[Updated] MacBook Problem!

Today, my MacBook has started to make a high-pitched whine noise, top of keyboard near PSU, i've tracked it down to the CPU. I also Googled the fault, and found out that this is a massive issue.. worldwide!

So, What do you know about this fault with the MacBooks and MacBook Pro's?
and can u shed any light on this new fault?

here's what the issue is:

So what's the problem? - The noise is a high-pitched whine or hiss the machine emits during operation. Some users can't stand it, others are less concerned. Plenty haven't experienced it at all. It's often related to the screen backlight and the integrated webcam, but the machine's power conservation and cooling systems - turning off one of the CPU's two cores seems to do the trick - appears to be the source of the problem.

[Updated] - Here's a quick painfree solution, that lasts for oh.. about 20-30 minutes, it don't cure it, it just keeps the CD2 from going to sleep!

1) open photobooth
2) Force Quit (apple+option+esc)
3) sleep (no need to close the lid, use the apple menu)
4) wait for pulsating light
5) wait a couple of seconds and wake. the whine will be gone.

Another solution is to Turn ON Bluetooth, this 'may' also get rid of the whine.. but other reports I see, say that turning on bluetooth doesn't help!

Other users, say that the whine sounds gets louder over time! - could you as a user bare that!?
I know that I couldn't! - so two days ago, I called up AppleCare, and said that I had run the Hardware test from the Install DVD, and done a PSU reset (shutdown, un-plug from mains, take out the battery, then hold down the power button for 5 seconds, putting in the battery, plug back in to mains.. and switch on), I also did a PRAM reset (hold down the [Option], [Apple], [P], and [R] keys at the same time while the computer starts up).. but this did.. nothing to get rid of the whine! So AppleCare told me to... take the computer to a Apple Store or a Apple service center, to see if they can fix the problem.. or swap the machine for a new one! making the computer with the cpu whine... DOA (Dead on Arrival).

I ask "Is there a long-term solution to this, whine sound made by all Core Duo 2 processors from Intel?" - we would like to know your views!

Anyway, here's some url's on the problem's - check it out for yourself:

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/05/03/macbook_pro_noise_day_of_action/

http://www.macintouch.com/readerreports/macbook/topic4338.html

BUT! - this is what Apple Inc says (it's reported on the MacBook Pro's, but it's the same fault!)

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303365

OUCH! -I cannot do without my MacBook! and I don't want to send it in for repair, as I need it for work!

There, I thought I would put this problem / fault out, and see what you think!

HOW MANY APPLE LAPTOPS SUCH AS THE MACBOOK'S AND MACBOOK PRO'S, HAVE THIS FAULT?

Let us know what YOU think about this!

Read More...

I have a Macbook and it's been making the noise since I've first got it. I think all the Macbooks have the "fault", but there's some variation in how loud it is and how sensitive the user is the the sound.

That being said, EVERY core 2 duo laptop I have used has the sound, so it is NOT limited to Apple. I've heard 3 HP notebooks with the sound, an IBM, and a Fujitsu. For example, here's some links to other manufacturers with the same problem:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=148591 (Dell)

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=93548 (HP)

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=103747 (a general complaining thread)

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?lang=en&cc;=us&objectID;=c00854665&jumpid;=reg_R1002_USEN (HP again, this time admitting to the problem but saying, in effect, too bad)

The last HP link sums it up: it's common, too bad.

It now sounds like an issue with Intel, as it's the same CD2 chip that's inside Apple, Dell, HP, Sony etc! - if all these machines make the same noise at different levels, then.. WHY HASN'T INTEL ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE!

It's a common issue I guess, but I'm gonna check it out with the good folks of Apple [Apple Care], to see what they say.

Also, do take a look at the last link I gave to Apple, as the ONLY thing they say for Users of the 15" MacBook Pro's...on that link... is to contact Apple Care asap!

Thanks for replying.. and shedding further light on the subject! - anyone else want to add anything?

Good luck to you. From the forums I look at (macrumors and apple discussions), Apple itself doesn't have a fix for it yet, for the Macbooks. The seem to be replacing logic boards if people complain, but usually the problem persists, and it's random chance as to whether it gets better or worse.

For example (post near bottom):
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=4160414�

Many people have reported success using ShhMBP (see http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=264801&highlight;=cpu+whine bottom of first page). This is a kernel extension that disables the C4 power saving state that seems to be causing the issue, but this decreases your battery life a bit. Similar workarounds exist for Windows-based notebooks.

I have a Macbook with the problem too, and it's been doing it since I first got it -- it annoyed me, but I kind of let it go after I realized there's no good fix for it yet. You can bet I'll be first to send in my Macbook if I knew Apple had a definite fix for it; I just don't want to send it in for a week and get it back with the problem unfixed, or even worse than before.

In regards to the MBP problem, from what I've read, that sound was actually due to a bad LCD inverter (high-pitched buzzing noise could refer to that as well, as you've pointed out).

One of the links didn't show up: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=4160414�

(Sorry to keep posting, something is eating the link... probably because there was a pound sign in it, which I've removed). If it doesn't show up, you can just search Apple's discussion boards for "cpu whine" and find lots of people with the problem. http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=4160414

wow that sucks, mine doesn't make a sound other than the fan

its quiet as hell

Jason, but what computer do you use? is it a apple, sony, dell or other? and is it a Core Duo 2 processor from Intel? - yes, there seems to be quite a few computers without this fault out there too, and you are one of the many lucky ones!

Jason has a MacBook Core2Duo just like you have Sam. His is the 2GHz (previous Gen)

yep. i really hope mine doesn't start considering i voided the warranty (i painted it). heres some pics if your curious. its painted to match my truck (same color) and custom pinstriped

http://s200396340.onlinehome.us/images/macbook1.JPG
http://s200396340.onlinehome.us/images/macbook2.JPG
http://s200396340.onlinehome.us/images/macbook3.JPG

btw adam is there a difference between mine and the current gen 2ghz?

Jason, i love your macbook paintjob designs! well done :)