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I got a more powerful CPU and can see from the system load applet that whenever the CPU has got some work, the fan turns up very much.

It's much louder than before even if the CPU was working hard.

When usage is low it's nice and quiet again.

Is there a way to influence the speed?

stephenmyall
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H3R3T1K
  • 2,401

1 Answers1

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  1. Usually in the BIOS settings you have an option to enable and set up a "smart fan" (or something similar that controls the fan speed) at a given/set temperature, e.g. 45 degrees Celsius.

    When the CPU reaches a given/set temperature, it starts working more intensely. You can increase the temperature value of "smart fan" to something higher so it keeps being quiet.

    But you risk getting your CPU overheated. So it's basically your choice. I have mine set at 45C.

  2. Clean the PC if it's dusty, add extra case fans to keep the case cool.

  3. The other option is to buy a new CPU fan that produces less noise, less than 22dB. For example, 15dB is approximately the level of a whisper sound. About decibels (dB): http://www.howstuffworks.com/question124.htm

Savvas Radevic
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  • I don't fin any fan related options in the BIOS. The CPU is a Intel P4 3.2 GHz HT socket 775. – H3R3T1K Aug 01 '12 at 07:20
  • Tried this guide: http://askubuntu.com/questions/22108/how-to-control-fan-speed lm-sensors doesn't find any sensors. – H3R3T1K Aug 01 '12 at 08:13
  • Acpi can't read any sensors neither. – H3R3T1K Aug 02 '12 at 06:14
  • I insist on the BIOS setting -- have you checked for a menu item that has to do with power or cpu or fan settings? Do you know your exact motherboard brand and model number? Maybe it's described in the manual/user guide of your motherboard. Otherwise, take some photos of your bios and post it somewhere on the internet. – Savvas Radevic Aug 02 '12 at 08:48
  • It's a Dell Optiplex GX520: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx520/en/ug/dindex.htm Motherboard: http://www.ascendtech.us/dell-optiplex-gx520-motherboard-c8810_i_mb4delc8810.aspx I scanned all options in the BIOS. Nothing. I can't find a guide for the motherboard. I know them P4s run hot but not right after booting up. This must be a regulation issude. Some guys said it might be because of a bad connection between CPU and heatsink. I don't think so. I took a great deal of care in removing old thermal paste and reapllying it. – H3R3T1K Aug 02 '12 at 11:25
  • They mention some solutions here: http://windowssecrets.com/forums/showthread.php/132593-Fan-Noise-Dell-OptiPlex-GX280.-SOLVED -- among them, to check for bad/cut/naked wires and to disable hyperthreading from bios settings. It seems that Dell does not have a fan speed option in the bios. I suggest that you contact Dell, ask if there is a bios firmware update or something to change the fan speed from the bios – Savvas Radevic Aug 02 '12 at 11:36
  • There isn't. BIOS is the newest version available. I had to upgrade in order to use the new CPU. I've already posted in the official Dell support forum: http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/t/19459830.aspx Guy there suggests downgrading BIOS which I can't do because the previous version didn't work with the new CPU. All else he suggests apllys to Windows. Will check the wires and disable HT. – H3R3T1K Aug 02 '12 at 11:43
  • Disabled HT. Not quieter. Checked the wires. Seem to be OK. Took the connector out, put it back in. Didn't help. Still loud. I wonder if it might help to put the old CPU back in after the BIOS update. If the fan gets loud when the CPU is working, it'll probably be the same with the old CPU... – H3R3T1K Aug 02 '12 at 12:00
  • I put the old CPU back in. It's quiet again :-) – H3R3T1K Aug 26 '12 at 13:57