Strange fan problem

Whenever I plug my MBP into an external monitor (Apple brand), the fans go to 6,000rpm (basically max speed) and stay there. I've checked the core temperature and it's only about 60-65 celsius so there's not need for the fans to max out. I've also looked in activity monitor and the loads are low (load averages of .50) and there are no runaway applications.
I can't for the life of me figure this one out. I've tried resetting the SMC several times but to no avail.
Eventually in a desperate move to stop the noise, I used the command-line utility that comes with smcFanControl to set a max fan speed of 4,000 rpm. Doing this proves that the machine is setting the fan speed way faster than what is needed since the temperature hasn't moved up with the fans at 4,000rpm max.
And before anyone tells me: yes, I know it's not a good idea to limit the max in case loads do increase and I cook my processor. I'm doing it as an experiment.
So, does anyone have any ideas?
For what it's worth, it didn't always do this although I can't pinpoint what might have changed.

{quote:title=Stephen Schwartz1 wrote:}
Eventually in a desperate move to stop the noise, I used the command-line utility that comes with smcFanControl to set a max fan speed of 4,000 rpm. Doing this proves that the machine is setting the fan speed way faster than what is needed since the temperature hasn't moved up with the fans at 4,000rpm max.{quote}
Can you tell me how exactly one does this, with smcFanControl and the command-line utility (where is it)? I have a similar problem: My iMac fans are going crazy due to a broken temperature sensor somewhere, and I'd like to limit the max fan speed. I don't care if it is risky, I can't use my iMac as it is because of the roaring fans. Thanks in advance!

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