Apple MacBook A1181 - Fan issue or normal operation?

**finc.hairy** · 11-07-09, 08:17 AM

MacBook 13.3-inch 1.83GHz
Processor: 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo
Processor Speed: 1.83GHz
System Bus Speed: 667MHz
Cache: 2MB
Hard drive sizes: 60GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA2
Logicboard RAM: (Built in non-removeable memory)
Maximum memory: 2GB
Memory sockets: 2 - DDR2-667 PC2-5300 1.8V SODIMM
Minimum RAM Speed: n/a
Graphics Card: Intel GMA 950 graphics processor with 64MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory1
Display Connection: 13.3-inch (diagonal) glossy TFT widescreen display, 1280 x 800 resolution
Hard drive bus type: (SCSI to SCSI 50Pin) or (ATA to ATA/IDE)
AirPort: Built-in 54 Mbps AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (802.11g)3
Bluetooth: built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) module
Power required: (Max watts)
USB Ports: Two USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps)
Firewire Ports: One FireWire 400 port (8 watts)

I've been posting and reading the forums at TTP from my gf's macbok for about an hour now.
I edited an article, read some things and did some normal browsing. Very minimal activity for any computer. This occurs whether the laptop is flat on a desk (full airflow) or angled on on my lap (less than full airflow due to blankets, clothing etc..)

The fan has started up about a dozen times now as if the cpu was being OC'd. It starts up and blows for 5min or so and then slows down to a stop for 5 min. Then speeds back up and does it again. Continuously.

Does anyone know what maybe causing this? I'm not a mac person, and refuse to go that route - unfortunately that also means I've hindered my knowledge re the normal operation of these things.

Also - I'm using Safari with adverts enabled - could a gif in an ad cause this fan to speed up?
Is it an OC activity that is going on?

As far as I know it has never been taken in for any checks. If it turns out to be a bad fan, can I undo the 3 screws and give it a whirl (like I do in my world) or is it best to let the apple experts do it?

Please advise...

Thanks in advance.

**Potemkine** · 11-08-09, 01:06 AM

laptops in general tend to run warmer as all the components are smushed together. From what I have seen of macbooks, they are extra compact which increases the need for the fan to spin up to cool. Ask the GF though. Is it normal for the fan to spool up like that so often? You really havent done anything to tax it.

**finc.hairy** · 11-12-09, 12:10 AM

Originally Posted by Potemkine

laptops in general tend to run warmer as all the components are smushed together. From what I have seen of macbooks, they are extra compact which increases the need for the fan to spin up to cool. Ask the GF though. Is it normal for the fan to spool up like that so often? You really havent done anything to tax it.

Nope.

I own 2 thinkpads, a satellite and have used HPs, Dells, and Fugitsus and none of them spin up so loud so long, so often. My bro has a similar ibook and it doesn't do that. His has 256 RAM, and its an older model.

Pote - you got a mac by chance?

GF doesn't have a clue unfortunately. Computers aren't her forte - hence why she's using a mac!

Having used Linux, I think mac users would like it as a compromise to the best of both worlds....but sadly that anecdote doesn't solve my problem

**Potemkine** · 11-12-09, 12:16 AM

Originally Posted by finc.hairy

Originally Posted by Potemkine

laptops in general tend to run warmer as all the components are smushed together. From what I have seen of macbooks, they are extra compact which increases the need for the fan to spin up to cool. Ask the GF though. Is it normal for the fan to spool up like that so often? You really havent done anything to tax it.

Nope.

I own 2 thinkpads, a satellite and have used HPs, Dells, and Fugitsus and none of them spin up so loud so long, so often. My bro has a similar ibook and it doesn't do that. His has 256 RAM, and its an older model.

Pote - you got a mac by chance?

GF doesn't have a clue unfortunately. Computers aren't her forte - hence why she's using a mac!

Having used Linux, I think mac users would like it as a compromise to the best of both worlds....but sadly that anecdote doesn't solve my problem

I have never owned a mac notebook/computer and never plan on doing so. My experience with macbooks extends to looking at their size, and components. The more advanced the component, the hotter it will run while in an enclosed environment.