T60p fan runs constantly - is it normal?

[jamesqf]

I've skimmed through most of the fan noise threads here, but haven't found a clear answer to my question: is it normal for a T60P fan to run when the machine is idling?

I just bought a T60p (2Ghz Core2 Duo, 2Gb RAM, ATI 5250 graphics). I've installed OpenSUSE, compiled the latest kernel with all the suggestions from PowerTop, and have got the power use down to about 23 watts. However, the fan still runs noisily when the machine is completely idle. If I turn it off via command, temperatures start climbing.

I do programming, so at least 95% of the time I run close to idle - just editing code, or thinking about it - and I think it's unacceptable for there to be any perceptible fan noise, or system noise of any kind, in this state. (Of course I expect the fan to come on during the other 5%, when I'm running the intensive number-crunching & 3D graphics code.)

Can I expect to get this from the T60p with any of the mods discussed, or should I just give up now and order a different machine?

Thanks,
James

[tebore]

23 watts is pretty high. If the CPU isn't at 2Ghz then it sounds like powerplay on the V5250 isn't on. If that's the case the fan will run.

[jamesqf]

Umm... What's powerplay?

(Some Googling later...) Well, now I know what it is, and just need to figure out how to get it running. Though maybe it's just OpenSuse not shipping with the ATI driver?

[Harryc]

You should post your question in the Linux forum for more answers, but I'd be very surprised if Powerplay is supported in the latest ATI linux drivers. It works here under XP

[Pascal_TTH]

I've skimmed through most of the fan noise threads here, but haven't found a clear answer to my question: is it normal for a T60P fan to run when the machine is idling?

I just bought a T60p (2Ghz Core2 Duo, 2Gb RAM, ATI 5250 graphics). I've installed OpenSUSE, compiled the latest kernel with all the suggestions from PowerTop, and have got the power use down to about 23 watts. However, the fan still runs noisily when the machine is completely idle. If I turn it off via command, temperatures start climbing.

I do programming, so at least 95% of the time I run close to idle - just editing code, or thinking about it - and I think it's unacceptable for there to be any perceptible fan noise, or system noise of any kind, in this state. (Of course I expect the fan to come on during the other 5%, when I'm running the intensive number-crunching & 3D graphics code.)

Can I expect to get this from the T60p with any of the mods discussed, or should I just give up now and order a different machine?

Thanks,
James

You can read this : http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... &start=150

Fan is running because the FireGL heats a lot mostly if powerplay is not active.

[jamesqf]

Thanks, but I did read that already - I just don't want to get into doing things that might void the warranty unless I'm pretty sure the system is going to be working properly (by my standards) after I get done. That's why I wanted to get an informed opinion: do I keep it and hope some playing around fixes the fan problem, or do I send it back and get something else?

If the answer is "send it back", I'd also welcome suggestions for an alternative machine. I need at least 2 GB RAM, and minimum 1400x1050 display with dual-head support and reasonable 3D. Thinkpads are nice 'cause I get a discount, but if I have to spend more to get something that meets my needs, I will.

Thanks,
James

[tebore]

If you're looking for another machine to use Linux on then you should look at laptops with Nvidia cards or intel Integrated.

[jamesqf]

I have another (company-provided) T60 Thinkpad with Core Solo 1.6 GHz, 1 Gb RAM, and the Intel 945 graphics. It runs a good deal cooler - CPU temp is about 39C, without even trying to optimize with powertop.

The problem is that I've never been able to get the Intel graphics to do dual-head mode. Indeed, until the last OS upgrade last month, I could barely even get a usable display of any sort - I only hauled it around so I could get into the company's VPN to check email & fill out timesheets. I had good experience with the ATI graphics on my older Dell laptop, and hoped the T60p would work well out of the box.