Thinkpads Forum

I just got a pretty good deal on a new e420 (1141-A24) that is replacing and very well used z61t. So far the e420 seems to be a nice little machine, minus the average display. One issue I am having is a random fan surge - the fan goes from low to a fast 1-2 second surge and then back to low again. It's totally random, and can happen when the machine is idle or being used, and can happen several times a minute. Doesn't seem to effect performance, but it's kind of annoying. I have installed all windows updates, but have not yet updated drivers or BIOS (reading about some problems after driver updates).

Any ideas?

i believe that it is normal to keep the temp down to a safe operating temp, as opposed to lettign the processor get hot enough to where it has to run steady for a while to cool it down.

My e420 does the same thing. If the sound is starting to annoy you, you may want to clean and lube your fan.

I havent figured out how to control my fan speed on this machine, but in the past i have definitely modified the settings. anyone know how to do it on a thinkpad?

Hello and welcome to the forum

sargent d wrote:One issue I am having is a random fan surge - the fan goes from low to a fast 1-2 second surge and then back to low again.

I read that on some of the newer ThinkPad series, Lenovo hasn't installed all ThinkVantage programs. If i would have problems with fan surge, i would first update BIOS to the current version. Then i would install the latest versions of Lenovo's Power Management driver and the ThinkVantage Power Manager. I would also get the other Lenovo drivers up to date.

I don't have an E420 myself, so i have no experience whether above suggestions will solve the problem, but that's how i would start...

I have same issue with my e420.
Has anyone found the solution?

Tx for answers