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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Mac Notebooks > 12" PB: Same noise level as iBook by downclocking?

12" PB: Same noise level as iBook by downclocking?
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Fresh-Faced Recruit
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
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Oct 30, 2004, 04:15 PM
 
Hi,

Is it possible to silence the smallest Powerbook model permanently by reducing the processor's speed on a lower level ? Of course performing simple tasks (music, internet, ms word) must be still possible! It doesn't have to be as silent as an iBook but close to this would be very appreciated. I am a bit sensible to noise. Buying an iBook would be the easiest solution on the other hand I want to profit from the better screen and keyboard.

Thanks in advance for your help!
     
Professional Poster
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Oct 30, 2004, 05:04 PM
 
I don't understand the question, I have a 12" Rev B and don't really have a problem with noise. Unless I'm running super intensive stuff or video games it's as quiet as a sniper. Try setting your energy saver to reduced, that tends to quiet most PB down at the cost of slowing down as well.
NOW YOU SEE ME! 2.4 MBP and 2.0 MBP (running ubuntu)
     
Senior User
Join Date: Sep 2004
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Oct 31, 2004, 12:37 AM
 
The noise levels haven't bothered me on my Rev. A 12" PB.

You can try to get one of those laptop stands that have a fan like this one:

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=PA248U

That will cool the bottom of your laptop but I'm not sure what kind of noise level the fans would make.

Another method is to use a laptop stand to raise the bottom of the PB off the surface. On the road I use the RoadTools Traveller's CoolPad

http://www.roadtools.com/

At the office and at home, I have the Rain Design iLap for 12" PBs.

http://www.raindesigninc.com/ilap.html

It is made from anodized aluminum. You place your PB on top of it. The bottom of the PB comes in contact with the iLap and acts as a heat sink which helps draw heat away from the PB which reduces the amount of time the fans turn on.

It is also ergonomically designed to be placed on your lap or on your desk. Lovin' it....
     
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Oct 31, 2004, 12:47 AM
 
Originally posted by Frozen Flame:
Hi,

Is it possible to silence the smallest Powerbook model permanently by reducing the processor's speed on a lower level ? Of course performing simple tasks (music, internet, ms word) must be still possible! It doesn't have to be as silent as an iBook but close to this would be very appreciated. I am a bit sensible to noise. Buying an iBook would be the easiest solution on the other hand I want to profit from the better screen and keyboard.

Thanks in advance for your help!
ummm the 12" Powerbook has the same screen as the 12" iBook, and the keyboard isnt any different.
Powerbook G4 12" 1.5/100gb/768/SD/APX
MacMini goodness... want one? http://tinyurl.com/4dww8
     
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Oct 31, 2004, 06:23 AM
 
Originally posted by dwood:
ummm the 12" Powerbook has the same screen as the 12" iBook, and the keyboard isnt any different.

Not true. The keyboard on the PB is one of the best I've ever used. The keyboard on the iBook... isn't.

But downclocking a PB, not that I think it would be possible without going through major hassle, sounds just silly.
     
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Oct 31, 2004, 08:33 AM
 
My 12" Rev C Powerbook is as quiet or quieter than any of my iBooks ever were. Of course those were G3 iBooks.

Chris
     
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Oct 31, 2004, 04:30 PM
 
a few quick questions: my fan seems to kick on even when only a couple of programs are loaded. Does it make it hotter to have the powerbook closed and sittng on a flat surface? i noticed alot of the laptop stands but i really dont have any room for that...so if the heat makes the fan kick on whats the best way to approach this? a picture of my setup is on the powerbook setup thread on page 25

oh, and how do you know which revision you have?
12" AI book REV B, mac mini core duo 1.66
     
Mac Elite
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Oct 31, 2004, 05:36 PM
 
fpr those of us who don't really feel like searching the power book picture thread(even though its a sticky)
here's the link to his post.
link
     
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Oct 31, 2004, 06:17 PM
 
Originally posted by macaddict0001:
fpr those of us who don't really feel like searching the power book picture thread(even though its a sticky)
here's the link to his post.
link
thanx! sorry about that =)
12" AI book REV B, mac mini core duo 1.66
     
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Nov 1, 2004, 10:28 AM
 
You should just chuck a couple pink rubber erasers in that little spot so that when you plop your PB there, it will at least be elevated off the surface. This should quiet it down to a certain extent. There are also lots of stands that could fit in that tight space, you should really look around.
NOW YOU SEE ME! 2.4 MBP and 2.0 MBP (running ubuntu)
     
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Nov 1, 2004, 11:11 AM
 
Originally posted by iREZ:
You should just chuck a couple pink rubber erasers in that little spot so that when you plop your PB there, it will at least be elevated off the surface. This should quiet it down to a certain extent. There are also lots of stands that could fit in that tight space, you should really look around.
i actually elevated the spot with two altoid tins in a sock after seeing the "show your powerbook setup" thread.. =)
12" AI book REV B, mac mini core duo 1.66
     
   
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