2011 MacBook Pro Battery Not Charging Under GPU Load
I noticed recently that my new 15″ 2011 MacBook Pro wasn’t charging while under certain kinds of high load. This seems to most commonly manifest itself when streaming Netflix movies in Google Chrome. In any case, something wasn’t right, so I decided to do a bit of digging. Googling “macbook pro 2011 battery not charging” indicates I’m not alone in my experience. Some people report their battery actually *draining* while playing video games. Others report resetting the SMC fixes the problem (I did not find this the case). In any case, I decided to do some sleuthing and try and determine what exactly the problem was. I hooked my partially charged MacBook Pro to my Kill-A-Watt Meter and took some average readings using iStat Pro:
- 36 watts while charging when sleeping or off
- 60 watts charging while on, CPU 105°F, GPU 100 °F
- 60 watts, watching netflix in chrome. Charging stops (“Not Charging” indicated in battery meter). Stopping playback, wattage drops down to 34watts before charging starts up again. CPU 176°F, GPU 160°F, 100% single CPU core usage.
- 70 watts watching Netflix in Safari. Battery remains charging. CPU 151°F, GPU 142°F, 44% single CPU core usage.
- 90 watts, 8 instances of yes >/dev/null. CPU 182°F, GPU 151°F, all cores 100% with CPU usage.
- 65 watts, Playing Portal. CPU 184°F, GPU 164°F. Charging stops.
The enclosure temperature was relatively constant at around ~80°F
Clearly there is in fact a real problem. The data suggests that it is not a heat or a CPU load problem, as the computer stays charging even under full CPU load. It would seem that high GPU load is what causes the problem (perhaps high GPU load coupled with high CPU load, though it seems the GPU is the main cause here), and that problem is that the 85watt power supply Apple provided with the machine appears to not be able to deliver enough current to run the machine and charge the battery under full load.
My machine is a quad 2.2GHz Core i7, 1GB AMD Radeon HD 6750M, with 8GB Ram running 10.6.7. I have yet to bring this problem to Apple, but I will, as the mere fact that I’m unnecessarily increasing my battery cycle count is disconcerting, and it is incredibly annoying to have charging time vary wildly based on machine load (and in some cases, never have the battery charge at all if the machine is used to watch Netflix movies in Chrome, for example).
*Update* Reported this as a bug to Apple via radar, ID # 9271122
Hey guys, I noticed that the battery drains while I play world of Warcraft. And this is just a theory but the battery only drains when it’s functioning at TOP Peak performance. With the fans running and all… How about getting one of those cooling pads!? I haven’t tried it yet but it’s worth a shot. Think about it. You got processors and everything else bustin away, the fans kick in and the machine feels like a fireball. Well how about trying a cooling mat, placing your MBP on it and then see what happens? If it don’t work then take it back to walmart. Sadly I agree with everybody. After paying over 3,000 dollars I would expect a computer that is flawless. Even my shitty Sony and Compaq didn’t have this problem.
You know that the power draw of the components simply exceeds the wattage that can be provided by the adapter, right?
It’s the tradeoff you get for a smaller adapter.
45W of the quad CPU
45-55W for the GPU
~10W for miscellaneous components
100-110W is greater than the amount of power that can be provided by the dinky adapter.
This is why you see other machines with similar components toting larger 135 to 170W power bricks.
That’s great… But Apple doesn’t currently have a higher wattage power supply. Which means the machine was designed to consume more power than can be provided. And that’s the whole problem.
Having the same problem. Use my computer for work and I can’t compile the app without the computer draining batteries. Rediculous, I can’t even get work done. I also found this class action lawsuit… How do I support it?
http://www.topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/1382-apple-macbook-pro-defective-battery-class-action-lawsuit-
Here is the thing. When I bought a backup charger for my late 2008 MBP recently, I noticed the same issue during heavy loads. It doesn’t happen with my original charger. So I think the new chargers are throttling down to avoid overheating possibly causing those stories of laptops going up in smoke. The older ones just keep providing the juice full power no matter what. I guess that’s good?
I’m having the same problems too. As soon as the fan goes on during a large render in Final Cut or Photoshop the “Not Charging” notice appears.
My question is whether under these conditions, the computers are actually delivering the touted processing speeds? Is it my imagination or are my renders taking longer than they should with this new computer? Is there a way to measure this?
So this is normal? I was about to return my macbook pro 17″ and get a full refund and then buy a new one. What a hassle, apple customer service didnt mention this when i talked to them.. so im really confused on what to do now…
help me, i have the same problem but I have only 4% of battery D:
Apple promised a problem fix with the new firmware update:
after the update install, the problem stays the same, under heavy CPU load
the battery is still draining.
It is impossible to do professional work when I have to stop every hour to charge the battery. I am working with sound (Ableton Live and Max/MSP at the same time). Very frustrating!!!!!
Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro8,2
Processor Name: Intel Core i7
Processor Speed: 2.2 GHz
Number of Processors: 1
Total Number of Cores: 4
L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB
L3 Cache: 6 MB
Memory: 8 GB
Boot ROM Version: MBP81.0047.B24
SMC Version (system): 1.69f3
Serial Number (system): C02FN30VDF91
Hardware UUID: 7947FB74-9390-512D-BF93-463FD560596C
Battery Information:
Model Information:
Serial Number: D8610620AXQDGDMA2
Manufacturer: SMP
Device Name: bq20z451
Pack Lot Code: 0000
PCB Lot Code: 0000
Firmware Version: 0406
Hardware Revision: 0002
Cell Revision: 0157
Charge Information:
Charge Remaining (mAh): 1216
Fully Charged: No
Charging: Yes
Full Charge Capacity (mAh): 6069
Health Information:
Cycle Count: 96
Condition: Normal
Battery Installed: Yes
Amperage (mA): 1680
Voltage (mV): 11498
thats true Robert, its a big hassle for a charger to stop and drain your battery every time you are working. i was actually about to return my 1 week old 17″ late 2011 mbp. but what the use of replacing it if i would still get the same behavior?
This is what the supervisor from apple told me..
“According to our engineers this not a hardware issue with the computer and is considered to be normal when greater graphics performance is needed.
Please follow this article to improve battery life and use less power when using this programs.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1446
You may be able to turn off automatic graphics switching and set energy saver settings to better battery life.”
But if you read the link, it doesnt say clearly that it’s a normal behavior. I really doubt apple regarding this matter.
But i cant wait either for the 2012 model. even if they redesign the mbp, still i really need this laptop for work right now.
Oh well..
I’ve just bought the latest MBP 17″ 2.5 i7 (Fall 2011) and it has the same problem. I tried my old MBP 17″ charger (2006) and still the same.
I purchased my macbook pro 8, 2 late October release about a week ago. IMO, a “heavy load” for render time of FCP 7 is around 30mins or more. I just rendered a small portion of my project which took around 3 mins. I STILL got that menacing “not charging” notice. I aim to call apple or visit one of the “geniuses” for some answers. IF it doesn’t really affect performance and is just a safe measure to prevent MBP blow-ups then fine… IF this “not charging” notice does in fact affect performance I hope apple lets everyone know. I bought this MBP solely for editing on the fly and to maximize time efficiency. Hopefully this purchase was NOT in vein.
I’ve got the same issue. Obviously, this is not just a fluke.
Mine will go into “Not Charging” state just from running Ableton live (I don’t even have to load a session!). When I start to stack tracks and build cpu load past around 40%, it completely freaks out and the cpu spikes like crazy.
I really hope this class action pans out in our favor, because this machine is essentially useless for professional work.
Hi friend,
This is An Panchal from italy. i bought New macbook pro 15′ 8,2 2.2Ghz 4 GB ram. I have same problem during my photoshops and with some other heavy programs. What should I do……? What is the solution of this problem..!
I mean this is really stupid like i spend lots money for laptop and some acer own work better than me… unbearable……?
Hey everyone,
So I have a LATE FALL 2011 Macbook Pro 17′ loaded….mine has been having the same exact issue. Problem is it takes FOREVER for it to even get back to charging states….and even then sometimes it says it’ll take long amounts of time for it to charge? I didn’t see anyone else having that issue on here? This started literally the week I got it, ::SIGH:: they did the SMC reset, to no avail I suppose I haven’t had a 20 hour charge time since that, but still….this is an issue; when I’m running programs such as (Chrome, WoW, Starcraft, Pro-Tools, Photoshop, Adobe Suite, Fmod, etc…). It’s annoying really because 1 the computer gets so damn hot, and it’s loud, so I couldn’t be using this computer during a cold recording, the fans alone would dirty up my recordings. I’m expecting to speak to Apple tomorrow on the phone, I set up my call for about noon, and I’m sure I’m going to get the dog and pony show, reset to SMC / pRAM resets….and to no avail I’m sure. Sadly, this seems to be an issue with any of the i(series) processor computers? My 2009 Macbook never did this, and I find it really unfortunate that I have this problem with a BRAND NEW MACHINE. Granted I’m saying all the same things as everyone else here; but has anyone heard of solutions from Apple or anyone else in the community? Has anyone tried the cooling mat? I know when I place mine on my glass table, it cools off quicker but doesn’t necessarily change the “not charging” to a “calculating” ??? Hope to hear something soon!
11/2011 Santa Rosa MBP 8.3 17″ 16GB RAM (OWC) 512GB SSD (Crucial M4) OSX 10.6.8.1
Drains in 2 hours running audio, Parallels and a bus powered firewire codec.
I quit using the line in on MacBook Pro’s starting with 6.x as they are VERY sensitive and damage easily resulting in clipped input. 2 mother board replacements on my last laptop for this issue! Apple Care saved the day at ~ $1.3K per…
Currently shows 10 to 20 hours to charge! Clearly there isn’t enough power coming from the 85W MagSafe to run thus laptop and charge it…
Does anyone know of a higher output power supply?
Elvira77 very good
While export 3K+ images from Aperture the battery drains and keeps me from working, Called Apple, got the basic reset the SMC, no luck….
any update regarding this issue?
Same problem here, from Australia, bought a Macbook Pro 15″ Sept 2011, trying to run Pro Tools 9 and it’s not taking charge when I’m mixing a track in tools. Not very happy…
To all of those who are giving tips on how to use less power: Let me explain something to you. I realize a lot of you may never have this problem, as you did in fact purchase a $2400 facebook machine, but then you get people (like myself) who are developers for iPhone, iPad and Android who would like to use this machine for development.
It’s not fair that I purchased this computer based off the specs it has in it. I understand how technology works, along with the hardware and the power behind it – I’ve been doing this for 10 years now. The point is, I bought this computer only because I wanted to continue developing applications for the iPhone and iPad. I could have bought an Asus G72J for approximately $1000 cheaper and ran hackintosh, but because I wanted to do the honest thing, I purchased my first macbook pro. The thing about it is, the Asus I really wanted to buy handles a full load on the machine without any hiccups. This mac should be able too. Don’t say “well you are using it wrong” because realistically speaking, the correct way to use it is defined by the user. I think people who buy it just for going on facebook are using it wrong – but they are in love with the machine.
In any case, I have been suggested to upgrade to a Mac Pro. Okay, so it’s an interesting solution but let’s take a look here: A mac pro costs approximately twice this macbook (for similar hardware of the machine I built for 1200. Yes, seriously. I used radeon 5770s, they were 180 a piece. Apple wants 500)… and its not mobile.
I bought the macbook because I don’t sit at home and program all day – sometimes, I have to go to conventions where I program, or I go to seminars… Regardless… I can’t always be sitting at home to program.
I am officially boycotting Apple after this, as their customer service has sucked, they have been unprofessional, and do not care about their developers. You would think that they would treat a developer better. One would think.
Hi everyone,
same here. After I descovered that “something is wrong” with the battery, I started reading in forums, and I can’t believe what I’m reading here!
What the f*** is Apple doing? How can they develop and sell computers at that price, that don’t even let you stream videos?
My problem occured when I started streaming videos with the chrome plug in in Safari.
Any statement from apple on this?
Chris
MacBook Pro 17″ (early 2011)
OS 10.7.2
8GB RAM
I noticed this when I started to test the power of my computer by loading up windows via bootcamp and testing GPU and CPU intense games like Battlefield 3, It runs BF3 at low to medium settings 1280 x 800 at around 40-50 fps so its good for a laptop that doesn’t weigh 10 pounds. But after 20 min of game play the battery was at 80%, Thought this was bootcamp causing a problem but then after running COD4, FCP and other applications in osx that require a lot of power, the battery was still losing charge. Surprising that apple let this out with an issue like this.
I am a mac user and I am currently experienced the same problem. I think the problem can be solved by just cleaning the slot that which can be dirty. This results in any contact and your computer will not charge.