Member Avatar for orko3001

Ok, this scared the crap out of me - remember this is a laptop and I was watching this on a macbookpro on my lap - exploding batteries etc:

http://www.youtube.com/v/uwuMcFt07x8

:eek:

One explanation was that it sounds like a fan - I didn't think the macbookpro has a fan... Can't hear one and a freind told me that's why it get so hot.

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Brief expert summary tied to the thread: the loud, intermittent noise in ’s clip is far more likely an active component (fan, hard disk, optical drive, or electrical “coil whine”) than an exploding battery. was right that MacBook Pros do have fans and the System Management Controller (SMC) governs thermal behavior; fans normally sit quiet until the system demands cooling. ’s note that the sound stops as soon as the lid is closed is a very useful diagnostic — closing a Mac laptop puts it to sleep and stops powered components, which points the fault toward something that runs only while the machine is awake. (support.apple.com)

Quick diagnostic checklist (run in the order listed; non‑destructive first):

  1. Localize the source: put the Mac on a hard surface and listen near the vents, the left/right palm rests and the optical bay.
  2. Check processes and load: open Activity Monitor (CPU tab) and watch for runaway processes while the noise occurs — sustained CPU/GPU load will make fans spool up.
  3. Reproduce under controlled load: cause a short CPU/GPU spike (browser video, brief encode) and see whether the noise ramps with temperature/load.
  4. Reset firmware-level controls and test hardware: reset the SMC (and NVRAM/PRAM if appropriate), then run Apple Hardware Test / Apple Diagnostics to see if the machine reports fan, sensor, or board faults.
  5. Check storage: run Disk Utility First Aid and note the S.M.A.R.T. status; clicking/grinding from the drive is an urgent backup/replace issue. (support.apple.com)

Safety notes and likely fixes: if the sound is a high‑pitch electrical whine it may be coil whine (annoying but not usually dangerous); grinding/scraping points to a failing fan bearing and usually requires cleaning or fan replacement; clicking from the drive means back up immediately and replace the HDD/SSD. If the battery is hot, bulging, or smelling odd, stop using the machine and contact Apple — historical recalls for dangerous lithium packs exist, so err on the side of caution. For internal cleaning or parts work, prefer Apple or a reputable repair shop (guides exist for cleaning fans but professional service is recommended for safety). (cpsc.gov)

If the issue is only fan noise after confirming no failing drive or battery, an SMC reset plus a firmware/OS update often fixes errant fan behaviour; otherwise the next step is official service with the diagnostic codes from Apple Hardware Test. (support.apple.com)

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Member Avatar for John A

I didn't think the macbookpro has a fan... Can't hear one and a freind told me that's why it get so hot.

All laptops have fans... even the MacBook Pro. It's normal not to hear the fan, because it's usually spinning at low speed. Run the processor harder, and the fans will get louder (I have a MacBook). And hot MacBook/MacBook Pros is an issue that Apple has been struggling with. I've read that it's due to bad thermal paste. If you think that your laptop is not acting normal, you should send it back to Apple (assuming it's still under warranty).

As for exploding batteries, that's Sony's problem, and it's happened in both Dells and Apples. All I can say is, I hope that we're one of the lucky ones :).

Member Avatar for eunice

I'm having the same problem too and the only thing that noise would stop is when you close the laptop or shut it down but its weird because before this fan noise doesn't happening, mine just started 6 months ago and I'm really really piss off!

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