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Macbook Pro Fan not staying on...

J

JohnEZ

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 14, 2005
83
0
Hi all,

Just a slight concern of mine that I've been just a little worried about. Ever since I got the MacBook Pro, you can occasionally hear a fan rev-up then spin back down again. My only concern is that it will continue to do this sometimes for a few minutes or so.

Should I be concerned, or is this normal? I don't think I've done anything really intense with this computer, just web-browsing and email until I can get a few more universal apps. The computer itself doesn't feel insanely warm--at least, not warm enough to deter me from using it in my lap.

Oh, most of the time this is when running on battery, although I think it happened when I was on power too. I do have it set to run on better battery life. Beware of the fact that this is not only my first Mac, but my first laptop as well, and I am completely new at this.

Thanks,
John
 
The fan is only on when the computer is too hot. It turns off when the temperature is back down to a normal temp. So it is completely normal for the fan to go on and off, however I'm not so sure if it is that normal for the fan to be on when youre just browsing the internet. Like, I dont think your MBP should get that hot for what you're doing.
 
Yeh, it's the same on my iBook.

The fans just rev up, then go away and back up again when and as they need to. Obviously it's more when I'm doing more intense things (C&C Generals!) but for general use they'll occassionally come on.

Neat feature if you ask me!
 
Does it kind of sound like a 'moo'?
If it does mine does it sometimes...it isn't doing it to cool off...its like it sppins up then stops in the middle of getting up to full speed. It soulds like a revving car or a moo or something. hah.
 
Yes Mark, that is exactly what it sounds like. Very interesting description, LOL.

Thanks again,
John
 
My Powerbook 1.5Ghz model does this too. The internal fan usually will kick in around 61 - 62 degrees Celsius. After the fan has cooled things down a bit the fan will shutoff. It also happens when running on battery, as the battery will create a good amount of heat when in use, so the system is just cooling itself off.

I would not be worried about it. I don't know if it is available for MacBook Pro's yet, but try to find a CPU temp monitor so you can see what temps the fans turn on.

Kimo
 
it should be okay, unless you are hearing ticking sound, then you shoudlnt be worry too much about it
 
The Opposite Question

So here's the opposite question. Is there a way to convince the MBP to keep the fans running (or at least to kick them on at a lower temp)?

It's not that I mind the burn marks on my left hand, but I'd rather not have all the heat coming up out of the aluminum. Can I get the fans to kick some heat out the back and save my hand?
 
jsalzer said:
So here's the opposite question. Is there a way to convince the MBP to keep the fans running (or at least to kick them on at a lower temp)?

It's not that I mind the burn marks on my left hand, but I'd rather not have all the heat coming up out of the aluminum. Can I get the fans to kick some heat out the back and save my hand?
Click to expand...

You could get a laptop stand with fans like this one. It's USB powered. If you're not using it on your lap or while travelling, I think that this should help cook it.

Edit: Lol, I said cook. I meant cool.
 
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Cool! (er - Cook!)

mikes63737 said:
You could get a laptop stand with fans like this one. It's USB powered. If you're not using it on your lap or while travelling, I think that this should help cook it.
Click to expand...

That actually looks like just what I wanted. I had bought an Antec flat one with fans, but the brush metal with punched out holes scared the tar out of me. I didn't want it scratching up the baby. I settled on 2 iLaps - one for work on the desk and one for my lap at home (since they don't travel well). I love them, but a fan addition would have been nice. Your find seems to be a good combo of the two!

Good find!

:)
 
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My MBP fan is ALWAYS on. It's like a loud whisper in a quiet room, to describe the volume.

Should I say anything?

Though my RAM cover is dented (came like that) and I'm worried about that. I don't want them to notice it and take away my AppleCare.
 
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