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

[infinitypgh]

Sure, I checked the "use simplified settings" box and tested all options from the dropdown. The one in the screenshot, "GTF", is the only one that worked. I'm attaching a screenshot of the default settings as shown by SwitchResX vs the GTF settings. I don't know exactly why these settings bring it back to 6-7W but it worked for me.

GTF - 6-7W:


Default Settings - 18W:

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Hoping someone can help in regards to the switchresx setup. 16" MBP 32gb ram 8gb vid. When hooked up to external monitor Radeon Highside spikes like everyone else is seeing. I only use in clamshell mode and I'm having trouble getting this resolved with switchresx and hoping I'm doing something wrong. Monitor is 24" Asus 1920x1200 Pro art IPS.

Here's the settings and the results of my testing:

These settings fix the issue of the Radeon Spike, it drops down immediately. The issue is this resolution is not great and everything on the screen is huge, not useable.

These settings work on the monitor, resolution is good, but no impact on the radeon high side (no simplified or GTF):

These settings seem to be what should fix the issue but I get an error on the monitor "Out of Range", nothing I can change on the monitor to try and help this that I could find either:

Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[realies]

Perhaps the 5600M would have the memory speed headroom to allow higher resolution displays at lower wattage using their current generation multi-display implementation, since the new card uses HBM2 memory versus the GDDR6 on the 5500M models. I have just arranged the return for a maxed out 16" rMBP. Would be interesting to see results using the 5600M.

 

[canton]

I've dug through *some* of the 78 pages of comments here, but would love some quick advice:

What are the best solutions for having the 16" i9 5500M run quietly with an external display, NOT in clamshell mode?

Right now I'm using a USB-C to DVI dongle to connect my old 1920x1200 NEC monitor. When idling, my fans are at 3000 RPM and the Radeon is using 17W. It's driving me nuts because I've gotten used to working with virtually silent Apple laptops with an external display for 20 years.

I'm even open to buying a new monitor if that's what it takes. (Though I'm loathe to give up my MultiSync LCD2490UXi2 as it's one of the few matte screens out there...)

 

[realies]

@canton, perhaps using a cooling pad or better, making the thermal transfer from the CPU/GPU to the cooler more efficient. Swapping the thermal interface material with liquid metal + adding high efficiency thermal pads around the CPU/GPU dies seems to have had the best results.

Mind you, for lower resolutions than 4K idle wattage would be lower.

PS: Also, eGPUs...

 

[bomby0]

I've dug through *some* of the 78 pages of comments here, but would love some quick advice:

What are the best solutions for having the 16" i9 5500M run quietly with an external display, NOT in clamshell mode?

Right now I'm using a USB-C to DVI dongle to connect my old 1920x1200 NEC monitor. When idling, my fans are at 3000 RPM and the Radeon is using 17W. It's driving me nuts because I've gotten used to working with virtually silent Apple laptops with an external display for 20 years.

I'm even open to buying a new monitor if that's what it takes. (Though I'm loathe to give up my MultiSync LCD2490UXi2 as it's one of the few matte screens out there...)

There really aren't any. The only real solution is to return your Macbook Pro 16" and get a different laptop or look into an eGPU solution

 

[jaduffy007]

There really aren't any. The only real solution is to return your Macbook Pro 16" and get a different laptop or look into an eGPU solution

Unfortunately I have to agree. Just 10 minutes ago, I booted up my system (eGPU, etc) with lid open for about 15 minutes..caused all of the old behaviors to resurface...fans revving, etc. I.Just.Can.Not.Take.It.Any.More. Fingers crossed, a new iMac is released next week.
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I've dug through *some* of the 78 pages of comments here, but would love some quick advice:

What are the best solutions for having the 16" i9 5500M run quietly with an external display, NOT in clamshell mode?

Right now I'm using a USB-C to DVI dongle to connect my old 1920x1200 NEC monitor. When idling, my fans are at 3000 RPM and the Radeon is using 17W. It's driving me nuts because I've gotten used to working with virtually silent Apple laptops with an external display for 20 years.

I'm even open to buying a new monitor if that's what it takes. (Though I'm loathe to give up my MultiSync LCD2490UXi2 as it's one of the few matte screens out there...)

Regarding the monitor...yeah, those NEC monitors are awesome. I'm probably dumping my 6 month old BenQ SW271 as well...if I go with an iMac.

 

[davidbend]

Guys, I've attached a VERY important message by one of the users in Apple discussions, who works a lot with Apple to address this issue. From right now it's only up to us. If you really want the problem to get resolved please follow the message below:

Some good and not so good news! I had a call today with a Senior Advisor at Apple in the Enterprise group that was facilitated by our Apple Business Team.



The good news is; Apple acknowledges there is an issue with the 16-inch MBPs when connected to an external monitor! At the moment, however, Apple has it in their systems as a "Low Impact" item.



According to the person I spoke to, they also acknowledged that the number of messages they receive through their feedback systems, including this support forum, DOESN'T increase or otherwise change the level of "impact" an issue has within their tracking systems.



The ONLY things that HAVE have an effect is escalated support cases to Senior Engineers and returns. So, as has been mentioned by a few members, you DO need to start a ticket if you want this issue to receive an escalated amount of attention from Apple and you must get it classified as "16inch MBP Fan Noise with an External Monitor".



If you end up returning your laptop, make sure to provide the reason!



So, after 7 months, we at least have acknowledgment that this is an issue with all 16inch MBP’s. The problem is, more needs to be done from each of us in order for Apple to escalate and prioritize the resolution otherwise we will have no solution which is extremely disappointing.



Let's start making thousands of calls and getting this to be "High Impact" in their systems. I will have some of my employees who haven't opened cases and our customers do the same!

 

[sahilm1]

For a while I thought it was just my machine. I just googled this issue and I find thousands of responses and this is widespread. I'll definitely be opening a ticket with Apple. This is an extremely expensive computer to have this issue when connecting a single external monitor. So frustrated.

 

[canton]

There really aren't any. The only real solution is to return your Macbook Pro 16" and get a different laptop

Are these solutions though?

1. Use an eGPU. (I actually have one for my Mac mini, could conceivably repurpose it...)
2. This particular page of apple discussions suggests that there's *some* belief that a USB-C connected monitor running at 2560x1440 might not cause the computer to heat up? (I see other comments saying not true.) Is there one confirmed model of monitor and cabling setup that works?

I'm willing to consider almost anything after investing 30+ hours migrating away from my trusty (and perfectly quiet & speedy) Mid-2012 15" MacBook Pro.

 

[MosesOlsen]

I don't even know where to begin in this topic. Hopefully someone can help if I give my situation:

I had a 2017 Macbook Pro which I would use in clamshell mode with two external displays (LG Ultrafine 4K). The computer was silent most of the time.

Fast forward to about a month ago. I bought the 16" Macbook Pro and it seems like I'm having a similar issue as a lot of others. When I use my BRAND NEW, MORE POWERFUL Macbook Pro the exact same way as I did with my 3 year old Macbook, the fans get almost unbearably loud.

Apparently there's a fix for clamshell users though? What do I need to do to fix this?

 

[AFPBoy]

Apparently there's a fix for clamshell users though? What do I need to do to fix this?

AFAIK no one has reported a fix with two external monitors. The only consistent solution I've seen people post is using SwitchResX to find a refresh rate with ONE monitor.

 

[joelhinch]

Perhaps the 5600M would have the memory speed headroom to allow higher resolution displays at lower wattage using their current generation multi-display implementation, since the new card uses HBM2 memory versus the GDDR6 on the 5500M models. I have just arranged the return for a maxed out 16" rMBP. Would be interesting to see results using the 5600M.

Please do report back with your findings. Will be interesting to see your theory.

 

[schertlerbombe]

I have 2x LG 5K Ultrafine (the TB3 Apple ones, the first 85W version, not the updated 96W one)
- Clamshell or none, if I have resolution "Default for display" (2560x1440): 18W
- Clamshell at 2880 x 1620: 9W
- Monitors connected individually on each TB3 bus (1x RHS of Mac, 1x RHS)
- MBP 16" model 5500M with power supply plugged in
(I have to change both monitor resolutions to get this, if I leave one at 2560x1440 then it goes to 18W)

(above Radeon High Side values)

I don't understand why:
- 2560 x 1440 spikes to 18W
- why some users get only 5W clamshell, when I get 9W ---> The answer is because I have 2x monitors connected. When I unplug 1x, it drops to 5W clamshell.

I am not sure about the Hz, this is Australia so I think it is 50Hz

Anyway I hope this helps, I can report more data if need be.

 

[canton]

AFAIK no one has reported a fix with two external monitors. The only consistent solution I've seen people post is using SwitchResX to find a refresh rate with ONE monitor.

To be clear, when you say ONE monitor, do you mean "One external monitor, and the computer closed in clamshell mode", or do you mean that someone somewhere has actually gotten one external monitor to work efficiently without having to clamshell?

 

[mrmachine79]

Unfortunately I have to agree. Just 10 minutes ago, I booted up my system (eGPU, etc) with lid open for about 15 minutes..caused all of the old behaviors to resurface...fans revving, etc. I.Just.Can.Not.Take.It.Any.More. Fingers crossed, a new iMac is released next week.

Even with eGPU? Some apps do still use dGPU with eGPU connected. If the dGPU is actually under load the same problems will persist. Check activity monitor GPU tab to confirm which apps after using dGPU and how much they are using it and forced them to use eGPU.

 

[AFPBoy]

To be clear, when you say ONE monitor, do you mean "One external monitor, and the computer closed in clamshell mode", or do you mean that someone somewhere has actually gotten one external monitor to work efficiently without having to clamshell?

"One external monitor, and the computer closed in clamshell mode" is what I meant.

 

[joelhinch]

"One external monitor, and the computer closed in clamshell mode" is what I meant.

With the right config. Clamshell mode and one monitor will only use about 4-5w

 

[BlueseaApple]

what about the comparison between the two machines (i.e. 13 and 16) without external monitor attached to them. Is the 16 inch generally quieter than the 13 inch, also with intensive tasks?
also, how do you plan to connect the lg5k to the egpu?
thanks!

These were my observed stats running the 13" and 16" from bootup:

R Only 16: 41c/1840rpm 13: 39/0
R & LG5K. 16: 62c/2100rpm 13: 53/0
5 mins lapsed before measurements taken

The 16" is considerably louder, with fan noise noticeably at earlier revs than the the 13" circa 4000rpm. It also has moments where it spikes in power and therefore heat. It's the AMD @ circa 20W, literally doing nothing, generating more heat, whilst connected to a LG5K in this case! Disconnected, the 16" runs on the intel GPU and is less troublesome although has other spike moments.

The 13" runs considerably cooler than the 16" and a lot quieter overall under both scenarios.

On the new ADM released, 5600M, unless the fundamentals have been addressed, assume it will generate more heat with the same cooling arrangements and therefore one can expect more challenges.

 

[dooyou]

With the right config. Clamshell mode and one monitor will only use about 4-5w

What do you mean by correct configuration? If I have a 4K screen I will certainly not reduce the resolution to 2k or test tools for hours. That can't be the solution.

 

[BlueseaApple]

What do you mean by correct configuration? If I have a 4K screen I will certainly not reduce the resolution to 2k or test tools for hours. That can't be the solution.

I really thought any of the new Apples with the LG5k endorsed display, would be the correct configuration. Sadly the results do not match expectations.

 

[joelhinch]

What do you mean by correct configuration? If I have a 4K screen I will certainly not reduce the resolution to 2k or test tools for hours. That can't be the solution.

4k over a quality USB-C to DP will work fine in clamshell at 4-5w.

 

[Guitardude092]

4k over a quality USB-C to DP will work fine in clamshell at 4-5w.

So if I were to use a base 16" inch model with a LG ultrafine 4k, would I be ok, I was planning on using it in Clamshell mode either way. No hub, just straight to the monitor port

 

[earlyadoptermakeshistory]

These were my observed stats running the 13" and 16" from bootup:
R Only 16: 41c/1840rpm 13: 39/0
R & LG5K. 16: 62c/2100ish rpm 13: 53/0
Both were from boot up and 5 mins before measurements taken
The 16" is considerably louder, with fan noise noticeably at earlier revs than the the 13" circa 4000rpm. It also has moments where it spikes in power and therefore heat. It's the AMD @ circa 20W, literally doing nothing, generating more heat, whilst connected to a LG5K in this case! Disconnected, the 16" runs on the intel GPU and is less troublesome.
The 13" runs considerably cooler than the 13" and a lot quieter overall under both scenarios.

So, if I understand correctly, your 13", if measured alone 5 mins after boot up, runs at 39° and with fans completely off. The same machine, while connected to an LG5K, runs at 53° also with fans completely off.

Did I understand correctly? Because I have never seen my 13" 10th gen i7 run with fans completely off... So far my experience (with or without external monitor) has been of a quietish machine that, sometimes unexpectedly, kicks in a very loud fan mode. For example, if I start to edit a couple photos in Lightroom (nothing fancy, just convert to B&W and apply levels, or even if I browse the database and delete images...). Could be that I still have a 3TB Time Machine first backup running in the background?

 

[Abaganov]

How likely this is software fix vs hardware fix? I am asking in order to made a decision if it will be worth for it to wait for a refresh of the 16" in the hopes it will fix the issue?

 

[dooyou]

How likely this is software fix vs hardware fix? I am asking in order to made a decision if it will be worth for it to wait for a refresh of the 16" in the hopes it will fix the issue?

Nobody knows anything about it, except Apple.