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MacBook update constantly runs fans
updated 10:10 am EDT, Tue August 22, 2006
MacBook update, fans
Apple's recent update to its MacBook line of Intel-based laptops, which the company said was to adjust "fan behavior," has resulted in fans that run endlessly to cool the device. Apple's own discussion forums reveal that the MacBook fans run continuously at a low speed, ramping up when necessary to move more air through the enclosure, according to InformationWeek. Apple in early June admitted that an oversight during its laptop production may have caused some of its new MacBooks to overheat, saying that some users experiencing warmer-than-usual running temperatures should check for the presence of a clear plastic covering which was inadvertently left in place over the rear vent.
This is a good thing!
08/22, 11:23am reply
I no longer burn my lap using my MacBook. I for one would certainly prefer a tiny bit more noise to cooking myself.
macentric
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2005
a good update
08/22, 11:57am reply
It's been a good update for me. A tiny extra amount of noise (noticeable only if you're straining to hear it), no noticeable loss of battery life, and significantly less heat. A winner all around.
Donnellk
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2000
Who cares, still great!
08/22, 12:01pm reply
I don't care if the fan is running all the time or not, as long as it doesn't sound like a cow, is quiet and keeps the system cool I'm happy.
troymurray
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: May 2001
Re: who cares
08/22, 12:46pm reply
Well, you might, when you see your battery life diminish faster then you'd like...
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
testudo...
08/22, 02:16pm reply
How much draw do you think that fan pulls, Testudo? I can guarantee it draws less than the difference between running your portable display at full brightness compared to half brightness.
ATPTourFan
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2003
rubbish!
08/22, 04:57pm reply
This report is completely untrue. Your forum posts are worth the paper they're printed on. I carefully checked my MacBook after installing the update, and discovered that at light load the fans DO NOT RUN AT ALL, just as before. They DO perk up and run more often than they did before, which I expected and am not bothered by, and they rarely reach full blast anymore (which they did often when I would put the system under a heavy load).
So, the result of the update for me was cooler system, fans activating more often but less intensely. Exactly what I wanted.
chas_m
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
testudo...
08/22, 05:03pm reply
Chas_m points out: "So, the result of the update for me was cooler system, fans activating more often but less intensely. Exactly what I wanted." ... and testudo being dead wrong, as always.... Ahh, consistency!
ZinkDifferent
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2005