MBA Buzzing Noise

[Packers144]

I just got my 11.6" MBA and noticed that coming from the upper left corner is a pretty audible buzzing noise. It may just be the noise the fan makes, but the fan is running at 2K according to iStat Pro, so it may just be the world's most annoying fan. Is anyone else hearing this with theirs? It doesn't fade in and out like a fan, it is constant when the computer is on, so if it is the fan it is just a really annoying sound it makes when it runs.

 

[Bosep]

Yes I had this on my 11" as well... Very annoying, good thing is that when the fan goes to 3000-5000 rpm the buzzing does not increase just the normal fan sound... (And yes it comes from the fan) Many netbook fans got this problem (I think because they are small and thinner than "normal" fans.

The buzzing sound is also a problem on the 13" and not only on the 11".

 

[Snowcake]

Sigh. I've just noticed this problem with my machine. 13.1" MBA Ultimate.

The noise seems to be coming from the lefthand side of the machine to me though and is, as you describe, a modulating hum. Unfortunately, I'm very sensitive to such noises and this could bug the hell out of me. Fortunately, I don't tend to use the machine in quiet environments although it just so happens I'm sitting in silence in my living room using the thing right now. It's not a deal breaker although I may consider taking it to the genius bar at some point.

Personally, I think it's the fan, in which case it's probably a "design feature", i.e. most machines will exhibit it under the same conditions.

Cheers,

jahman

I got the exact same thing, but i only hear it when it my ear is 30cm of it.

 

[mixvio]

I'm almost certain that's just the fan. I only hear it when my ear is pressed right up against that corner. iStat Pro also says it's at 2000RPM for me (its general "idle" RPM) and I can't even hear it unless I'm in a quiet room and putting my ear up to the fan.

Both my 13" and 15" MBP were noticeably running with the fan still reporting at 2000RPM, so this machine is astonishingly quiet for my usage.

 

[Mac32]

It's just the fan, this is normal. Probably because its a very small fan, so it makes a higher pitched sound (thus more noticeable).
Once you get used to it, you forget about it. Compared to other netbooks the MBA is virtually dead quiet.

 

[Mars478]

It's the fan, My original had this, I got it replaced and my new one does not make the sound. Take it to the genius bar.

 

[newdeal]

...

I had a similar noise on a macbook pro I used to own. It was not the fan but something else on the board making it. I know this because I opened it up and stopped the fan with my finger and it still made the noise.