Temps vs Fan Speed - What Is Intel Thinking?

[bberson]

So here I am, trying to be helpful with some advice on CPU fan speeds on a C2D system and start quoting the specs from Intel's C2D CPU specification literature, which says that the CPU fan speed is lowest below 30C, then ramps up and reaches maximum fan speed at 38C.

I didn't think to do the math at the time. Being in the 'states, I think only in Fahrenheit. Then after noticing the advice wasn't particularly helpful I did do the math...

SO let me get this straight, Intel thinks maximum CPU fan speed should be used when the CPU is 38C, or a slightly warm to the touch 100.4F, "oh dear, my CPU has a mild fever"?!?!?!

ARE THEY SERIOUS?

-Brad

 

[DeathwingX]

im not sure, but you can manulay ajdust the speed on most motherbards, and are you sure you read the specs right?? i have a p4 (not sure if the fan speeds are differnt) and at 138 fherinheit (i cant spell) its only at about 3.5k rpms, and when im playing F.E.A.R. of BF2 its at 4.5-5k rpm, it also might be a typo, im not sure but theres my 2c

 

[ajfink]

So? It will still run at max speed as it gets warmer. If you're saying Intel made it kick on at too low of a temp, change it.

 

[bberson]

im not sure, but you can manulay ajdust the speed on most motherbards, and are you sure you read the specs right??

Apparently I didn't!

http://download.intel.com/design/processor/datashts/31327802.pdf

Section 7.3.2 and Table 38 goes on about CHASSIS temps, not CORE temps. Argh.

Thanks for the sanity check.

And to see how a C2D motherboard with PWM CPU fan would control fan speed versus core temps one has to refer to this:

http://download.intel.com/design/processor/designex/31368501.pdf

Understanding all this requires a pocket protector.

-Brad