[X220] Always on fan issue

In the last days I'm experiencing this strange problem.

When I boot or resume the system (32 bit win 7) the fan immediately start at maximum speed and never stops until I shut down or hibernate the system.

I don't know the source of the problem but it seems to be independent from the system load.

I focus on the fact that I've not recently upgraded the BIOS.

 

Well, why don't you try updating that then?

Though if this is something that started happening recently, it might be something like dust buildup in the cooling system, etc.

 

I have installed the last bios just two months ago.
For this reason I tend to exclude it can be the problem.

 

Use tpfancontrol. It works perfect in my X230 and keeps my laptop dead silent.


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That sounds like an EC problem; flashing the BIOS is worth a shot, as it will update the EC firmware.

It could also be a temperature sensor malfunction, you would be able to tell by monitoring your temperature readings before and after a standby/resume cycle.

It's also possible that it's a software issue, but I'm not really familiar with fan control on the X220 under windows, so I can't say what to try besides a 3rd party utility like ramgen mentioned.

If you cannot control it at all with a utility after a standby/resume, it could be a problem with the fan circuit itself or the fan wire.

You might want to also check if yours has one of the affected serials for faulty BIOS chips, just as a remote possibility.

 

In any case do You suggest, first of all, a bios update (Currently I have version 1.29 if i'm not wrong) ?

The serial is 42902** and I think it is not "affected"...

 

The first and easiest thing to do is to look at your temperature sensor readings. Then try tpfancontrol.

A BIOS update is easy enough, but always carries some risk. So try it last.

 

i was also having this issue with my X220, i think it has to do with one of the windows update. My CPU speed is stuck at maximum even when i am running no programs. I had to reinstall the OS from scratch.

 

In the meantime I have no more had this problem.
I've installed all windows update and I'm waiting to install the last bios version...