Just bought a MacBook Air - need help, odd noise coming from the back

[sellars]

Hello all,

First post here, and really excited today to get my MacBook Air - first Mac, so was excited, but now worried. When turning on the mac book for the first time, odd noises are coming from the back - i'd expect a fan whine type noise, but this is something different..


More like a sssssssssssttt ssssssssssssstttt sssssssssssssttt noise. Repeated after a few seconds. (It's a 1.8 SSD so no hard drive...)

Anyone know what this is, and if it's supposed to be there?

installed coolbook right after intro and core temp was hovering between 75 and 85

Thanks for any advice

 

[fredrickyoon]

Hello all,

First post here, and really excited today to get my MacBook Air - first Mac, so was excited, but now worried. When turning on the mac book for the first time, odd noises are coming from the back - i'd expect a fan whine type noise, but this is something different..


More like a sssssssssssttt ssssssssssssstttt sssssssssssssttt noise. Repeated after a few seconds. (It's a 1.8 SSD so no hard drive...)

Anyone know what this is, and if it's supposed to be there?

installed coolbook right after intro and core temp was hovering between 75 and 85

Thanks for any advice

Since you just purchased it, I would bring it back to the Apple Store to get a replacement since you are within your 14 day policy

 

[sellars]

Ordered it from the online store and took bloody ages to arrive - can I still take it to an apple store, and what do I need? Just the laptop, or everything including packaging and shipping?

 

[nintendude]

Ordered it from the online store and took bloody ages to arrive - can I still take it to an apple store, and what do I need? Just the laptop, or everything including packaging and shipping?

take it to a genius at the apple store. they probably will do some diagnostic stuff and either swap it out or send it to apple to fix

 

[fredrickyoon]

I've ordered online at the Apple Store, received them by post and then brought them into the Genius Bar at the local Apple Store, and they exchanged it with no problem.

You spent enough dough on this Air and you should be happy with the purchase. Since you're within your 14 day purchase, bring it in and speak to the manager at the store to have him take care of it.

If this doesn't work out, you can always call AppleCare.

 

[sellars]

Well, been to the Apple Store - and while their staff were amazing, and happy with their service, they couldn't replace it, so I'm posting this as advice:

When buying through the online store - selecting pre-installed options (In my case, pre-installed iWork), changes the code of the macbook, and Apple Stores can't replace it.

Now on a Macbook Pro, i can understand the logic here, that there could be customised hardware, but this is simply a software difference, and very annoying!

So, now on the phone to Apple to get a replacement sent out...

 

[sir. mac]

Well, been to the Apple Store - and while their staff were amazing, and happy with their service, they couldn't replace it, so I'm posting this as advice:

When buying through the online store - selecting pre-installed options (In my case, pre-installed iWork), changes the code of the macbook, and Apple Stores can't replace it.

Now on a Macbook Pro, i can understand the logic here, that there could be customised hardware, but this is simply a software difference, and very annoying!

So, now on the phone to Apple to get a replacement sent out...

If the noise you experience is a high-pitched one (changing pitch) I´ve had the same problem. Got it replaced by delivery after a lengthy discussion with macsupport (also bought online). The new one I got have the same problem, but with a lower pitch, meaning much less audible. So it´s fine now.

Seems all machines have this buzzing noise, but only some got it bad. The thing is that not everyone is susceptible to noticing it (different noise sensitivity) Best of luck getting a new one, hope it´s less audible for you!

 

[jonswan]

I wouldn't say everyone's got the noise problem - mine's silent. Take it back if there's a problem + be firm but polite. It's a Rev A thing - some will be lemons = my sympathies.

 

[illian]

I wouldn't say everyone's got the noise problem - mine's silent. Take it back if there's a problem + be firm but polite. It's a Rev A thing - some will be lemons = my sympathies.

Well mine has it, but it is very silent. Some people can't hear it (some friends did others not). If it is really bad call Apple if not..well just live with it. My last Dell had it very badly and Dell wouldn't take it back. Just look for cpu whining...

 

[aussieinrome]

Take it back, it should be totally silent.

 

[sellars]

Yep - it's definitely faulty, not a whine or audible noise i'd expect from a working fan. Physically sounds like the fan is spinning up, getting caught on something, stopping, then retrying.

I wouldn't mind an audible fan noise - i'd know it was working then !

Apple Care were very good, just collected the Air today, new one should be here in a week. Fingers crossed, because i was able to use the malfunctioning one for short periods, and now it's like taking some kind of drug away, im getting withdrawal !

Many thanks for the good advice, - if you have fan issues, definitely grab smbFanControl asap to look at the Fan and temperature!

 

[illian]

well i'm not talking about the fan...mine is a verrrry high frequency noise. i only notice it when i put my head close to my macbook.

 

[mhnajjar]

I had the same kind of noise on my first MBA coming from under the arrow keys. I had it replaced, but the second one had a faulty mouse button and it was hotter than my 17" SR 2.4 MBP I returned both and got a refund but I am planning to get one this week but I am afraid of facing the same issues

 

[NickFalk]

I didn't bother to read the whole thread, but if you're experiencing an odd noice coming from the back you probably need to change your diet.



Sorry, sometimes I just can't help myself.

 

[Sound Evolution]

Dear All,

I have the same! From the left side of the keyboard a ratteling, cracking noise. Instant like kgggggggggg......kgggggggggg....kggggggggg Im not kidding

I truly love the MBA but I guess al I have all the problems all together.

-Stucked red pixel on the middle
-Wobbeling chassis and a trackbar which made scratches on the screen lid
-Since the last day all of the sudden core shutdown with light tasks
-bluetooth which don't work well (someties it does sometimes not)
-instant cracking/crisping noise from the left side

I still have hope that one day I have a good working MBA

With kind regards,
Bas