Do your Mac Pro fans run constantly?

[milozauckerman]

Not really a question about the noise (which depends on your sensitivity), but the front fans themselves, visible behind the grille.

Since applying the firmware update last night after the first software update, my new Mac Pro's forward fans have been running constantly. Apple Hardware Test doesn't turn up any issues with temperature monitors, and it's 74-75F in this room currently, with a ceiling fan going as well so I don't think ambient temps are at fault.

Before I go through the process of resetting the SMC (I had my fill with my last G5), I wanted to see if anyone else's fans ran most of the time or all the time.

 

[adamda]

It does seem as if mine do run constantly. But I don't really know the difference between sounds, so it could be the humming of the power supply for all I know... although it does sound like air circulation to me. Running 1.0 SMC Firmware.

 

[ljones]

I think they run until the system is placed to sleep or shut down. If you look through the front grill you will see them spinning. Check it randomly, and they will be spinning. I notice when my system is idle for a while the temp drops, lack of CPU use. When i'm working, i have a constant temp, unless i close the door on my desk where the mac pro is resting. Doing so drives the temp up about 20 degrees, lack of air flow.

 

[n8236]

If you've been following the thread regarding the fan control software which was just newly developed, you would know the fans are on constantly. The default settings on the software indicate that at idle, it runs below 1500rpms which is hardly noticeable in most cases. So, I do believe they are spinning constantly.

 

[milozauckerman]

The only fan software I'm aware of is for the Macbook and Macbook Pro.

 

[n8236]

O sry, misread. Thought it was the laptops

 

[relimw]

I haven't really noticed, but I'm sure they're probably running at constant low as I push my system rather hard. I've only noticed the fans ramp up to high 3-4 times since I got the machine.

 

[Transeau]

Yes, they do. The front fans run at 500RPM and the rear fans run at 600RPM.

I'm not sure about the X1900's RPMs.

 

[apfhex]

Yes, the front fans are always spinning when the computer is on and awake. Same before and after the firmware update.

As for what noise I can hear, not sure if I'm hearing the main fans, the X1900's fan, the hard drive, or some combination thereof. Probably the later.

 

[technicolor]

Funny, Ive heard my fans only once since I got this machine. And what was after rebooting 500 kabillion times because it was stuck in a firmware update.

 

[ljones]

I don't really hear my fans. i didn't even notice them until i took it back to the Apple Store and when they checked out my loud ass DVD drive, the lighting in the store visually revealed them as they came to a stop when the system was shut down.

 

[TheFuzz]

mine seem to spend continuously too, but i can't hear them over the hard drives. also, what's an ok range for cpu temps? mine seem to stay around 150F+ during video work.

 

[ljones]

mine seem to spend continuously too, but i can't hear them over the hard drives. also, what's an ok range for cpu temps? mine seem to stay around 150F+ during video work.

What app are you using to check your temp? iStat pro doesn't find any sensors, I have some widget at home, but I think it checks the hard drive bay or something.

 

[TheFuzz]

i'm not on my machine now, it might be the same one you're using. i'll check when i get home.

 

[babsuvulawho]

I just took mine out of the box last night but thus far whenever the machine is awake the front fans are definately spinning but at such a low RPM they don't make very much noise at all. When I first turn the machine on all the fans go to a high RPM and the machine is very loud but that stops quite quickly.

 

[ljones]

I'm using the widget Temperature Monitor.

 

[minnesotamacman]

I rarely hear my fans kick in. Either that, or they are so quiet I can't hear them when they do kick on.

 

[apfhex]

I'm using the widget Temperature Monitor.

Does it still work for you after the firmware update? When I first got my MP I used it to look at the CPU temp, but now it only displays HDD temp and can't find any other sensors. Temperature Monitor was the only application/widget that could read the MP's temperatures, too. I can only figure it was the firmware update or maybe 10.4.8 that broke it.

 

[ljones]

I guess i only get a hard drive temp as well. I didn't download this widget until after the 10.4.8 update and firm ware update. Although, my Mac pro keeps saying download the firmware update in Software update. Run the script, I'm already up to date.