Noise from processor when scrolling

[HylianKnight]

2013 mbpr

So I was scrolling through iCloud photos today on safari using my rMBP when I noticed a relatively quiet, albeit noticeable clicking like sound coming from what I believe is the area where the processor is located (near the esc key). I searched online but found no real answer.

I did some testing using gfxxardstatus to switch between the integrated and discrete graphics. The noise only occurs when utilizing the intel integrated graphics. When using the discrete gfx card there is no noise. So, my question is, is this normal or not? If no, what steps would you recommend? Does your mbpr make this noise when scrolling a page with heavy media content?

 

[jav6454]

The CPU is not located near the escape key. Look up a diagram.

 

[HylianKnight]

Rear center, I know where the heat pipes go over so I’m not sure why I said esc key. The noise is most definitely coming from either the processor or potentially a fan.

My thinking is that when running the intel integrated graphics, the processor is stressed more. This leads to either the processor or a fan as the source of the noise. Since it occurs when scrolling or “processor intensive” tasks, my money is on the processor. I will manually put my fans at high rpm and slowly lower the rpm tomorrow to see if it could be a bearing, but I have my doubts about that.

Also, amazingly fast reply, much appreciated (;

 

[jav6454]

If it hums it most definetly is not the CPU... humming usually come from inductor coils.

 

[Niklas_nick]

I have the same issue on my 2014 rMBP sometimes when the computer has been running for some time and not been restarted for some time. It only happens while scrolling. A shutdown and restart usually solves it for me, but I'm still wondering what makes the sound. Maybe from the fan?
I would describe the sound like a HDD working fast or scrolling really fast on an old iPods click wheel.

 

[duffyanneal]

Sounds like coil whine. It varies depending on the load on the CPU/system. Not sure if this was common in your vintage machine. I know that it is fairly common on non-Mac systems, and I had a Macbook Pro a few generations back that had horrible coil whine. The fix at the time was to open Photo Booth. Not exactly an elegant solution.

 

[HylianKnight]

I would describe the sound like a HDD working fast

Definitely sounds like HDD activity, which is interesting considering their is no HDD.

Sounds like coil whine

Very likely. I have a similar sound that comes from my desktop when it’s at full tilt. It goes away when using discrete gfx, likely because it alleviates the load on the cpu.

 

[Modernape]

My guess is the AC power transformer. See if the sound goes away when unplugged.

 

[naho]

My guess is the AC power transformer. See if the sound goes away when unplugged.

I had same issue and in my case it is as you suggested AC power transformer.
Noise disappears when unplugged.

 

[Glorfindelor]

My guess is the AC power transformer. See if the sound goes away when unplugged.

Oh my God thanks! I had the exact same problem and when I unplugged the cord there was no noise anymore. Thanks!