It appears that since the introduction of the M4 chip, coil whine has become a common issue when under load. This development is particularly disappointing, as it suggests a design flaw in the chip itself. For many users, this represents a significant step back from the previously silent performance of the MacBook, especially the Air models that were known for their quiet operation since the M1 chip.
The coil whine is prevalent across all M4 variants, with the Pro and Max versions producing a slightly less high-pitched sound compared to the standard M4 found in the Air and base Pro models. Even after testing multiple replacement units, I have found that the noise issue persists. It seems clear that those who deny experiencing this coil whine may simply be unable to hear the specific frequency, possibly due to aging or degraded hearing.
A straightforward way to verify this phenomenon is by temporarily maximizing the CPU usage through a command in the terminal. Users can observe the coil whine not only in a controlled stress test but also during regular activities where the CPU and SSD are under load. While it is frustrating for users who have come to expect a quiet computing experience with their MacBooks, hopefully, Apple will address this issue in the upcoming M5 chip.
The expectation for silence has been a hallmark of the MacBook experience, and it is essential for the brand to maintain this standard to meet user expectations.