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In June 2017 Apple updated its 13" MacBook Air with a newer Broadwell Intel Core i5 processor, resulting in slightly increased performance and battery life.

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Slow system and fan running all the time, despite resetting SMC.

I'm in need of some help with my girlfriend's MacBook Air. I have searched extensively but nobody seems to have all of the symptoms.

As soon as the system starts, the fan start to work at 100% speed, everything is slowed down (likely the CPU is being throttled). But, when I open activity monitor CPU is around 90-95% idle. Same goes for RAM and Disk usage. Thermal sensors indicate 38-40 Celsius and the system is not even warm to the touch.

I have tried almost everything, did SMC reset 5-6 times, booted in Safe Mode but the problem remains. Furthermore, MagSafe charger cord does not light up at all, but battery is charging.

As an additional information, system suffered from liquid damage around a year ago. Since we couldn't afford it we got it fixed via a 3rd party service provider (not the best idea but there was no other option) and the logic board was not changed.

It has been working for a whole year but now it suddenly started to show these symptoms.

Anything I could do by myself?

Should I just install a fan control utility to reduce fan usage since there is no overheat at all?

Then again I'm not sure how to get rid of slowness. Any hope for me?

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Most Helpful Answer

Ouch!

From the get go your charging logic is damaged on the logic board. As you had a liquid spill its possible some was missed and over time corroded things up.

While its possible for someone better skilled in repairing the logic board (if its not too bad) The cost difference gets close to just replacing the logic board which is something you can do!

Review this guide MacBook Air 13" Early 2015 Logic Board Replacement within the guide you’ll find the different logic board options.

Even still I would recommend you check the MagSafe connector on the I/O board MacBook Air 13" (Mid 2013-2017) I/O Board following this guide MacBook Air 13" Early 2015 I/O Board Replacement as it too may need to be replaced. And lastly, review this guide on MagSafe chargers as fake chargers can harm your system OEM MagSafe Chargers vs Cheap Imposters: Teardown for Truth

MacBook Air 13" (Mid 2013-2017) I/O Board Image

Product

MacBook Air 13" (Mid 2013-2017) I/O Board

$79.99

MacBook Air 13" Early 2015 Logic Board Image

Guide

MacBook Air 13" Early 2015 Logic Board Replacement

Difficulty:

Moderate

1 - 2 hours

MacBook Air 13" Early 2015 I/O Board Image

Guide

MacBook Air 13" Early 2015 I/O Board Replacement

Difficulty:

Moderate

35 minutes

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