Fan speeds

E

eefahman

Geek Trainee
Hi,

I tried to discuss this in my own forums but had no help, also maybe my search of here wasnt detailed enough, but i still couldnt find what i was looking for.

My thing is this really, I got my new CPU this morning which is a P4 LGA775 640 3.2GHz 2MB L2cache, It was retail so it came with intel cooler. When my system is running, be it idle or full load, my cooler fan keeps varying speeds, sometimes it sounds like a bike revving up once or twice, its not loud so it dont bother me, but i know it's happening. Sometimes it can go ages till it happens, sometimes it happens every 30 secs or so for a few minuite intervals.

I have a 400Watt PSU and only using a DVDRW, 1 SATA HDD, 1 small sys fan & my 9800pro powered connected to it. Could it be a power problem, or is it meant to do this, My stepdad suggested maybe its smart and detects load and adjusts when it needs to.

I really want to know if any other ppl get this, or assurance whether this is meant to happen.

Thanx
 
Your stepdad is right.
The motherboard you are using the CPU in has a thermal sensor and when it detects the CPU is doing lots of work or is idling, it adjusts the fan speed accordingly.
This is one of the tried and true methods of reducing noise withing the computer, although the constant changing of fan speeds can get a bit annoying after a while :)
 
Your dad is a clever guy.
Maybe get him to join the forum..... LOL! Only jesting.
However he is right in a way. The stock cooler fan is a smart one and should adjust according to the CPU heat levels. It should work a bit harder when the CPU is working harder and relax a bit when the CPU is idling. Completely normal! I am not sure about erratic...

Best is to keep an eye (ear). If it revs up when you open a document or when you watch a movie or listen to music, then fine. If it seem to speed up for very long periods then that might indicate a heat problem.

You could monitor temps and speeds through programs like MotherBoard Monitor (MBM) or SpeedFan. Then compare the readings to the recomended by Intel. If the two compare well fine if not, then something needs to be done.

I only managed to finish the reply after Pelvis.... the price for typing with one finger... so sorry for the repetition.
 
Thanx for the informative replys guys, well i got 1 more question and wondering whether it's related to the speed changes,

I have a technology on my board (GA 8IPE775-G) called CPU Intelligent Accelerator. I am wondering whether this is causing teh change in my Core speeds and multiplier, it keeps jumping about as you can see in this pic:

http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/8416/cpuspeeds8sp.jpg

Is this normal or may this have something to do with the constant varying of fan speeds (which do kick in when i open lots of things or high end apps)

My old CPU always stayed the same in the CPU-Z info

Last question so then i can be at peace. Is this normal for the core and multiplier to change?

Mucho thanx guys
 
Yep, that's normal too!
When the system is on load, the Core Speed and Multiplier will change accodingly to reduce noise and power consumption. It's a smart feature to have.
If you feel the need to, it may be able to be turned off int the BIOS :good:
 
Excellent :cool:

You guys deserve big cookies. Seriously though guys (and/or gals) thanx for the fast and informative replys. Was starting to think i'd bought a dud maybe, but with all your replys am now feeling better. :D

Much Thanks ppl.

BTW: Nice place you got 'ere :P
 
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