Buzzing MacBook Pro - opinions?

DadaKopf

My MacBook Pro (out of warranty) has started making a funny noise over the past few months. When I turn on the machine, and before it warms up, something below the keyboard, near the screen, starts buzzing. It goes away eventually, but is definitely affected by the screen brightness. When I change the brightness, the noise changes or disappears.

This YouTube video seems gives a good example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp_SF4zWG0Y.

If it's an inverter problem, I'm told it'll cost €200-300 to replace. Money I don't have since I lost my job. Is this a serious problem? Can I live with it? Or is there anything else it can be?

DadaKopf

No ideas, no?

ScabbyLeg

My old PowerBook G4 (pushing on 5 years) makes a high pitch squeeling at certain times, a lot of the time when it's under high load but I also noticed that did it when a particular clock screensaver I had activated. Kind of strange, but I ignored it and it never caused any actual trouble.

It wasn't something that happened originally, it just developed over time.

babypink

probably inverter.

Well I guess the real question is whether you can live with the buzz? It'll probably just keep on working for the time being.

DadaKopf

I can live with it, but what happens eventually? What's an inverter anyway?

Another thing I noticed, if the monitor is at a certain angle, the noise disappears. Weird.

babypink

i'm assuming you don't have an LED MBP for this. The inverter converts the DC power from the battery to AC and steps up the voltage so it can drive the CCFL backlight.

Hard to tell.....it may die, it may be fine.

DadaKopf

Insane how an inverter on eBay costs $45 but Mactivate charge €200-300 to fix it.

Can it be replaced by a competent human being?

babypink

well i'm sure that Mactivate employ competent human beings.....though some may disagree :P

check out ifixit.com for a disassembly guide. It would be time consuming and tedious but i'm sure someone relatively handy could do it.