It's possible that your MacBook might start to lift off the table over time due to the internal fan. These fans are designed to dissipate as much heat as possible generated inside the computer, and today we'll see how we can reduce the noise from these fans.
One thing we need to understand is that any device with internal fans will eventually make noise, for various reasons, but ultimately they will always make some noise. That's why today we'll look at some simple tricks to reduce the noise level of these fans, or at least minimize how often they make noise.
Before we begin explaining some of the tricks or options available to avoid this noise, we must be cautious and point out that with proper care and regular cleaning of our MacBook, we can enjoy silence for much longer.
In my particular case, I've been lucky enough to see the inside of several Apple computers, and in most cases, good maintenance makes a difference. You don't need to be an expert to know this, but simply cleaning the exterior of the computer from time to time and trying to use it in dust-free environments can extend the life of the Mac and prevent these annoying noises.
Fan noise on your Mac? Causes and possible solutions
The first thing we have to analyze is the reason for the noise of these fans. Editing tasks, processing or various applications can be part of the reason for this increase in the speed of our Mac fans, this added to the more than possible lack of maintenance / cleaning of it can cause noise.
We're almost entirely convinced that dirt and age are the most likely causes of noise. Not to mention potential overheating of the processor, RAM, and other key components in any computer. The important thing is to keep your Mac as clean as possible, and we're not just talking about the screen, although that's important too.
Check the cleanliness of the grates and clear them when using the equipment
All Macs have an external air intake, and while some models, like older 12-inch MacBooks or newer MacBook Airs, don't have fans, most do. Therefore, any air intake or vent on your Mac must be kept clean.
To clean these grilles, simply use an unused paintbrush, a toothbrush, or something similar suitable for cleaning. We do not recommend blowing compressed air into these ventilation grilles, as all the dirt will be forced directly into the unit. At most, you can use compressed air when the unit's cover is open, which we will cover later.
Another point to keep in mind is to keep the ventilation grilles uncovered when using your Mac . This means that while it's fine to use your Mac on your lap under a blanket or even lying on the sofa, all Macs and most laptops have ventilation grilles on the bottom, so you're likely covering them. Plus, all the dust and lint will get inside the computer. If possible, always use your Mac on a flat surface and keep the grilles uncovered, or at least do your best to avoid covering them.
Resource-intensive apps and tabs
Sometimes we have 50 tabs open, 10 apps running, some office tasks, and possibly other things. In these cases, when multitasking is at full capacity, the computer starts to heat up, and it's important to note that this isn't ideal for the machine. Yes, Macs handle many tasks simultaneously well, but they will also run hotter when we do.
You can view and use Activity Monitor to see what's consuming the most CPU resources in the CPU tab. Using browsers other than Safari on Macs consumes a lot of resources, and if you also have other applications open, you have another reason why your computer will overheat and need the fans running at full speed.
Chrome deserves its own chapter when it comes to resource-intensive browsers, especially on a Mac. If possible, use Safari for everything, as it's the most optimized for your Mac and will almost certainly always be the best option.
Bases with external fans
There are cooling pads or stands that add fans to the bottom to cool the computer. These stands with fans are rather expensive and impractical, to be honest, but they can be very useful for users who don't move their computer from an office desk, for example.
These cooling pads usually connect to the Mac's USB port and their function is to cool the bottom of the computer while it's running. We could say it's a partial solution, as it doesn't significantly reduce fan noise, especially when the fans become dusty.
Test the operation of Apple hardware
All Macs can pass Apple's hardware diagnostic test. This type of test is valid for all Macs, and those manufactured before June 2013 can pass this Apple hardware test . For newer Macs, you can use this other tool that Apple provides to all users, which will perform a diagnostic on your Mac to detect problems.
These tests can help you learn more about the potential problem with your Mac and then determine what can and can't be done to fix it. Apple users often overlook these types of tests, but they are truly useful for taking that first step toward discovering the problem.
Open the Mac and clean it inside as much as possible
This is usually the root of the problem. By this we mean that most Mac problems stem from poor cooling, and obviously, dirt will always be present if the computer has never been opened before.
These days, there are countless tutorials and videos that offer information on how to open and clean a Mac, so it shouldn't be a problem in principle. Of course, if your Mac is new or under warranty, don't even think about opening it ; the cure could be worse than the disease, and you'll likely void the warranty if you do.
That said, cleaning the inside of a Mac is usually the best solution for fan noise . In most cases, keeping or cleaning the inside of a MacBook solves all the problems, but if you want to keep your Mac for many years and it's no longer under warranty, you can even replace the thermal paste on the processor and disassemble other components once it's open. In this regard, the older the Mac, the better, since newer Macs are more complicated to disassemble due to the miniaturization of the hardware, so those with an older MacBook have a better chance of resolving the issue.
Opening the device isn't for everyone, and you need to be clear about what you're doing. So, if you're not handy, the best thing to do is take it directly to a service center and have them clean it. A brush and compressed air spray for the inside of the device are the basics for a good cleaning. You can use isopropyl alcohol or propan-2-ol for some parts.
This is where the user's skill comes into play when disassembling and reassembling. If you clean the fan and motherboard on their most visible parts, be careful as they are delicate components and you could break something.
Resetting the Mac's SMC may help
In some cases, resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) can prevent the fans from running excessively due to certain processes. This requires a procedure that can be found on Apple's support page. We should warn you that it's not straightforward, but it can be key to resolving any issues related to power, battery, fans, and other features of your Mac.
This is the link you need to follow to complete the process. It's an official Apple tutorial that outlines the steps. It's important that you don't skip any steps, as it's a lengthy process, so we recommend reading everything before starting.
Liquid cooling in the future
Apple has no plans to implement this type of cooling in its Macs for the time being, but it would be a good solution in some cases. Rumors suggest that iPhones may receive this liquid or vapor chamber cooling system in the not-too-distant future.
In any case, this is an option that has been available on the PC market for a long time , and the truth is that depending on the type of tasks, the fans end up working quite hard and making a lot of noise. Logically, they help dissipate heat better, but as we've said, it's not something Apple plans to add to Mac computers, at least not that we know of.