T510 on its way-- CPU whine question

The CPU whine ( likely inductor noise ) that I keep reading about makes me a bit concerned that I may have made an error in judgment .
Does anyone know what percentage of units have this problem ? Also what are most people doing to help reduce the noise level ?
Thanks, Bob

Yes, there are (my friend ordered a T510- the same one I have) and has no problems with whine.
I think it's a bit "luck of the draw", but if it whines, tell them to send you another one.
You do have a 14-day money-back guarantee on it (I believe this covers free replacement as well), so if you have the whine, tell Lenovo they can ship you another one- if they do it for hard drives (ship you a drive, you ship your old one back AFTER replacement) they should do it for full units too.
I would, however, call their sales desk and make sure of the time period to exchange a laptop (I believe it is 14 days but I could be wrong) and make sure you can keep your laptop while they ship one out to you. Continuously exchanging them should do the trick if they all whine/have any other problem- maybe it will spur them to actually fix the problem after they have to pay lots and lots of shipping charges.
I don't know when the T520/T420 (based on Intel Sandy Bridge processors) is coming out, but I certainly hope it doesn't have the same problems.

Similar Messages

MBP Cpu Whine

Yesterday I recieved my Mac Book Pro 1.83 CTO 1gb ram and western spanish keyboard. The computer itself is incredible and I am very happy with it so far. The only problem I have is the cpu whine, which misteriously dissapears when I open photobooth and which dissapears when I open comic life and close it. After playing with my MBP yesterday for 20 minutes I already had a headache due to this whine. I called applecare inmediately and they prononounced my MBP D.O.A and offered to replace my MBP with a new one having to wait another 3 to 4 weeks and without any guarantee that the new one will not have this problem. They also offered to send the computer to austin for repair. I chose this option and am now waiting for the box to ship it to them. My question, is, have any of you successfully repaired your MBP cpu whine? If so what did they repair and how long did it take? After paying more than 2000 for this laptop I expect nothing less than perfect and this cpu whine will drive anybody crazy and I do not see why I should have to put up with it.Thanks!

you dont have to put up with it. after all the complaints about the whine im suprised people still buy it lol. if this was a PC machine with problems we would all be laughing at them. but its a mac with problems LOL are they laughing at us now haha.
PS mine is fine. but if yours isnt check the post below. there are like 500 responses so im sure one of them has good info for you. instead of waiting in here for an answer. this one is sure to have been answered in the other large post.

New Macbook CPU Whine? Wasn't this MBP only?

I bought my updated macbook last week (Black, C2D 2.16 Ghz, 2GB Ram) and I noticed that the CPU whine that bothered me so much in my macbook pro is on my macbook as well!
The photobooth trick works.. but I wish this could just be eliminated once and for all..
Any suggestions? And does anyone else have it?

I have covered this topic extensively for close to 1 year now. I've come to a conclusion that all MacBooks exhibit this problem to some degree. I've had my Logic Board exchanged in hopes to get rid of the problem - but no way - its still here.
I've learned to deal with it in the following manner:
1. I'm rarely in a completely quiet rooms - so in most cases I dont get bothered by the noise
2. If I need to work in a quiet room - I use the Photobooth trick (force quit Photobooth - put comp to sleep - wake it up)
3. I got Windows XP on bootcamp - I do most of my websurfing with the new Internet Explorer - and as most of you know - the CPU doesn't whine under Windows.
The fact that CPU whine is completly eliminated when using Windows Xp means that the whole problem could be solved with a simple patch from Apple. However - Apple will not release any such patch until more people complain directly to them.

T420s - experiencing CPU whine that is getting worse

Hello there!
I have a Lenovn T420s with an i7-2640M CPU @ 2.80 Ghz, Optimus, and 8gb RAM. I got this laptop as a replacement from Lenovo since they severely damaged my other T420s while trying to repair the bezel.
This laptop is experiencing CPU whine that is getting worse and worse. There was no CPU whine at all whatsoever when I received this replacement in December, but now it shows up whenever I scroll up and down a browser window, click on a link, or do other normal tasks on the computer.
It happens regardless of if I am on battery or using the AC adapter. I've also read the other T410/510 page about the CPU whine and saw that the only fix was to get a new motherboard, CPU, and GPU. I also saw this post: T420s High pitch whine but it doesn't look like it has been updated for a while.
I have a 3 year warranty on this laptop, but I am hesitant to send it in without knowing if a good fix has been found. I already had a terrible experience with sending the laptop in for service, and had an even worse experience when the tech came on-site to work on it.
Anyone else with this problem? Has Lenovo come out with a solution?
Thanks!

Hi all,
I'm experiencing coil whine or "CPU whine" on my T420s. It's completely intolerable.
Rather than trying to describe this noise, I've put together the start of a sound album documenting it. Please listen: http://soundcloud.com/discostrings/sets/t420s-coil-whine
I suffered through 2.5 years with this problem on my T410. I sent it in once to resolve the problem, but it wasn't fixed. I figured the issue would be resolved in subsequents ThinkPad generations and I'd put up with it until it was time to upgrade.
But the whine on my T420s is much worse. It is impossible for me to use it in a quiet environment. But beyond that, some of the tones and clicking it makes are audible from feet away even in an environment with air conditioners running and people talking. I've tried (and recorded) every important combination of power settings. With all power management turned off in the BIOS and with the CPU limited to its lowest setting, it is ALMOST tolerable (but not quite).
I am willing to do whatever it takes to fix this problem--I do not mind parting with the laptop for a while. I would be happy to send it in for an engineer to look at and fix. I would be happy to take it somewhere. I would be happy to attempt to fix it to my own satisfaction if I am guaranteed it will not void my warranty. If none of those are options, I guess I'll send it in for motherboard replacements until I get a good one. But I'm going to have this fixed. Because this beautifully-engineered machine is impossible for me to use as it is.
As I understand it, coil whine results from faulty or low-quality coils or capacitors on the motherboard that resonate at different power levels. Unless this is from a rare bad batch (which I doubt because of my experience with my T410), this is a result of using bargain-basement coils and capacitors or not adequately testing the units from different suppliers. It's probably the matter of a few dollars or cents in manufacturing the computer. Beyond that, it can often be fixed with a drop of glue.
I put the recording album up to demonstrate that this is an actual problem, and to familiarize those who haven't heard it with the problem. I hope it helps other in diagnosing the coil whine.
Please let me know the best way to proceed to get this fixed. Thanks.

10.4.8 and cpu whine

Is there any difference with cpu whine after installing 10.4.8 patch?

I was not under the impression that the CPU Whine was software related. Most everyone who seems to have successfully combated the CPU whine has gotten their machine fixed (c.f. Daniel Jalkut @ www.red-sweater.com).
Apple's own tech article regarding CPU whine asks users to call Apple Care which seems to be code for: we need you to send it in.
I haven't had (or maybe just haven't 'heard') the whine, so I can't tell you what 10.4.8 does to it in this regard, but I'm guessing not much, one way or another.

Is CPU "whine" a sign of bad things to come, or just annoying?

I bought a MacBook Pro for my wife in April. It's been good -- especially after the firmware update cranked up the fans and knocked down the temps a bit -- but it has the CPU whine/buzz/high-pitched noise under the keyboard. Like the MBPs of other folks, it goes away completely if you open Photo Booth etc.
My question is, is this just an annoyance or should we worry about shortened lifespan of the MBP or other problems? My wife is loathe to give up the machine if it's not necessary, despite the aggravating sound.
I asked Apple Care this question and the rep said it shouldn't be a problem -- as far as she knows. I didn't find that as definitive as I'd like. What do you guys think?

There are different power saving modes, they are labeled C0 (full power) through C4 (deep sleep). By disabling C4 the CPU only can enter C3 (sleep) and therefore consumes a little bit more power. I don't know if this increased power consumption is significant, but I guess you will barely notice it.
Mario
Mac Mini Mac OS X (10.4.6) Core Duo / 2GB

10.4.7 CPU Whine!!!! Please HeLp.. Newbie!!!!

Hi Guys..
I recently got a MBP (week 23) standard config.. As far as i remember i didnt notice the whirring or buzzing sound (known as CPU whine) until i upgraded to 10.4.7..
Well its pretty faint but i can easily here it when i am in a silent room n the thought that i have it now really makes me hear that n indeed this bugs me.. This is my first ever Apple product n first ever laptop (I am a newbie)..
I talked to a guy on apple support n told him about the issue n he said it might be the inverter buzz n is a hardware issue.. BUT i told him tht it cant be hardware as it goes away whn i turn on the photobooth or i do CPU intensive tasks, so it seems to me that its a software thingy..
So i have two quetions:
1) Is it a hardware issue or not??? If it is then i am gona send it back (ny suggestions on tht too will be appreciated)..
2) Other than the slight whine, ITS PERFECT, totaly NO ISSUES.. Jus wondering tht i turn the photobooth on to make it silent what effect does it make on the battery??? Cant figure out
Any help will be much appreciated as i need to make a decision tht whether i m gona send it back or keep it (plz provide suggestions on tht too if you can..)
Kind Regards
SINGH
MBP 2.0 Ghz, 512 RAM Mac OS X (10.4.7)
MBP 2.0 Ghz, 512 RAM Mac OS X (10.4.6)
MBP 2.0 Ghz, 512 RAM Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Hello Singh1699,
Yes, I already talked to one of the Apple staff in Ireland (I lived in Swiss) and they admitted that it IS the hardware related problem. They said the build is not somehow fully compatible with the core program of MAC OSX causing the noise from CPU and, quite a few times, with the power invertor.
You can search my posts here for more information about this issues. What I would recommend you to do is try to get a hold of Apple store, ask them for a replacement (you can even put the noise on phone for them to hear as I did). You have to be quick before your 14 days of return expires. That what I did and now I am waiting for my new one to arrive.
Hope this helps
Cheers,
James

CPU Whine Recording

Further to what someone posted in another thread, you can actually record the CPU whine in Garageband! It is at a lower frequency than the whine I actually hear (the microphone need only sample at ~8kHz) but is very distinctive and clearly heard. It even changes frequency on chaning CPU usage.
How this can be "within spec" is beyond me. Just thought I would record and post it before TNT pick up the laptop for refund on Monday.
You can hear a demonstration recording of the whine here:
http://ned.corpus.cam.ac.uk/~fjb31/
James

Yes, it's not great. I think that's an aberration of the sampling - although it could be due to OS scheduling of Garage Band.
What is also interesting is that in the recording the whine is softer when the power cable is unplugged. To me the whine is much louder - this might be due to the sound being transmitted better through the case, or ears more sensitive to lower frequencies. From the recording you get the impression that both are of the same intensity.
It would be interesting to record the sound at 44kHz find its true frequency and intensity and judge the human response to that - an oscilloscope trace would be good. It's not ideal recording the sound from within the case.
One thing I haven't seen anyone comment on is the effect this has on using the MBP as a recording studio/for Podcasts etc. The background noise when both cores are on (and not heavily loaded) is sufficient to badly affect the quality of this.
James

X300 + CPU whine + Linux + how to disable C4 state

Hi,
I also have this annoying CPU whine occurance when my CPU changes to C4.
As I have Linux running on my x300 (Ubuntu 8.10) deactivating Power-Management in bios is not an option because then I cannot adjust the display-brightness with the function-buttons anymore.
Is it possible to deactivate C4 with a shell script?
EDIT/ I had to reinstall gnome-power-manager after deactivating power-mgmt in bios, adjusting brightness now works again.
Yet, my question still remains.
Thanks in advance
Message Edited by Tackelton on 12-23-2008 08:23 AM
Lenovo ThinkPad X300 N1214GE - SL7100 3GB/64GB 13"WXGA+ X3100
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Issue solved.
Here is how to do it:
http://www.inliniac.net/blog/2008/07/25/fixing-noise-on-ubuntu-hardy-804-aka-setting-max_cstate.html
Lenovo ThinkPad X300 N1214GE - SL7100 3GB/64GB 13"WXGA+ X3100

C2D MacBook -- the CPU whine is GONE!

So, my black C2D MacBook has been up and running for the past three hours, and there is absolutely no hint of CPU whine!
That's my happy ending to a very sad tale of one bad rev. A MacBook after another...
This is the FOURTH MacBook I've had in the past six months. The first one was damaged right out of the box (misaligned case, and screwdriver scratches all over the bottom), so Apple replaced it. The replacement machine developed a really loud, grindy noise coming from the fan, and after two trips to the Apple repair center with no improvement, Apple finally agreed to replace that machine last week. The replacement had a nice, quiet fan, but plenty of CPU whine. Still not ideal, but I was resigned to live with it.
This morning, I learned of the C2D update. Fortunately, every time the Apple Store in Ginza, Tokyo, issued me a replacement machine, they also issued me a new sales receipt. So, I took the replacement MacBook I got last week to the Apple Store today, showed them my receipt for the latest replacement (indicating that I was within the 14-day return period), and asked for an exchange. I had to pay the restocking fee, which amounted to about $150. The way I look at it, I paid Apple about a dollar a day for the last five months to "rent" their rev. A MacBooks until the rev. B's were released!
Needless to say, I'm a very satisfied customer right now.
Whisper-quiet, super-quick and brand-spankin' new!
Black Macbook; Mini 1.5GHz (Late 2005); PB Lombard: PB 2400; PowerMac G3; Mac OS X (10.4.8) Blueberry iMac; iPod nano 4GB; and a Bill King bobblehead doll--Holy Toledo!

i would like congratulate you and to share your jubilation!
i have also had three macbooks since they came out after my very reliable ibook was stolen. no end of problems with my macbooks and just send the last one back a couple of days ago. only to log on today and find they have 2 core duo's now. So ordered one straight away. now i cant wait to recieve it :o) but am scared of what problems these may come with

I got a new laptop and I cant buy songs because its asking me security questions i didnt set, what do i do, I got a new laptop and I cant buy songs because its asking me security questions i didnt set, what do i do

I got a new laptop and I cant buy songs because its asking me security questions i didnt set, what do i do, I got a new laptop and I cant buy songs because its asking me security questions i didnt set, what do i do

If you've never set them then are you able to log into your account via the 'manage your Apple ID' button/link on http://appleid.apple.com, click on 'Password and Security' on the left-hand side of the page that you are taken to, and can you then set them on the right-hand side of that screen ?
If not then is there a reset link beneath the two questions that show on that screen ? The link will only show if you have a rescue email address (which is not the same thing as an alternate email address) set up on your account.
If you don't have a rescue email address (you won't be able to add one until you can answer your questions) then you will need to contact iTunes Support / Apple in your country to get the questions reset.
Contacting Apple about account security : http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5699
When they've been reset (and if you don't already have a rescue email address) you can then use the steps half-way down this page to add a rescue email address for potential future use : http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5312

CPU whine

Hello,
I bought a MacBook Core 2 Duo last week and I discovered it had a strange whine. It seems that this whine starts when the CPU is idle. I have found lots of information on the internet concerning this issue, but I haven't found any official sollution from Apple.
I would like to know what Apple is going to do about this issue. Should I ask for a replacement or should I wait for a software update?
Thanks for your answers.
Vaidas
MacBook MA700ZH/A Mac OS X (10.4.8) Core 2 Duo 2 GHz, 1 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM

What puzzles me is that Apple officially acknowledged the CPU whine problem on the Macbook Pro, and offered a fix for it. There is an article on their site somewhere, I've seen it listed in the forums here before. So why not do the same for the Macbook?
Anyone know if after sending the MBP in for this fix if it's completely eliminated? Or at least to the point you can't hear it in a silent room?
Also, I doubt very much you'll ever see a downloadable fix for this issue without taking a hit in battery performance. The only reason the whine goes in WinXP is because Windows does not throttle the CPU down as far as OSX does. As a result I can guarantee that you'll get less battery life in WinXP, and the same for all those other fixes. It's a capacitor, diode, or something else along those lines that vibrates when the CPU is throttled down. This is only speculation. In any case, if there was a way to fix it with software they would have done it with the MBP. But instead they asked for the units to be sent it, which is more incurred cost for them...so that would suggest it was the only way to correct it.

Analyzing the "idle CPU whine" issue

Hi All,
I have been waiting for a solution for the "idle CPU whine" issue since I returned my MacBook Pro because of the whine.
First of all, we need to filter out all the posts where a person says that he does not have the whine but has not heard a whining unit. So, we need to focus only on experiences of people who hear the whine or do not hear whine but have heard the whine in another unit.
Secondly, I think that the build week number has no significance on the whine issue. More interesting would be to have people sending here the last part of their serial number, which supposedly is some kind of configuration code, and stating if they have the idle CPU whine or not. Maybe we could get some new information out of that.
Do also state, if you have actually compared a whining and a non-whining unit. If you have not compared the no-whine opinions are useless as they are merely opinions without a reference to a faulty unit.

This was posted on MacFitIt today (www.macfixit.com)
" Mike, I thought you might find this reply from Apple regarding my contacting them with a noise issue with the MacBook Pro. I noticed that if I were to disable a processor core the noise immediately stopped and this is Apple's reply.
Eric"
Begin forwarded message:
"Hi Eric, I heard back from engineering and was informed that this normal behavior for the MacBook Pro. When the processors are idle a capacitor on the logic board will take on additional power loads causing the capacitor to vibrate, thus creating the noise. Turning off the second processor and/or using better energy saver settings reduces the load on the capacitor causing the noise not to occur.
For more information check out http://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro/. Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions..."

Cpu whine thru my active monitor speakers

I got a slight cpu whine on my Macbook,
Now i hear that cpu whine as noise in my monitors tru my RME Fireface 400. What causes this noise in my speakers?? What can i do about it/.?????

again no helpfull answer to my question?????? **** not much knowledge here huhh
aint there a forum for mac pro audio poeple other then this one?????

New Mac on the way - Time Machine questions

Hi there,
My new Mac is now on its way from Apple and I just have a couple of questions regarding Time Machine:
1. My new Mac is a MacBook Pro with retina display which is going to replace an early 2006 Intel iMac running Snow Leopard. I was hoping to use my latest Time Machine backup external hard disk to transfer the data using Setup Assistant as the USB port is the only common connection between the two Macs (other than WiFi which I suspect will be a bit slow when used with Setup Assistant). Will Time Machine use the lastest incremental backup to populate the new Mac, or will it only look to the last full backup (I am only looking to import my user settings, iTunes music and iPhotos)?
2. Going forward, I'm trying to move to a more wireless setup. Previously my iMac used Time Machine on an external USB disk drive, however, I now want to use something like the Western Digital My Book Live connected to my wireless router via ethernet. From searching on the web, it seems this can be a bit hit and miss with both data transfer speed and reliability. I was therefore wondering if any of you guys have had any experience with using an external ethernet hard drive via a wireless router for use with Time Machine, and if so, whether you are able to recommend a particular model. My wireless router is a D-Link DSL-2740R which is ADSL2/2+ and 802.11n compatible.
3. If I do go down the route of the external ethernet hard drive, would it be best to purchase the Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet cable for the initial backup, as I suspect the first full backup would take a while over WiFi.
4. If there are issues with using a network drive, I guess the only other option is to use a Thunderbolt or USB 3.0 drive and then manually force Time Machine to back up when I am at home and can connect the drive (which could mean a while between backups). Unless anyone can offer any other solutions.
Many thanks for any help you can offer.
Steve

Use the Migration Assistant. Their are specific files not in the application folder that contain preferences and the like. The Migration Assistant will move over those preferences as well as the applications themselves. Plus it takes WAY less time.

T510 on its way-- CPU whine question

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