[nickday]

Hi,

I've had one of the new 15" PowerBooks for a couple of weeks, and in the last few days i've noticed that when the fan comes on, it sounds like its about to break - sort of like its grinding against another component when it turns. I know what the fan should sound like - sort of a "whooosssh" sound as it was when it arrived, and as was in my previous 12" PowerBooks - and it's not like this, its a much louder, harsher sound which really distracts me from my work. I'm concerned that the fan isn't blowing correctly, causing the inside to overheat.

Does anybody else have this problem? If I took it to my local Apple Store Genius Bar, would they be able to take it from me for repair? I haven't been to an Apple Store, or used their Genius Bar before, so i've no idea how it works.

Cheers,
Nick

[jamil5454]

Run the Apple Hardware Test first. It should detect what RPM that fan is turning at. If it's really low, then chances are it's rubbing against something.

Then just take your PowerBook to the Apple Store. They'll explain how the Genius Bar works when you get there.

[nickday]

Thanks for your reply. I've ran Apple Hardware Test, which passed fine, and didn't tell me the fans RPM.

I've found out (using this) that my fans RPM is between 1600 and 2000 RPM when it's on full speed.

I'm compiling some software at the moment, and my CPU is at 100% and the fan is going full speed. I've used the internal mic to record what it sounds like - this is a bit exagerated, but you can hear what it's like. During the clip I jolt the PowerBook slightly a couple of times, and you can hear how the noise of the fan changes.

Listen (2.2mb)

If anybody else has the new PowerBook, could you run the script at the address posted above, and let me know your fans RPM when it's at full speed? That would be really helpful.

It's really annoying, as I really need my PB for work, and if Apple take it in to repair it'll take weeks. Everything else on the machine works fine, it's just the grating noise that really gets to me when i'm trying to work.

Cheers,
Nick

[photoeditor]

I've never had Apple take more than a few days on a repair . . . usually, three days seems to have been their MO for me. I think they may have slowed a little the last year or two but it won't take weeks. It definitely needs to be looked at.

[nickday]

OK, i'll give them a ring and explain the problem, they'll probably be able to hear the fan over the phone.

Cheers,
Nick