Another little prog for power management

[IbmPad]

Thanks for your suggestions. I modified the behavior of the icon (not updated the files yet) and am going to add intermediate CPU frequencies, try to add customizable hotkeys and add a settings dialog to make configuration easier. I will edit this post and update the files when I am finished.

[Adda]

I'll be ready to test it when you are.

Just another idea, maybe hotkeys could include a CPU setting as well as PowerPlay and GPU clock.

[IbmPad]

Hello, I added a configuration window (screenshot), customizable hotkeys & intermediate CPU frequencies. I also embedded the driver into the Exe to make installation/update easier. The program should also detect the FSB & the I/O address of the GPU (please tell me if it works) at first launch.
As a lot of names in the INI file were changed, please delete/rename it before updating, and set the parameters again from the config window.
Here is the file ; as a lot of design changes were made, the program might introduce new bugs...

[Adda]

Excellent work!
I have found no issues with this new version of IBM_ECW, I have configured things as I want them and it seems to work the way it should.
Only thing I haven't tried out is hotkeys, it's late will do that tomorrow.

[Adda]

Ok I have tested hotkeys and they work as intended, I like the many options available here really cool.

I have found a few bugs:
When selecting Maximum CPU speed, the CPU runs at the second lowest clock, works fine in only two clock speeds have been added.
In the config menu, the text fields, some of the titles for each column is in french, fx. Seuil(%), Combinaison.

Edit: Maybe the Maximum CPU speed could be fixed with a feature.
In the GPU section, you can mark which clock is default, a similar thing could be used in the CPU section, you could mark the max available CPU clock, and add this option to the hotkey section.
This enables you to use automatic CPU switching, but limit the max available speed, would be handy if you want to make use of clock scaling while running off battery power or need to deal with hot weather.

Edit2: Oh totally forgot, yes the right base clock was detected at first run

[Adda]

I found that the frequency scaling problem had to do with incorrect Seuil(%) settings, clicking auto thres. fixed the issue.
The feature for setting a max available frequency would still be useful though.

[IbmPad]

OK, I translated the remaining strings, added a max frequency choice & added it as a Hotkey function. I also added the pseudo hotkeys "AC" & "DC" which let you trigger some actions when the power line is plugged in or out.

edit : Sorry, you will have to set up your existing hotkeys because of the adding of the Max frequency column.

[Adda]

Alright, I have just tested the new features and they seem to work, AC/DC events trigger just fine, the frequency limiter feature also works.

I'm running out of ideas, IBM_ECW has become one of the best tweaks you can get for T4x/R5x ThinkPads and possibly others.
The hotkey system is excellent, and the ways IBM_ECW can control these old ATi GPU's is completely unique, no other app out there can control PowerPlay like this.

[Adda]

Here is the configuration I have come up with for my Pentium M 750 equipped T43p, in case anyone might be interested.

Code: Select all

[CPU]
CPU_Control=1
Timer=100
CPU_MultFact=133
ListNb=8
ListFreq=800,1066,1200,1333,1466,1600,1733,1866,
ListVolt=700,764,828,860,924,972,1020,1068,
ListThr=30,40,50,60,70,80,90,100,
CPU_Max_ID=7
[EC]
Timer=1000
Fan_Control=1
Fan_Manual_Sl=3
Sens_ThrH0=53
Sens_ThrH1=60
Sens_ThrH2=65
Sens_ThrH3=86
Sens_ThrL0=50
Sens_ThrL1=55
Sens_ThrL2=60
Sens_ThrL3=80
[GPU]
GPU_Control=2
GPU_Base=0x2000
GPU_Fact=2700
GPU_PowerPlay=1
ListNb=3
ListCore=10200,30400,35800,
ListMem=10200,20300,28400,
GPU_Manual_Sl=1
[Hotkeys]
ListNb=6
HK0=Ctrl-Alt-F1,2,0,255,0,0,255
HK1=Ctrl-Alt-F3,1,7,255,1,1,255
HK2=Ctrl-Alt-F4,3,7,255,2,1,255
HK3=DC,2,0,255,0,0,255
HK4=AC,1,7,255,1,1,255
HK5=Ctrl-Alt-F2,1,5,255,1,0,255
[HDD]
HDD_Control=1
HDD_APM=254
HDD_AAM=254

[Adda]

I have found few issues with CPU clock and voltage control.
When the CPU is set to either Min or Max clock, it still does some frequency switching.
Sometimes the CPU core voltage is set to it's default rather then undervolted value, but almost instantly changes to the undervolted value.
I have seen the voltage issue with RMclock and NHC as well, so maybe it's impossible/very difficult to do anything about.

[IbmPad]

Yes, these switchings are made by Windows itself. Maybe it can be avoided by patching the intelppm.sys driver (the same manner as my driver is patching acpiec.sys). I will try to do something like that and keep you informed of the results. I will perhaps also include a setting for the HDD...

edit: Ok it works, just have to properly integrate it into the app.

[IbmPad]

Done. It works on XP SP3 & Seven. I don't know for other versions. Here is the file. The program patches the 'intelppm.sys' driver to prevent it from switching state, and it restores the original code when exiting, going to suspend/hibernation or clicking No control.

[Adda]

You're unstoppable, and it works too, yet again IBM_ECW goes where no one has gone before!

[RealBlackStuff]

When you guys are happy and/or 'done' maybe you should post this in the "ThinkPad Utility Work Area" Forum!
Sounds like good/better competition for "TP Fan Control".

[Adda]

I took a look at the utility/work forums and this caught my eye:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=17715

A fix for the fan pulsing problem, incl. source codes, if I'm not mistaking it shouldn't be too much of a hassle to integrate this fix in IBM_ECW.

IBM_ECW already fixes problems with undervolting, separates PowerPlay and GPU clocks and makes custom clocks persist if a full screen app is run.
If it fixed the fan pulsing problem too, IBM_ECW would be perfect, especially if it also included HDD APM and AAM controls to keep the HDD wearing it self down due to aggressive power management.

Edit: Hmm from reading more carefully, it seems the the pulsing problem never got fixed after all?

Edit2: here is another thread that might be interesting:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=20958

Edit3: Hmm seems it got worked up over nothing, it looks like no pulsing fan fix has been found, apart from using a fan that's so quiet that the pulsing is not audible.

[Adda]

~RealBlackStuff

Maybe the first step would be to move this thread to the utility work area?
What do you think IbmPad?

[Adda]

I'm starting to think that the fan pulsing problem is something for the EC controller firmware modders, and it's probably better to leave well enough alone in IBM_ECW.

[ajkula66]

I'm starting to think that the fan pulsing problem is something for the EC controller software modders, and it's probably better to leave well enough alone in IBM_ECW.

I've replaced M24 fans on all of my ATi-based T43/p machines with M10 found in T42p, and the pulsing is gone. YMMV.

[Adda]

I've replaced M24 fans on all of my ATi-based T43/p machines with M10 found in T42p, and the pulsing is gone. YMMV.

Yea this is the easy fix, and I am considering it, need a faster CPU too, did the switch affect system temperatures at all?
Comparing the coolers it seems the M24 one has a more beefy GPU pad and heatpipe, the M10 has copper fins though, while the M24 has aluminum fins.
I have read people saying the M24 cooler is made of brass rather then cooper, this doesn't seem to be that case, the M24 cooler is just brass coated.

[ajkula66]

To answer your concerns in a roundabout way: ALL of my T43/p machines run PM780 and nothing but PM780 CPUs.

M10 is perfectly fine unless you choose to open 45 browser tabs and start playing WoW in the 46th...

[Adda]

Alright, I'll look in to getting one of those coolers in the future then, if I'm not satisfied with it's performance, I can always see if I can swap the fans, seems it can be done.

[IbmPad]

I have added a basic HDD APM & AAM control and updated the file. It does work for the APM value but I don't know for the other one, I don't feel the difference...

@RealBlackStuff:
OK I am going to post it in the "Utility Work Area" forum.

@Adda:
I followed your links but I don't understand what the "pulsing problem" refers to. Or maybe it just affects the T43 model ?

[Adda]

The pulsing problem is caused by slight changes in fan speed, as far as I understand there is a problem when the EC updates the fan speed.
Several ThinkPad models suffer from this problem, my A30 has it too, but it seems it can't be heard on the M10 fan (default fan for T42/p with ATi).

I think IBM_ECW is ready for wider testing, it would be interesting to see how it behaves on a T60 with ATi graphics, or what about an X31/32.

[Adda]

There seems to be a problem with IBM_ECW and HDD settings, whenever they are enabled, my ThinkPad will crash randomly, but certainly if I copy files around or do other HDD intensive things.
It looks like the laptop looses contact with the HDD, causing the system to become unresponsive before finally freezing.

[kfirb]

Hi,

I noticed that the ZIP file contains only the program file, but no driver and no ini file.
Please help.

Thanks,

Kfir.

[IbmPad]

Hi, since version 1.0.1 the driver is embedded in the EXE file ; it will automatically be updated on first run. Concerning the INI file, the settings are now set by a configuration window. I am sorry to say that but you will have to rename or delete your current INI file and set the parameters again from the program (I had to change the format of some settings to match new features like intermediate CPU freqs).

[Paul Unger]

I'm giving this little guy a whirl. It took me a while to figure out how to get it running... On the Configuration window that first comes up after running IBM_ECW.exe I changed "CPU > Default state:" to Automatic; clicked "Add" to add another set of parameters (1200 MHz | 988 mV | 50%), and then "Save". On the next window that appears (I'll call it the Status window) "CPU Current state:" was rapidly switching between 600 | 732 @ 20% and 1200 | 988 @ 50%. I added a few more parameters with more even spacing, but I still have the rapid switching. I didn't notice this behaviour with NHC. Is the rapid switching a problem? Also, what do "Default state" Maximum and Minimum do? [As an aside, it would be nice to be able to use Tab to move between the various fields when setting the Freq., Voltage and Thres. values.]

I also changed "Embedded controller > Default state:" to Automatic, but my fan kept spinning even though the temperature was below the lowest (default) temperature threshold (42*C). But then I noticed in the Status window that the GPU is running at 46*C. So IBM_ECW is displaying CPU temp in the icon but responding to the highest value that it's reading (in my case GPU). That was a bit misleading, but I'm not sure I'd want GPU temp displayed (not sure why, but displaying CPU seems more 'normal'). Again, not sure what "Default state: Manual" would do, nor what the slider does (it didn't seem to have any effect in "Default state: Automatic").

I haven't touched the "GPU" section as I have no clue what the values do. I'm running an SXGA+ panel (1400 x 1050) with an ATI 7500 chip. Any advice?

Well, this looks promising. It would be nice to get some help with fine tuning the setup. Thanks for your hard work!

[Adda]

I'm giving this little guy a whirl. It took me a while to figure out how to get it running... On the Configuration window that first comes up after running IBM_ECW.exe I changed "CPU > Default state:" to Automatic; clicked "Add" to add another set of parameters (1200 MHz | 988 mV | 50%), and then "Save". On the next window that appears (I'll call it the Status window) "CPU Current state:" was rapidly switching between 600 | 732 @ 20% and 1200 | 988 @ 50%. I added a few more parameters with more even spacing, but I still have the rapid switching. I didn't notice this behaviour with NHC. Is the rapid switching a problem? Also, what do "Default state" Maximum and Minimum do? [As an aside, it would be nice to be able to use Tab to move between the various fields when setting the Freq., Voltage and Thres. values.]

I also changed "Embedded controller > Default state:" to Automatic, but my fan kept spinning even though the temperature was below the lowest (default) temperature threshold (42*C). But then I noticed in the Status window that the GPU is running at 46*C. So IBM_ECW is displaying CPU temp in the icon but responding to the highest value that it's reading (in my case GPU). That was a bit misleading, but I'm not sure I'd want GPU temp displayed (not sure why, but displaying CPU seems more 'normal'). Again, not sure what "Default state: Manual" would do, nor what the slider does (it didn't seem to have any effect in "Default state: Automatic").

I haven't touched the "GPU" section as I have no clue what the values do. I'm running an SXGA+ panel (1400 x 1050) with an ATI 7500 chip. Any advice?

Well, this looks promising. It would be nice to get some help with fine tuning the setup. Thanks for your hard work!

'Default state' is the CPU control setting the IBM_ECW uses at startup, set this to 'Automatic' once you are sure your settings are stable.
When set to 'Minimum', the CPU will only run at the minimum clock freq you have added in the config menu.
'Maximum' is the opposite, it makes the CPU run at the max freq set in the config menu.
'No Control' means IBM_ECW will not control the CPU at all.
IBM_ECW can switch clock frequencies at a very fast pace, to change that behavior change the 'Update Every' setting in the config menu, default is 200ms, I like mine at 100ms.

Since IBM_ECW update the CPU freq so fast, it may pick up on peaks in usage you otherwise wouldn't notice, to stop this behavior either increase the 'thres' values or increase the 'Update Every' value.
I recommend you add as many clock frequencies as possible and set the 'Update Every' value to 100ms, this seems to speed things up.
It imitates the way Core i7 CPU's do frequency scaling.

My CPU can idle at 800Mhz with no switching if thres is set to 30 for that freq.

I have chosen not to mention the odd text field behavior as it sort of keeps you on your toes and reduces the chance of making a mistake.

As for the Embedded controller menu, the top fields are the temps at which the fan will increase in speed, the lower fields are the temps at which the fan steps down in speed.
'Default State' has to be set to 'Automatic' for the custom fan control to work.
'No Control' means IBM_ECW doesn't control the fan at all.
'Manual' enables the fan speed slider, it may take a bit for the fan to react to your settings, especially the max speed.

I feel the same way about the temp icon, I prefer just having the CPU temp there, but an option to select if it should show the highest temp value or just the CPU could be useful, but then not really needed so I didn't mention it.

The GPU section is complicated, I recommend you read through the thread to get an idea of what it's capable of, not sure if it would be vary useful with a 7500 though, but with 9600/T2/X300/V3200 it is an absolutely wonderful piece of programming, IbmPad did a fantastic job, seriously!
It's kind of complicated though, as you'll need to know how to overclock/underclock your videocard to make full use of it.

Does this answer your questions?

[Adda]

I'll just add that it seems IBM_ECW's HDD AAM/APM control options crashes my T43p, maybe it's due to the SATA controller with IDE bridge, maybe it's my HM160HC drive?
So if you try IBM_ECW on a T43 or R52, be careful with this feature, once enabled it may crash the system when IBM_ECW is run.
To get out of this situation if IBM_ECW is set to autorun, start your ThinkPad in safe mode and edit the IBM_ECW.ini file in the windows home directory, set 'HDD_Control' to '0'

[Paul Unger]

Does this answer your questions?

Perfectly! Thanks.

I took a look at your Thres. numbers in a previous post and, man, you've got that machine just sippin' the electrons—your voltage is so low! I'll have to check my NHC install to see what settings I had there (I'm just pulling this machine out of a box after a couple of years, so this is coming back to me slowly... )

Anyway, thanks for your great help,

Paul