting up with it" either. Via SwitchResX, adding a custom resolution at 60hz (in my case) definitely helped, but it didn't completely fix it. In Photoshop, I still get fans ramping up and down as I perform BASIC PS tasks such as dodging and burning. Using Turbo Boost Swticher Pro to turn off Intel's Turbo Boost "solves" this issue for me, but that isn't a real solution..because..of course, we PAID for Turbo Boost performance. I will be on the phone with Apple tomorrow raising bloody hell for a store credit.

I’ll be contacting Apple today also (in the UK). We can compare responses ?. I’m glad I have AppleCare as I’m 6 months in with mine so long past the return window.

Actually wondering if switching to the recently released 13 inch MacBook Pro May be a better (quieter!) option for me given my relatively basic workflow / usage. No graphic, video editing or gaming required so I don’t need the 5500 graphics card that seems to be causing this issue on my 16 inch based on other things I’ve read in this read. Perhaps a 13 inch with standard graphics would be good enough for me. If Apple offered me a swap (with some refund given the difference in price) I’d take that right now. I doubt they will though.
 

consoletuner

macrumors newbie
May 4, 2020
8
2
I’ll be contacting Apple today also (in the UK). We can compare responses ?. I’m glad I have AppleCare as I’m 6 months in with mine so long past the return window.

Actually wondering if switching to the recently released 13 inch MacBook Pro May be a better (quieter!) option for me given my relatively basic workflow / usage. No graphic, video editing or gaming required so I don’t need the 5500 graphics card that seems to be causing this issue on my 16 inch based on other things I’ve read in this read. Perhaps a 13 inch with standard graphics would be good enough for me. If Apple offered me a swap (with some refund given the difference in price) I’d take that right now. I doubt they will though.

Probably this helps a bit determing the decision about noise of the 13“ vs 16“

 

hungryghosty

macrumors regular
May 14, 2020
197
104
Does anyone have a 2020 10th gen 13" Macbook Pro and and 16" Macbook Pro? Would they agree with the findings in that video when it's connected to an external display?

The only thing about that video is he put them under a somewhat unrealistically intensive scenario running FCP, Xcode and Chrome running Youtube tabs simultaneously whilst connected to an external display. I doubt many of us would ever do that at the same time in real world use.
 
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Grammar1

macrumors newbie
Mar 23, 2020
23
8
My 16" has been boxed up for 3 months. Really need to get it commissioned. Doesn't seem like there's been any progress since I was last here.

I've ordered a Razer X Chroma, will pick up a 5500xt too. Seems insane to have to do this but I guess the fact it will work as a dock too softens the blow (a bit).
 
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elbateria

macrumors member
May 5, 2020
39
41
It would still be a concern if the CPU runs at much lower speed. The main problem/impact of the Dgpu drawing 18+ Watts is that it reduces capacity for the CPU to maintain turbo boost. Most people will see that their machines can’t maintain speeds above base clock very long when both Cpu and dgpu are taxed.

So I am curious, how does your CPU frequency hold up under medium load while dgpu draws 18 watts and fans are Low? If it stays at 3Ghz+ for longer than 10-15 min at acceptable fan rates (3k or less) I will be impressed.

and to confirm: you are connected to monitor and in which mode? Clamshell or open lid?

Yess.

This is not about the fan ramp and noise, annoying but required for high performance this days. This is about CPU thermal throttle and lack of performance. Your'e paying for a top i9 CPU and just getting top performance during short time.

Synthetic tests are misleading because they stress the system just a few minutes, but if you're in 4K editing or gaming the performance ramp gradually descends with high loads.

Regards.
 
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ateslik

macrumors 6502
Oct 18, 2008
411
551
Yess.

This is not about the fan ramp and noise, annoying but required for high performance this days. This is about CPU thermal throttle and lack of performance. Your'e paying for a top i9 CPU and just getting top performance during short time.

Synthetic tests are misleading because they stress the system just a few minutes, but if you're in 4K editing or gaming the performance ramp gradually descends with high loads.

Regards.

For me it's about just about being able to use the machine. Locking up and having a complete thermal crash just because I plugged in an external monitor is not usable to me. I bought this machine with the expectation that it could serve very similarly to a workstation - clamshell mode connected to a hub with all peripherals. I can't reboot every time it goes to sleep and I can't work with the fans at 5000rpm when I'm editing a word document.
 
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CibbySF

macrumors member
Aug 19, 2014
31
22
Did Apple change something just now? I got an alert for a supplemental update, 10.15.5 or something. Said it was for security and recommended for all users. Sorry wish I took a screenshot of it. But now with the monitor plugged in, my CPU highside went from 18W to 6W or lower. (Radeon still high though) Idle my temps are reading around 50C. Which they where 60C+ before update. I can still hit the low 60C mark pretty easy with Sketch, Notion, Outlook, Teams, Slack and a few Chrome tabs open to do it. Wishful thinking perhaps, but I'll keep an eye on it tomorrow through a full day of work. Thoughts? Anyone else do an update recently? View attachment 921154
Just to confirm. Were you on 10.15.5 and then it added another update? When you look at "About my mac" does it just show 10.15.5 or another distinction. I've been on 10.15.5 since it came out but haven't been able to trigger any other kind of update this morning.

Are you still seeing the CPU Computing Highside at lower levels?
 

Texsippi

macrumors newbie
Jun 2, 2020
10
1
Just to confirm. Were you on 10.15.5 and then it added another update? When you look at "About my mac" does it just show 10.15.5 or another distinction. I've been on 10.15.5 since it came out but haven't been able to trigger any other kind of update this morning.

Are you still seeing the CPU Computing Highside at lower levels?

I'm on 10.15.5 now and thought that was what I had before the update too. Update just said supplemental update. Sorry, should've paid more attention to it. CPU highside sitting around 7w after update, much higher before. GPU is still 18W. Temps this morning still sitting around 60C / 146F with light use (browser, messaging).
 
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delacroix_2020

macrumors newbie
Jun 1, 2020
2
2
Does anyone have a 2020 10th gen 13" Macbook Pro and and 16" Macbook Pro? Would they agree with the findings in that video when it's connected to an external display?

The only thing about that video is he put them under a somewhat unrealistically intensive scenario running FCP, Xcode and Chrome running Youtube tabs simultaneously whilst connected to an external display. I doubt many of us would ever do that at the same time in real world use.
I could probably test this week, since I bought a 13inch 10th gen for my Wife, I own the 16inch i9 with the 5500m heat machine.
 
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Raikal

macrumors newbie
Sep 7, 2014
13
8
I went from 16" (i7, 5300m) to 13" (10th gen i5). If you don't need the graphics power or the bigger display it might be what you are looking for. The device is totally silent while it's open and a display connected. I only hear the fans when I really push it, and then only for a much shorter time compared to the 16".
 

jaduffy007

macrumors regular
May 23, 2018
146
139
Please report back what Apple says. Still within my return window and am considering "downgrading" to a machine with the 5300M since another poster said they had better results after the latest update.

Spoke with Apple Support. Once you're past the 14 day return window...they will ONLY address issues via hardware repair. No refunds. No store credit. Nada. After submitting logs and detailed(!) notes, my machine was said to be working as expected. Insane.
[automerge]1591207374[/automerge]
I went from 16" (i7, 5300m) to 13" (10th gen i5). If you don't need the graphics power or the bigger display it might be what you are looking for. The device is totally silent while it's open and a display connected. I only hear the fans when I really push it, and then only for a much shorter time compared to the 16".

What do you and others think of adding an eGPU to a 10th Gen i5 or i7 13" mbp?
 

CibbySF

macrumors member
Aug 19, 2014
31
22
I'm on 10.15.5 now and thought that was what I had before the update too. Update just said supplemental update. Sorry, should've paid more attention to it. CPU highside sitting around 7w after update, much higher before. GPU is still 18W. Temps this morning still sitting around 60C / 146F with light use (browser, messaging).
I was able to get it to update to supplemental. Just confirming you're seeing those numbers with lid open and using an external display? I think you and I have similarly spec'd machines i9/5500. Like you been debating going for an i7/5300. Do you use Turbo Boost Switcher? When I rebooted it didn't turn on automatically. My CPU highside was around 18W. If I enable TB Switcher to turn TB off, it's now dropped to high single digits. Do you know if your pre Supplemental update reading was w Turbo Boost on or off?
 
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