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    Frustrated: Notebook fan runs in weird intervals!

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by trepanie, Sep 18, 2007.

  1. trepanie

    trepanie Newbie

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    Hope there is a solution - Just purchased an Acer Aspire 5610Z about 2 weeks ago running Windows Vista.

    Over the past couple days I have noticed the notebook fan is running at weird intervals. It will turn on for approximately 30 seconds. Turn off and then 2 minutes later it will turn on again for approximately 30 seconds. Then it will go through the 2 minute off cycle. It has been like this for the last couple days.

    I contacted Acer and they want me to send the notebook in for warranty service, but it takes 7-10 days. I can't afford to do that because this is my only PC.

    I have read about Windows indexing utilizing to much of the systems resources so I disabled that thinking that would help. It didn't.

    The notebook doesn't feel hot. The desk it sits on isn't hot.

    Any recommendations would help!

    PS - The fan has turned off and on 3 times during the typing of this message.
     
  2. Lite

    Lite Notebook Deity

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    Run speedfan (a free program) and let that configure the fan if it can pick it up... Check automatic speed configuration and that will manage the speed of your fan... it wil turn on when it dects an increase in heat...
     
  3. trepanie

    trepanie Newbie

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    So I downloaded the software. It shows that the fan turns off at 34C and then turns on at 44C-46C.. So it goes up in temperature from 34 to 44 in a matter of 1 minute.

    Does this sound right?
    Why such a quick change in temperature?
     
  4. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    That's a low temperature range to be running the fan.

    Is there any option in the BIOS for configuring the fan activity?

    John
     
  5. trepanie

    trepanie Newbie

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    When I ran BIOS, I didn't see a option to configure the fan.



    Would Undervolting the computer be an option? This fan is annoying!
     
  6. allan_huang

    allan_huang Notebook Deity

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    Do you have the most up to date BIOS?

    Undervolting could help but the most it would do is make the fan off interval period longer and the fan time lower. It would still spin up and down. Like fan on for 1min, off for 1min.

    Couldn't hurt to try it.
     
  7. phule103

    phule103 Notebook Consultant

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    Another option might be a notebook cooler. It's fans might be quieter than your notebook's fans. I use the Zalman, which has been recommended in a number of threads. It has a variable speed control for its fans. I get a several degree drop in my GPU temp. With the cooler, my notebook fans generally don't run on high unless I toggle them.

    I'd think you could find one you like.