Help! Macbook making clicking sounds inside

I have an intel macbook (a black one) from around 4 years ago. Lately when i have more than one application open it starts making a repetitive clicking sound and it wont stop unless i close applications or make it go to sleep.

Does anyone have any idea what this could be? The computer is getting pretty old. Would I probably have to get it repaired or is there things i can try myself to fix it?


Thanks a lot!

I would be worried that might be a hard drive on its way out hope you got everything backed up.

I have what I consider important backed up. Would you recommend running my comp from a external hard drive? thanks

I would have it checked by an authorized Apple repair and go from there.

listento said:

I have what I consider important backed up. Would you recommend running my comp from a external hard drive? thanks

Click to expand...

Hard drives are cheap. And replacing them in a MacBook is very easy. It can be done in just a few minutes with a jewelers screwdriver. There are an abundance of tutorials and videos online. Don't be intimidated by the process. It's really quite easy.

Here's a basic 5400RPM 500GB drive for $49.
Newegg.com - HITACHI 0Y30055 500GB 5400 RPM 8MB Cache 2.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Notebook Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Here's a 7200RPM 500GB model for $77. This would give you a little increase in performance over the stock drive from Apple.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001R4BBLU/?tag=macforums0e4-20