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I'm windows user for many years, however, I would like to switch to a linux distro(Mint probably) that won't kill my CPU.

My problem is that no matter if I install(Mint or Ubuntu) it on hardware or in a virtual environment(VMWare) it will keep my CPU fans spinning about 99% of the time at max RPM, even when it's idle, tho' after some period of being idle, it will spin at lower RPM, as soon as I log back in, it goes at full speed ahead.

I haven't done any system changes(not that I'm aware) that could cause this issue, even after a clean install the issue persists.

My question is: Is there any way that I can fix this, could it be some issue regarding my hardware(it is only about 1.5 years old...)?

The latest installs are:

  • Mint Lisa
  • Ubuntu 10.04

Thank you!

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  • It'll be a driver or VM software issue. Try installing it natively with a dual boot to get fully immersed into Linux. Dec 5, 2011 at 3:48
  • @MattJoiner "My problem is that no matter if I install(Mint or Ubuntu) it on hardware or in a virtual environment"
    – user80973
    Dec 5, 2011 at 3:49
  • @DavidStratton would you be so kind and point me where to ask this question?
    – user80973
    Dec 5, 2011 at 3:50
  • I would say either superusers or linux_unix.se or askubuntu.se
    – greatwolf
    Dec 5, 2011 at 3:52
  • On the StackExchange network, perhaps ServerFault.com. Otherwise, the Linux and Unix site: unix.stackexchange.com More likely, however, would be in the Linux forums. Dec 5, 2011 at 3:53

1 Answer 1

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I've a dual-boot Windows/Linux box and I had the same problem with the fan control. It's because my box configuration is unique and my ACPI bios is broken. Like me your only option is to write a fan control driver yourself. Mostly you cannot get support from your supplier and because it's Linux it doesn't make it easier. Luckily it's not a very complicated task when you know a bit of programming and because linux expose the embedded controler to a device file when with windows it's protected by the OS and you need a special library or you need to buy a certificate from MS and write a kernel driver. You only need to find the register to control the fan for example you can monitor the ec and step through different cpu load. First off I recommend to install RW tool for windows to check the ec. Or you can write a dump tool in Linux.

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  • thank you, can you give a bit more details on how I can solve this issue? I experience it on a custom build and on a dell laptop...
    – user80973
    Dec 5, 2011 at 4:38
  • What do you want to know? I don't solve homework.
    – Micromega
    Dec 5, 2011 at 4:41
  • "...Like me your only option is to write a fan control driver yourself..." <- pointing me towards a starting point would help a lot!
    – user80973
    Dec 5, 2011 at 4:43
  • @DorinDuminica: Install RW tool and look for the register to control the fan. I can only supply you with my driver if you want a tutorial I suggest you to use google. You can find my driver on my website and my website is in my signature.
    – Micromega
    Dec 5, 2011 at 4:49

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