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PJJames · May 24, 2006, 06:28 PM

Hey guys, I just got back from the Apple store and I may be writing this thread like an idiot because this idea may have already been mentioned. But I did offcially get rid of my whine on my Macbook Pro. First I'll say, I've been through about 4 computers in the past 5 or 6 days. 3 Macbooks, all DOA, and then after those 3, Apple upgraded me to a 2.0ghz Macbook Pro for free, which was nice. Anyways, I went today to take it back because I was so annoyed with the whine! And the guys at the genius bar said, "we can give you another one, but it's just going to keep whining." So he bascially showed me how to get rid of it. You have to turn off the 2nd processor. Appearantly the whine only occurs when the 2nd processor is at idle. Which I can confirm, it's true. So when using Safari, iPhoto, Mail....basically applications that don't require much juice...you disarm the 2nd processor and this thing is quiet. The way he did it is installed some document that was on my OS X install disc 2. Once again, I'm guessing this has already been mentioned and I apologize ahead of time if it has, I'm just trying to share this knowledge...if not, I can go deeper into it...let me know.

PJJames · May 24, 2006, 06:31 PM

Also, have a look at this....the Genius who helped me downloaded this for me...

http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/21674

It'll monitor the temp. on your processors.

Dave Hagan · May 24, 2006, 06:49 PM

Nice..Apple showing you how to make your computer less powerful because of a problem they've caused. That pisses me off.

PJJames · May 24, 2006, 09:38 PM

Yeah I know, it's a pain, but if you want to engage the 2nd processor, you just click button...you don't have to reboot or anything. So if you're doing any final cut or logic work, just turn on the second core...but nevertheless, a piss off.

skyman · May 24, 2006, 10:42 PM

You can only do this with CHUD tools installed. Which is not installed by default.

So, you paid $2000 for a dual processor MBP and now you have to turn off one of the processors to stop the whine. Makes sense to me.

Mithras · May 24, 2006, 10:52 PM

Well, considering the whine only happens when the CPU is at 1-2% utilization, it seems reasonable to me.

PJJames · May 24, 2006, 11:04 PM

Personally, I think it's very cool to be able to turn on and off your CPU's. I don't notice any difference what-so-ever in performance with only one core engaged...I have no been able to do any heavy music on the machine yet, there is no universal binary for Pro Tools yet, but I plan to just switch on the 2nd CPU when I launch any heavy applications.

Bryanmc · May 25, 2006, 12:12 AM

On my old PowerMac Dual 2.0 G5 I had some trouble with my 2nd processor overheating. So I would turn it off when it was getting too hot.

Not a huge deal to do when the result of overheating is a complete shutdown.

I've never had the MPB whine (at least that I know of) so I can't say if it's worth it to mess with the processor or not. Guess that's a person thing. But it sure isn't hard to do, just two clicks.

gokul · May 25, 2006, 12:23 AM

Originally Posted by PJJames

Personally, I think it's very cool to be able to turn on and off your CPU's. I don't notice any difference what-so-ever in performance with only one core engaged...I have no been able to do any heavy music on the machine yet, there is no universal binary for Pro Tools yet, but I plan to just switch on the 2nd CPU when I launch any heavy applications.

There's a good chance the PT update will be released any day now... Digidesign says "late May" as an approximate release. Woohoo! I'll continue to use my PowerMac G5 as my audio workstation, but I'm excited to try PTLE on this MBP!

I'm trying to decide if I'll accept this second core toggle as a 'solution' for now or if I am still incredibly annoyed by the workarounds for this silly whine...grrr, thanks for the tip.

PJJames · May 25, 2006, 12:59 AM

The genius said today that apple is going to keep putting out firmware updates for the whines and the overheating. So that being said, I suppos I'll stick with mine for now. If nothing ends up happening, I will speak up.

I too am so excited for the release of Pro Tools for these machines. My G5 is great and I'll still be using it, but I will be excited to be able to run sessions I run on my G5 on my Macbook Pro.

gokul · May 25, 2006, 01:07 AM

Originally Posted by PJJames

The genius said today that apple is going to keep putting out firmware updates for the whines and the overheating. So that being said, I suppos I'll stick with mine for now. If nothing ends up happening, I will speak up.

I too am so excited for the release of Pro Tools for these machines. My G5 is great and I'll still be using it, but I will be excited to be able to run sessions I run on my G5 on my Macbook Pro.

That's encouraging to hear... let's hope they really can clear things up via an update.

Honestly I rarely ever have any problem with the 2 big issues (whine + heat) since I almost always have it plugged into an AC outlet and almost always have it sitting on a table. Overall I love this thing! Just annoyed that the whine is even an issue...

jvicinanza · May 25, 2006, 01:44 AM

Switching off the second processor is unacceptable. I paid a premium to have a intel duo machine. I have also found that if you switch off one processor the temp increases more rapidly.

Jason

dreamaster · May 25, 2006, 02:10 AM

Turning off one processor will DECREASE battery life.

go ahead and try it.

PJJames · May 25, 2006, 03:17 AM

I have noticed as well, turning of the 2nd core with heat up the computer more. And then literally within an instant when you fire up the 2nd core, it cools down a little. This is a little unacceptable....but who knows...I think they'll fix it. I've been reading and appearantly people are finding that in Windows XP there is no whine at all....if it has to be software right??? Which can be fixed with an update???

buddy1065 · May 25, 2006, 06:15 AM

Too bad they cant figure out a way to keep both processors moderately occupied instead of one remaining at 1-2% utilization. Seems a firmware update would indeed work. Hopefully they will have it fixed before I go out and buy a Sony SZ or a Dell M1210.

A Dell ...YIKES...

skyman · May 25, 2006, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by PJJames

The genius said today that apple is going to keep putting out firmware updates for the whines and the overheating. So that being said, I suppos I'll stick with mine for now. If nothing ends up happening, I will speak up.

I too am so excited for the release of Pro Tools for these machines. My G5 is great and I'll still be using it, but I will be excited to be able to run sessions I run on my G5 on my Macbook Pro.

You actually believe what an Apple Store genius told you? Half the people on this forum know more about Mac's than those geniuses do.

Take what they tell you with a BIG grain of salt.

lauras · May 25, 2006, 09:45 AM

You need to download CHUD from the apple site. http://developer.apple.com/tools/performance/. This will allow you to place an exta item in your System Preferences that will allow you to turn off the second core.