How can I make my X31 super-quiet? (Turn down the fan noise)

[atnt]

Hi everyone!

I have a TP X31, it's barely 1 month old, and I've been very happy with its 4h+ battery life and everything else in general.

Until yesterday it used to be very quiet, the fan would go on and off from time to time, and it didn't make almost any noise at all. Yesterday, without any obvious reason, the fan went on from the moment I turned on my X31 until I turned it off, and it kept making this pretty annoying noise, and blowing hot air through the right exhaust shaft.

It's been doing so ever since. I really want to make it as silent as possible, without harming it. I'm willing to give up on some percent of its performances just to make it more silent.

Any suggestions ? I already ran the TP System Update... no luck there. Thanks!

[Puppy]

My X31 fan is off most of the time. Do you have "ThinkPad Default" power scheme selected ?

[atnt]

Thanks for the reply, Puppy. No, I don't have a TP default scheme in my power settings, I keep a customized one: Monitor off in 5 minutes, and Hard disk off in 3 minutes (whether it's plugged in or running on batteries). Can I optimize these settings ?

[rek]

It sounds likely that there is a rogue process (app or device driver) somewhere that is chewing up 100% cpu. Take alook at the task manager, and see if any processes are taking up a disproportionately large amount of processor usage.

Also, check in the device manager that your hard disk controller hasn't accidentally reverted to "PIO mode" (though usually this makes the system run like molasses, as well as high cpu usage)

[atnt]

Thanks everyone for the tips. Now my TP works ok, the problem seems to have solved itself after a few restarts, some disabling useless drivers and apps.

I still have two questions: Does using the 'hibernate' function repeatedly have any long term downside? Because I really like how fast it boost up after hibernating.

and

Can setting the hard drive to power off in 1-3 minutes damage your hard drive or overall system performance ? What do you usually set this value to ?

Any other 'tips and tricks' to get the most out of your TP are welcome ! Thanks !