15-Inch Retina MacBook Pro Users Experiencing Fan Issues Related to SanDisk SSDs?

retina_macbook_pro_15_fanEarlier this week, Geek.com highlighted a growing a number of complaints from owners of Apple's 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro regarding overactive fans. The issue has been noted in our forums and is the subject of a lengthy thread in Apple's discussion forums. From one report:

My first instance of runaway fans was under the lightest of conditions, having only one browser open only a few tabs and a cool computer. The fact it was cold is what is so alarming. Out of nowhere the fans spun up to a roar, stayed there for a few minutes, then decelerated back down to idle. Every so often this happens, usually daily, and it's horribly annoying on a high quality well engineered computer.

From the list of reports flowing in, users suspect that Apple's recent shift to using SanDisk solid-state drives in the Retina MacBook Pro may have something to do with the issue, although it is likely a software issue rather than a hardware one.


Apple support staff have offered mixed responses to the issue, with some customers receiving replacement machines while others have been assured that the behavior is normal. If the issue is indeed a software one as is suspected, Apple should be able to fix it relatively easily with an update pushed out to owners of the affected machines, but it is unclear whether Apple is working on a fix at this time.

(Photo from iFixit)

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro
Tag: SanDisk
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Neutral)
Related Forum: MacBook Pro

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Top Rated Comments

adildacoolset Avatar
159 months ago
And much as my inner fanboy hates to say it, but Samsung parts are always the best parts in Apple products.

Just look at the display even, and the SSD now.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
markcres Avatar
159 months ago
My early 1990s Macintosh Classic doesn't have this problem.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
max pl Avatar
159 months ago
"high quality well engineered computer"

LOLZ
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nzalog Avatar
159 months ago
The guy needs to get his priorities straight. His first problem is he needs to reevaluate how much Coldplay is in his music library, the cooling fan is a distant problem in comparison. :(
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cdmoore74 Avatar
159 months ago
Should have used a Samsung SSD.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Yeti89 Avatar
159 months ago
I am so frustrated with all these problems with my rMBP. It has been months since an update and it makes me feel as though apple doesn't think there is really a problem. I paid a lot of money for what could be considered their best and flag shop mac. I am a product design professional and that is who the rMBPs are catered to. My whole job is done on our computers. The graphic glitches are a big deal when designing. Also, the not waking from sleep and loosing data. The fan issue bugs because it uses my battery like crazy when I am only browsing the internet. The inconsistent wifi connection prevents fluid and quick research and referencing (which I do all day long).

I have done everything to fix the problem myself from clean reinstall and no restore from time machine, 6 lengthy visits to the apple store, and patience for updates.

The most frustrating part is Apple almost haven't even acknowledged these issues over the past few months. The apple store geniuses have been very nice but haven't provided any real solution.

I am over reacting or is this as big a deal as I feel it is?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)