Ask HN: Do you have issues with your new 16' MacBook Pro?

Posted by stanislavb on Sunday February 09, 2020 @06:10AM
from the ask-hn dept.

I've been holding off from buying a new Mac for quite some time (owning a Mid 2015 15' model). Now that the new 16 inch models seem right, I've been considering an upgrade. Unfortunately, there's a number of complaints about popping sound (from some people) and serious issues with the fans/heating from many others. There are some suggestions about disabling turbo boosting and other "hacks" related to the fans and video card (e.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkmdHVfk4XE). Then, what's the reason of buying such an expensive laptop just to disable its power!?

I'm curious, is it that bad or these are just some single cases with more attention than necessary?

( 8 comments | 3 points | on HN )

Re:Ask HN: Do you have issues with your new 16' MacBook Pro? by WaltPurvis on Monday February 10, 2020 @12:06AM (#22286550)

The reported problems with fans/temps seem widespread, but I've personally experienced none of that. I have the i9 with the mid-range GPU option and I'm using four external monitors. I run it exclusively in clamshell mode, and perhaps that's less prone to problems. All I can say is I've had zero problems with it, and whatever noise the fans might make I haven't heard them above the sound of my desktop tower's fans (which admittedly are set to "hurricane wind tunnel testing" level).

Bottom line, my experience with the new MacBook is its really damn fast and rock solid.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Do you have issues with your new 16' MacBook Pro? by iends on Monday February 10, 2020 @08:38AM (#22288958)

I get graphics card related kernel panics about once per week. Usually, related to opening and closing the lid. Often the panic message is “Bad Magic”.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Do you have issues with your new 16' MacBook Pro? by aportela on Saturday February 15, 2020 @05:21PM (#22338427)

hi!

apologies for this comment which is completely unrelated to your post - was just trying to figure out a way to get in touch with you.

I just moved to Durham from NYC for work, and was looking through HN to see if there were any ongoing meetups, etc. in the area. Saw your comment about an RTP meetup (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1512702) here, so figured you might still be in the area.

Would love any tips you might have for meeting new people / getting involved in the tech community around here. Or even meeting up in person just to chat!

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Do you have issues with your new 16' MacBook Pro? by iends on Friday February 21, 2020 @05:06PM (#22387382)

Hi, I’m still in the area but am not sure about the meetups in a long time. There are a bunch of other local meetups on meetup.com, but haven’t been to any in several years because I have an almost 3 year old.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Do you have issues with your new 16' MacBook Pro? by kevinherron on Sunday February 09, 2020 @11:12AM (#22282748)

No, mine is fine. No crazy fan or heat issues when hooked up to my LG 5K either.

It manages heat and power generated by a build better than my 2016 and 2018 did.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Do you have issues with your new 16' MacBook Pro? by stanislavb on Sunday February 09, 2020 @03:06PM (#22284019)

Do you have the CPU and GPU upgraded?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Do you have issues with your new 16' MacBook Pro? by kevinherron on Monday February 10, 2020 @11:33AM (#22290600)

Yes, both.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Do you have issues with your new 16' MacBook Pro? by rayhendricks on Tuesday February 11, 2020 @11:30AM (#22299729)

No problems. I have the base model thigh with the i7.

[ Parent | on HN ]