Hi everybody. I have a noisy left fan in my 15" MBP. I have done countless hours of research trying to find a solution or something that is like the problem I'm having so I can gauge the severity of the issue, and there seems to be a number of causes, solutions, et cetera. So I figured I'd post up my specific issue and see what y'all think. (and yes, this is my first post on these forums, so be kind!)
Alright, so, first off, the noise is not that loud, and not that persistent. It's a quiet rhythmic rattle that is sometimes so quiet that I forget about it, and sometimes just loud enough for me to worry about something going wrong. There's no squealing or squeaking, just a rattle. I've recorded a short sample of it from my internal microphone. I'm not sure what the guidelines for posting downloadable things in the forums, so let me know if it's cool and I'll put up a sendspace link so anybody who's interested can take a listen. Hopefully my description is enough.
Here are the things I have tried to remedy the situation based on testimonials on the internet:
1. Vacuum method - I hooked up the smallest vacuum extension to my vacuum cleaner and ran it slowly along the vent in the back, careful not to create too much suction. No changes.
2. smcFanControl - An article about someone who had a hair or something in their fan suggested I download this utility and ramp up the fan's RPM to maximum (6000 rpm) for 30-40 seconds at a time to hopefully dislodge whatever was in there. I noticed that the noise is less consistent in its volume and rhythm, but it has not yet fully stopped. I've done this method 6 or 7 times, and it doesn't seem to be improving the situation fully.
3. Disassembly - After crapping myself from nerves in dismantling my expensive machine, I located the fan, gently manually tested its movement and replicated the sound. So I know for certain that it's the fan making the noise. Advised against using compressed air, I used that blue squeezy ball thing that comes in ear-cleaning kits to blow some lower-pressure air into the fan. No noticeable improvement. (And the reassembly went well, btw, I'm posting this from the MBP in question. I've never been so anxious over a piece of technology before.)
So that's my sitch, gents and ladies. This very morning the noise has gone from barely audible to nagging and worrisome and back again. Now, here are my questions. (sorry if this is becoming a little tl;dr for you, but as you'll see, I'm worried...)
Let me preface these questions by saying I'm unemployed and have very little funds to spend on computer repair.
Uno: Most obvious question: what else can I try at home?
Dos: Is this a severe problem? How long can this problem continue until I have the money to fix it, if I can't fix it myself?
Tres: For anyone who has had to replace a fan, what did such a repair cost? Did you have to take it to an actual Mac repair shop, or did you go to a local business?
Your advice will be greatly appreciated. Halp!
Alright, so, first off, the noise is not that loud, and not that persistent. It's a quiet rhythmic rattle that is sometimes so quiet that I forget about it, and sometimes just loud enough for me to worry about something going wrong. There's no squealing or squeaking, just a rattle. I've recorded a short sample of it from my internal microphone. I'm not sure what the guidelines for posting downloadable things in the forums, so let me know if it's cool and I'll put up a sendspace link so anybody who's interested can take a listen. Hopefully my description is enough.
Here are the things I have tried to remedy the situation based on testimonials on the internet:
1. Vacuum method - I hooked up the smallest vacuum extension to my vacuum cleaner and ran it slowly along the vent in the back, careful not to create too much suction. No changes.
2. smcFanControl - An article about someone who had a hair or something in their fan suggested I download this utility and ramp up the fan's RPM to maximum (6000 rpm) for 30-40 seconds at a time to hopefully dislodge whatever was in there. I noticed that the noise is less consistent in its volume and rhythm, but it has not yet fully stopped. I've done this method 6 or 7 times, and it doesn't seem to be improving the situation fully.
3. Disassembly - After crapping myself from nerves in dismantling my expensive machine, I located the fan, gently manually tested its movement and replicated the sound. So I know for certain that it's the fan making the noise. Advised against using compressed air, I used that blue squeezy ball thing that comes in ear-cleaning kits to blow some lower-pressure air into the fan. No noticeable improvement. (And the reassembly went well, btw, I'm posting this from the MBP in question. I've never been so anxious over a piece of technology before.)
So that's my sitch, gents and ladies. This very morning the noise has gone from barely audible to nagging and worrisome and back again. Now, here are my questions. (sorry if this is becoming a little tl;dr for you, but as you'll see, I'm worried...)
Let me preface these questions by saying I'm unemployed and have very little funds to spend on computer repair.
Uno: Most obvious question: what else can I try at home?
Dos: Is this a severe problem? How long can this problem continue until I have the money to fix it, if I can't fix it myself?
Tres: For anyone who has had to replace a fan, what did such a repair cost? Did you have to take it to an actual Mac repair shop, or did you go to a local business?
Your advice will be greatly appreciated. Halp!
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