[new_pb17]

I've read some of the topics about the sizzle noise with the new PowerBook G4 17-inch computers. Mine certainly has it, but I've read other posts from owners that say their computers don't make the sizzle noise. From my days as a TiPB owner, I remembered that the serial number includes the build week. I'm curious if the sizzle noise is something that has been fixed in later production batches. Can a few of you post the build week of you PB17 and whether you have or do not have the sizzle noise?

To find your "build week," look at the fourth and fifth digits of your serial number. For example, mine is V7309... The 09 means it was the ninth calendar week (I think). The latest ones I saw in an Apple retail store were 15.

[schuey100]

V7315

No Sizzle here.

[Over Achiever]

V7312 here

Definate sizzle...not too annoying.

[rcarlosnyc]

Can you describe the sizzle and where it comes from?

I guess if I'm asking, I don't have it.

[Over Achiever]

If you're in a quiet room, and the fan isn't running, put your ear near the keyboard. You may hear some sizzling.

It seems to be from the processor and the graphics card...i.e. the motherboard. I'm not sure of the source exactly.

I don't think you would have a powerbook without the sizzle...it just depends if you notice it or not.

[schuey100]

Aha, got it. I see what you mean now!

[tonewheel]

Geez, if you have to be in a quiet room - without the fan running - and put your ear down on the keyboard...c'mon!

PB17 here, no sizzle.

[cschott101]

I think there are varying levels of this "problem." If it were only audible when in a completely silent environment, I wouldn't mind as much. I have the sizzle noise accompanied by "chirping" when certain UI actions take place, e.g., moving a window. It's definitely audible in an office environment.

My serial number is V7309.

If you don't have the noise, what's the first five of serial number?

[tonewheel]

V73142

[LosJackal]

V7312, yes on the sizzle.

The sizzling practically goes away when on "Processor reduced" in the Energy Saver settings.

I can hear it even in a room with the TV on, but it really isn't bad. But I'd probably pay $100 right now to have a machine with no sizzle. :-/

[tonewheel]

Look at it this way: with your gorgeous, powerful, new laptop, you've got the steak AND the sizzle!

[Karim]

V7312 and Yes.

I postulate that everyone has it, it is just a question of who can hear it well or not. I'm sure the tolerances on the 17" Powerbook are a LOT tighter than all our hearing.

[iDORK]

V7312
Sizzle is active here.

Is Apple aware of the sizzling?

[dccski]

more than 3 techs at apple care said all 17 inchers have the sizzle, it is normal and its the power supply or power processor. i forgot the way they phrased it. call them and ask and see what they say.

[morlium]

V7314

yes, there is a sizzle.

[katorga]

Descibe when the sizzle occurs. All the time or during specific actions?

I have a TiBook 800Mhz and notice a distinct squeal or sizzle noise when the built in ethernet or modem are transfering lots of data.

[nobitacu]

V7313

noise here

Ming

[blacksheep]

Both V7313 and V7315 sizzle too.

[aqs789]

V7316
Yes on the sizzle

[iDORK]

just to let you guys know, my 1ghz ti 15" also has the sizzling noise but not as loud as the 17".

[parsec_kadets]

V7313 and yes on the sizzle.

I can best describe it as more of a built up static sound that a speaker gives off from time to time. It tends to get louder over a few minutes until there's a pop and then it goes away. Also, if you sleep the computer, it comes back when you wake it. I find it a little confusing since it is clearly coming from the area around the G and H keys, not one of the speaker grills. Does the 17" have a third speaker that takes care of the mid-range like the 12"? If so, my guess would be it involves that.

[b3t4]

V73145

disturbing sizzle.

espacially if i am copying a lot of files than it goes crazy.
right now while i am typing this thread it is sizzling the whole time. kinda annoying. i would like to get to know where it is coming from.

if you connect your 17" to some nice loudspeakers and put it in sleep mode i can hear another sizzle throught the loudspeakers. not really nice.

my old pismo was a bit more rough i think, not so girlish :-)

beta

[Finrock]

I reset the power manager and my sizzle sounds have pretty much gone away.. Try it... shut down and then hold down ctrl-option-power.

Then, start the PowerBook.

V7312

-Finney