MP 7,1 The new Mac Pro is not that quiet?

[ZombiePhysicist]

My 28 Core MP7,1 is currently undergoing a long term stress test with its processor upgrade .

All its cores and threads have been at 100 percent continuous load for the last 24 hours , using a prime number calculating program .

Factory SMC wasn't rotating the system fans fast enough to cool the W-3275M properly , so I bumped up all four system fans to 1,000 RPM using MFC . The processor is as cool as a cucumber now . Around 65 degrees Celsius at the Tcase using Intel's Power Gadget for Mac .

I can't hear a thing from the front of the Mac . The rear has a slight hum . I'll see if I can get some sound pressure readings later today . But even for sensitive music editors , I don't think it'll be a big deal .

Apple got it right with the cooling system , so far as I can tell .
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I have a professional ( albeit inexpensive ) sound pressure meter . I'll try to test my MP7,1 later today . See my previous post for details .

I don't get why you guys care what it sounds like at the back. Who cares. Who is facing the rear of the machine towards them? All that matters is at whatever is a "normal" distance from you, what does the thing sound like. I would go with the extreme test case of someone putting it on top of their desk to the right of a monitor. Say 12-18" away to the right or left of them. Anything closer than that is not likely to be realistic. So measure from there. Mine is below my desk, maybe 3 feet away from me. It's DEAD silent. I've made the fans kick up to their maximum level on some testing, it's like a JET ENGINE. Even the 5,1 couldn't get as loud as these big fans do, it's kind of incredible what they are capable of. That said, when I push the machine itself through use, I just dont hear it. I think I've seen the fans kick up from their 500rpm to 1000rpm when doing some work that pins the processors, still dead silent.

Obviously your mileage may vary, but I dont get who the heck I pointing the rear of the machine towards them. Seems the epitome of a synthetic test divorced from reality.

 

[Snow Tiger]

I don't get why you guys care what it sounds like at the back. Who cares. Who is facing the rear of the machine towards them? All that matters is at whatever is a "normal" distance from you, what does the thing sound like. I would go with the extreme test case of someone putting it on top of their desk to the right of a monitor. Say 12-18" away to the right or left of them. Anything closer than that is not likely to be realistic. So measure from there. Mine is below my desk, maybe 3 feet away from me. It's DEAD silent. I've made the fans kick up to their maximum level on some testing, it's like a JET ENGINE. Even the 5,1 couldn't get as loud as these big fans do, it's kind of incredible what they are capable of. That said, when I push the machine itself through use, I just dont hear it. I think I've seen the fans kick up from their 500rpm to 1000rpm when doing some work that pins the processors, still dead silent.

Obviously your mileage may vary, but I dont get who the heck I pointing the rear of the machine towards them. Seems the epitome of a synthetic test divorced from reality.

A lot of users raise their Apple workstations ( classic Mac Pros , PMG4 , PMG5 ) off the floor because the darn things are historically vacuum cleaners . If they suck up enough dust over the years , it'll eventually shut down the Systems . Dust getting into the PSUs and connectors . Or a tiny piece of metal shorting out something like a DIMM slot ( just happened to a Mac I am servicing ) . That's why its always a good idea to have a removable and washable polyethylene foam filter wherever there is an air intake ( fans , grills , etc ) . These machines can stay online for an incredible number of years if properly cared for . I'd say 20-30 years , not joking . Proper maintenance , TLC and the occasion repair is all you need .

 

[ZombiePhysicist]

A lot of users raise their Apple workstations ( classic Mac Pros , PMG4 , PMG5 ) off the floor because the darn things are historically vacuum cleaners . If they suck up enough dust over the years , it'll eventually shut down the Systems . Dust getting into the PSUs and connectors . Or a tiny piece of metal shorting out something like a DIMM slot ( just happened to a Mac I am servicing ) . That's why its always a good idea to have a removable and washable polyethylene foam filter wherever there is an air intake ( fans , grills , etc ) . These machines can stay online for an incredible number of years if properly cared for . I'd say 20-30 years , not joking . Proper maintenance , TLC and the occasion repair is all you need .

Mine is lifted off the floor on a little mini dolly, and so have all my old machines. Shockingly effective at minimizing dust, agreed.

 

[defjam]

I can't overstate how subjective "noise" is in these situations. One person's "silent" is another's cacophony.

I agree with this 100%. What I find surprising are the posts stating the 2019 Mac Pro as being quieter than the 2013 Mac Pro. At the time the 2013 Mac Pro was released I recall reading how silent (not quiet, silent) it was...even under full load. It was one of, if not the, largest advocacy points in favor of the new design.

 

[Snow Tiger]

I do understand that the test is inaccurate, but it's been incredibly useful to find out where the problem is and what's caused it without having to try and setup an accurate test environment.

I spoke to Apple today, they've escalated it to an engineer to have a look into and maybe provide expected dB levels - but I doubt Apple will disclose that, I will update here if they do.

Unfortunately I'll have run out of time to return it by the time they get back to me, so with great sadness I'm going to send it back tomorrow.

It's a shame Apple never sent out units to reviewers to get in-depth technical reviews. I've still no real idea if it's me in a quiet room being irritated by it, or the blower fan in my computer is somehow defective.

OK , I have the results from my System .

MP7,1 ( 2019 )
28 Core W-3275M Xeon
96 GB ( 6 x 16 GB ) 2933 MHz DDR4
580X factory graphics
256GB factory SSD .
macOS Catalina .

She currently has all her cores at long term continuous load and all the system fans are at 1000 RPM using MFC .

Meter is a Beha 93-20 . Meter only goes down as low as 40 dB on its analog scale .

Ambient is less than 40 dB .

Fan side ( front ) = 42 dB @ 6" ; 40 dB @ 12" .
Blower side ( rear ) = 50 dB @ 6" ; 44 dB @ 12" .

To my ears , it's a quiet machine . I'm more than 12 inches away , though .

 

[astrorider]

I do understand that the test is inaccurate, but it's been incredibly useful to find out where the problem is and what's caused it without having to try and setup an accurate test environment.

I spoke to Apple today, they've escalated it to an engineer to have a look into and maybe provide expected dB levels - but I doubt Apple will disclose that, I will update here if they do.

Unfortunately I'll have run out of time to return it by the time they get back to me, so with great sadness I'm going to send it back tomorrow.

It's a shame Apple never sent out units to reviewers to get in-depth technical reviews. I've still no real idea if it's me in a quiet room being irritated by it, or the blower fan in my computer is somehow defective.

Once you've contacted Apple support within the return window they will generally be lenient on returning it later than the window. I would ask them if they'll extend the return window until your questions are answered, and they should be able to add an extension to the case number they provide. Based on your measurement methodology and the similarity to my numbers, I don't think there's any indication of a problem in your sound level measurements, but there could be something about the frequency of the sound that indicates a problem with your Mac Pro's fans, or they're normal and that frequency just bothers you. I think the best way to know may be to test a second 2019 Mac Pro in your room. Then again, if you're happy with another Mac model for your use-case (you mentioned an iMac), it's almost certainly also a cheaper option.

 

[Blair Paulsen]

The two biggest enemies of electronics are heat and dust (assuming decent mains power). Locating the MP to avoid excessive dust exposure is highly recommended.
Based on what various posters have noted, a properly operating 7,1 should not put out very much sound. I suggest the OP contact Apple for rectification.

 

[th0masp]

I agree with this 100%. What I find surprising are the posts stating the 2019 Mac Pro as being quieter than the 2013 Mac Pro. At the time the 2013 Mac Pro was released I recall reading how silent (not quiet, silent) it was...even under full load. It was one of, if not the, largest advocacy points in favor of the new design.

It does appear that in the computer space the term 'silent' is often used to describe quiet computers, not those that emit absolutely no sound. It would be an exaggeration to say that the trashcan emits no sounds at all during operation - even in idle. It is however pretty quiet next to PCs with a multitude of fans and in an office environment you're probably not going to hear it at all.

 

[defjam]

It does appear that in the computer space the term 'silent' is often used to describe quiet computers, not those that emit absolutely no sound. It would be an exaggeration to say that the trashcan emits no sounds at all during operation - even in idle. It is however pretty quiet next to PCs with a multitude of fans and in an office environment you're probably not going to hear it at all.

I used the word silent because that's what the 2013 Mac Pro advocates used. I agree that it was an exaggeration. As for your comparison with PCs I guess it depends on which PC you're comparing it to. The PCs I have are just as quiet as my 2013 Mac Pro. However my comparison was to my 2010 Mac Pro which, in stock configuration, is very quiet...even under load. That didn't stop the 2013 Mac Pro advocates who were trashing tower designs in favor of the limited, external only, expansion of the tube.

 

[DPUser]

Recording Studio: Machine Room/Closet is the answer. No fan is "silent".

This is clearly a case where "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

 

[th0masp]

I used the word silent because that's what the 2013 Mac Pro advocates used. I agree that it was an exaggeration. As for your comparison with PCs I guess it depends on which PC you're comparing it to. The PCs I have are just as quiet as my 2013 Mac Pro. However my comparison was to my 2010 Mac Pro which, in stock configuration, is very quiet...even under load. That didn't stop the 2013 Mac Pro advocates who were trashing tower designs in favor of the limited, external only, expansion of the tube.

Well I don't know what was being said at the time but compared to HP, Dell workstations or whatever was considered the competition at the time I'm pretty sure it was quiet.

 

[defjam]

Well I don't know what was being said at the time but compared to HP, Dell workstations or whatever was considered the competition at the time I'm pretty sure it was quiet.

I own two HP Z-series workstations. They're both quiet.

 

[bxs]

So, I just received my 2019 Mac Pro. It is meant for studio use, and so needs to be really really quiet.
Because of all the positivity regarding the sound levels of this machine, I have been really surprised because it is easily noticeable in a quiet room (a studio).

My old computer, which uses a Fractal Design case, with fans on medium is sounding way quieter than the new MP!

I feel like I'm going crazy here, how can this machine be louder than my cheap (by comparison) R5 case?!

What surface is your MP7,1 on; table, floor, suspended in the air, etc ?

Noise from the MP7,1 (vibrations, harmonics, sound frequency) can and will be transmitted though other nearby objects that can amplify in some way the noise, change its frequency, cause the sound waves to bounce around in a room.

Try moving the MP7,1 to different locations in the room and the surface you place it on.

I would also check inside the MP7,1's case to see if there are any pieces/objects that are loose and not secured down properly.

Does you MP7,1 rest on legs or wheels ?

 

[Snow Tiger]

What surface is your MP7,1 on; table, floor, suspended in the air, etc ?

Noise from the MP7,1 (vibrations, harmonics, sound frequency) can and will be transmitted though other nearby objects that can amplify in some way the noise, change its frequency, cause the sound waves to bounce around in a room.

Try moving the MP7,1 to different locations in the room and the surface you place it on.

I would also check inside the MP7,1's case to see if there are any pieces/objects that are loose and not secured down properly.

Does you MP7,1 rest on legs or wheels ?

Maybe he should place his System on a rubber mat ?

 

[Parzival]

What surface is your MP7,1 on; table, floor, suspended in the air, etc ?

Noise from the MP7,1 (vibrations, harmonics, sound frequency) can and will be transmitted though other nearby objects that can amplify in some way the noise, change its frequency, cause the sound waves to bounce around in a room.

Try moving the MP7,1 to different locations in the room and the surface you place it on.

I would also check inside the MP7,1's case to see if there are any pieces/objects that are loose and not secured down properly.

Does you MP7,1 rest on legs or wheels ?

Well, its standing on a very solid table, in a room that's been well treated voor audio work. Everything's secured on the inside. I got the MP with the legs.

I think my hearing is just really sensitive, perhaps I'll move it a little farther away, its at about 1.5 meters distance now.

But, I have to say, a use case like mine (i.e. studio work for which many MP's have been used historically) probably wasn't their top priority, or else it would have been more silent. An iMac, for example is way quieter.

It's a letdown, to be honest, because the case probably makes up a sizable chunk of the price.

 

[AdamSeen]

Parzival, exactly what I feel.

I have a simpler test for those wondering: Find out what the ambient dB is of your room (using Decibel X app) and see if you can hear the MP or not from around a meter away.

My room is around 25dB. I can hear the side blower fan. The three other fans I can't hear (after turning off the blower fan). I suspect those that can't hear the side blower fan will be in rooms of around 35dB plus.

I've sadly taken mine back today, as they weren't being very leinient with the return date (I think it's more flexible if you order from a retail store rather than online). The guys at the shop were very interested and wanted to help, I should expect a phone call from an Apple representative next week. If it is confirmed a problem to that particular MP, I'll get another one. If it isn't then I have a bunch of options to think about. One of them being a hackintosh

 

[flygbuss]

Parzival, exactly what I feel.

I have a simpler test for those wondering: Find out what the ambient dB is of your room (using Decibel X app) and see if you can hear the MP or not from around a meter away.

My room is around 25dB. I can hear the side blower fan. The three other fans I can't hear (after turning off the blower fan). I suspect those that can't hear the side blower fan will be in rooms of around 35dB plus.

I've sadly taken mine back today, as they weren't being very leinient with the return date (I think it's more flexible if you order from a retail store rather than online). The guys at the shop were very interested and wanted to help, I should expect a phone call from an Apple representative next week. If it is confirmed a problem to that particular MP, I'll get another one. If it isn't then I have a bunch of options to think about. One of them being a hackintosh

I don't wanna offend you but why don't you put your machine inside a server room? Or at least not inside the room you use for recordings? I mean usually one makes a lot of afford to improve acoustics and avoid any noise possible in a recording room, so why make it so much harder with any kind of Mac / PC inside?

 

[AdamSeen]

Not offensive at all, flygbuss. Unfortunately I've no space to move it out of the room I'm in. Eventually, when the ecosystem is a bit more mature I maybe able to put one in the garage and wire a long optical thunderbolt cable through the walls and be able to turn it on without having to hit the power button. This is truely the ideal setup I'd like to have in the future. But it's a while off yet and I'll be moving houses in the not too distant future.

I'm not doing recordings like Parzival, so he would be able to answer that question. But I would guess it is to do with the point above, it's not too easy to move the Mac Pro out of the room and still be connected to a monitor and space outside of the room might not be available.

 

[ZombiePhysicist]

Well, its standing on a very solid table, in a room that's been well treated voor audio work. Everything's secured on the inside. I got the MP with the legs.

I think my hearing is just really sensitive, perhaps I'll move it a little farther away, its at about 1.5 meters distance now.

But, I have to say, a use case like mine (i.e. studio work for which many MP's have been used historically) probably wasn't their top priority, or else it would have been more silent. An iMac, for example is way quieter.

It's a letdown, to be honest, because the case probably makes up a sizable chunk of the price.

I honestly think you got a bad unit and I would bring it to apple and replace it. Too many others who also do studio work have it up on their desk and put mics about 18" away and hear nothing.

Either the machine is off, or your studio is the king of reflective noise and you live inside a tin can drum. Considering your line of work, I really doubt that. And while I don't doubt that you have really great hearing, it just seems unlikely that all the other people using it in their studios have hearing that much worse than yours.

 

[astrorider]

Well, its standing on a very solid table, in a room that's been well treated voor audio work. Everything's secured on the inside. I got the MP with the legs.

I think my hearing is just really sensitive, perhaps I'll move it a little farther away, its at about 1.5 meters distance now.

But, I have to say, a use case like mine (i.e. studio work for which many MP's have been used historically) probably wasn't their top priority, or else it would have been more silent. An iMac, for example is way quieter.

It's a letdown, to be honest, because the case probably makes up a sizable chunk of the price.

An iMac (non-Pro) may be quieter near idle, but when pushed the fans become loud, just like the Mini and Macbook Pro. I haven't owned an iMac Pro but reviews have said they're quiet under load, like the Mac Pro.

 

[AdamSeen]

OK , I have the results from my System .

MP7,1 ( 2019 )
28 Core W-3275M Xeon
96 GB ( 6 x 16 GB ) 2933 MHz DDR4
580X factory graphics
256GB factory SSD .
macOS Catalina .

She currently has all her cores at long term continuous load and all the system fans are at 1000 RPM using MFC .

Meter is a Beha 93-20 . Meter only goes down as low as 40 dB on its analog scale .

Ambient is less than 40 dB .

Fan side ( front ) = 42 dB @ 6" ; 40 dB @ 12" .
Blower side ( rear ) = 50 dB @ 6" ; 44 dB @ 12" .

View attachment 891566

To my ears , it's a quiet machine . I'm more than 12 inches away , though .

Not sure how I missed that, but thank you. Blower side is lower than mine, which is interesting. But it is 6" away, so not super comparable. I'm guessing ambient is more than 35dB in your room?

 

[Snow Tiger]

v

Not sure how I missed that, but thank you. Blower side is lower than mine, which is interesting. But it is 6" away, so not super comparable. I'm guessing ambient is more than 35dB in your room?

sound pressure meter is analog and the dial markings only go down as low as 40 dB , but the actual needle goes down much further than that . My ambient is much lower than 40 dB , but I cannot measure it .

 

[AdamSeen]

v


sound pressure meter is analog and the dial markings only go down as low as 40 dB , but the actual needle goes down much further than that . My ambient is much lower than 40 dB , but I cannot measure it .

Do you happen to have an iPhone to install Decibel X? That will be able to give you better ambient readings.

 

[Snow Tiger]

Do you happen to have an iPhone to install Decibel X? That will be able to give you better ambient readings.

really ? There are a number of posts here on MR not to trust iPhone apps with regards to sound pressure recording accuracy . I used to have a sound pressure app on my phone , but grew to distrust it .

What I need is a $500 - $1000 hand held sound level meter that measures the ambient down to 10 or 20 dB and I don't have the budget for it at the moment . It's not like I have a recording studio here . I build and service workstations .

 

[ZombiePhysicist]

really ? There are a number of posts here on MR not to trust iPhone apps with regards to sound pressure recording accuracy . I used to have a sound pressure app on my phone , but grew to distrust it .

What I need is a $500 - $1000 hand held sound level meter that measures the ambient down to 10 or 20 dB and I don't have the budget for it at the moment . It's not like I have a recording studio here . I build and service workstations .

How decent is the decibel reader on the Apple Watch 5?