01-26-2009, 08:13 AM

Last week my macbook fan became extremely loud. Now it is still making the loud noise once every few hours but my MacBook is barely funtional. I can't watch videos, movies, youtube clips, ect. 2 times my computer has completely powered off while trying to watch a movie. It's to the point where it's having trouble playing songs in iTunes. Web browsing works fine as long as nothing else is running. Does anyone know what's going on?

Specs:
2GHz Intel Core Duo Processor
2GB RAM
Leopard

01-26-2009, 02:46 PM

It's probably overheating (either the CPU or GPU). What do you have your MB sitting on? Make sure to allow sufficient air flow.

01-26-2009, 06:26 PM

Hi, thanks for your response. How do i change the MB setting?

01-27-2009, 03:18 AM

He's refering to where you have your MB=MacBook placed when using it. Best is to use a laptop stand to ensure sufficient airflow. Your problem could very well be caused by dust being stuck on the heatsink & fan inside your MacBook.

01-27-2009, 05:35 AM

of course, i hate my dyslexia..

but i think that may be my problem. i usually have my macbook on my lap or on my couch and bed. is there a way for me to clean out the dust or do i have to send it to apple to do this? thanks for the replies.

01-27-2009, 02:35 PM

Don't put your MB on your bed. The bedding is soft and will block air flow. It's best to place your MB on a hard surface, like a desk or a table.

Check around the vents and clean any dirt or lint you see with a vacuum cleaner. If you need to clean the lint/dust inside, like around the CPU, then you'll have to take it apart. Sorry I can't help you with that.

03-16-2009, 09:00 AM

my macbook fan makes this noise x5..

YouTube - Macbook fan problem

i can't watch a movie without it overheating and powering down. do i need a new fan or is there a way to fix my existing fan? thanks for any help.

03-17-2009, 01:41 PM

Here's what I used to control overheating with my mbp. The site says it works with macbooks as well. Requirements: Mac OS X 10.4 or later, MacBook

Download Fan Control for Mac - Adjusts minimum fan speed on MacBooks. MacUpdate Mac System Software Downloads

03-17-2009, 01:42 PM

NOTE: Merged crossposts

03-18-2009, 08:59 AM

Is it safe to use a program that will manipulate fan speeds?

03-18-2009, 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by Amanda

Is it safe to use a program that will manipulate fan speeds?

Many people do, but I still wouldn't recommend it.

03-18-2009, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by MacBoi

my macbook fan makes this noise x5..

YouTube - Macbook fan problem

i can't watch a movie without it overheating and powering down. do i need a new fan or is there a way to fix my existing fan? thanks for any help.

Sounds like the fan is either clogged or going out. With the locations you've been using it, could be a thread wrapped around the shaft of the fan. Definitely, do not use a fan control program with this fan.

For everyone: The airflow on Mac notebooks is located at the hinge. Using your MB or MBP on your lap, carpet, the bed, etc.; you are blocking the air flow of your machine and you are asking for overheating problems. Have to use it on your bed and can't afford a laptop stand, put a book under it to maintain clearance for air circulation.

In this particular instance I'd recommend looking on ifixit for directions on removing the bottom cover and checking the fan. It's possible with some cleaning it will be all right. Worse case, you'll need to replace the fan.

If you're not comfortable doing this, take it in to have it done. If it were my machine, I wouldn't turn the thing on until that fan was taken care of.

03-18-2009, 12:43 PM

^ Wow. Thats a good amount of detail. Just the necessary stuff.

03-19-2009, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by D3v1L80Y

Many people do, but I still wouldn't recommend it.

Hmm. Could you please discuss why you wouldn't recommend it? I find my smcFancontrol tool to be an integral part of everyday computing.

03-19-2009, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by traded

Hmm. Could you please discuss why you wouldn't recommend it? I find my smcFancontrol tool to be an integral part of everyday computing.

Because the fans are thermostatically controlled and there is logic built into the OS to kick them on at certain speeds and at certain thresholds. If the built-in management isn't working properly, there's a hardware problem (be it dust clogging vents or bearing wear inside the fan).

So, forcing the fans at a static speed with a program like that essentially second-guesses the engineers that designed your equipment. If the machine isn't working within tolerances, this does nothing to ultimately correct that, it just masks it. And if you're using it just because you like to have the control, you're probably adding additional wear to the fans that wouldn't really be necessary without it.