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    T60 fan problem: always on

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by badreligion, Aug 27, 2006.

  1. badreligion

    badreligion Notebook Enthusiast

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    The fan on my new T60 (2623-DRU) is always on- even when on battery and with lowest CPU settings. The noise is not particularly loud but still annoying in quiet environments. The CPU idles around 48-52°C and the GPU around 58-62°C. I experimented with ATI powerplay settings, but it did not help.

    I called IBM support and the representative first tried to convince me that the constant fan is normal but then suggested that I sent the computer in for service and a possible fan replacement.

    I am aware of the notorious fan problems with the t43 and saw a number threads in forums about similar issues with T60. Did anyone here have a similar experience with their t60 and actually send it to IBM to repair? I am trying to decide whether or not to send the machine in. I know that there are a number of software workarounds out there (e.g. TP fan control) but at this juncture, I am unwilling to mess with BIOS fan control.

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
     
    badreligion, Aug 27, 2006
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  2. nyu3

    nyu3 Notebook Geek

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    I experience the exact same thing. Hoping for a software solution, because the T60 runs more than cool enough.

    Seems like every reviewer (and most end-users) have low standards in terms of what is meant by "quiet computing" :(
     
    nyu3, Dec 30, 2006
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  3. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    I hardly hear the fan on my R60. Did you try SpeedFan.
     
    ZaZ, Dec 30, 2006
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  4. dietcokefiend

    dietcokefiend DietGreenTeaFiend

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    I think those who think the T60 is incredibly quiet have been around computers back in the days of the P4 machines, that were vacuum cleaner loud. ;)

    TPfancontrol will allow you to set the fan speeds to your liking. Just make sure that when the hottest part hits 65C, the fans kick in and cool things down a bit. You don't want to limit airflow and cause damage.
     
    dietcokefiend, Dec 30, 2006
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  5. nyu3

    nyu3 Notebook Geek

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    Thanks for the heads up on TPfancontrol. It lead me to the ThinkPad forums, which I had not known about. Anyway, seems like this is a BIOS problem after all because the older BIOSes for Core Duo (not C2D) T60s are very quiet.

    There is nothing that TPfancontrol can do at the moment, it seems.
     
    nyu3, Dec 30, 2006
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  6. jkozlow3

    jkozlow3 Notebook Guru

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    Did you try creating a new power profile in Thinpad Power Manager? (start>programs>thinkvantage>power manager)

    If you create a new profile and set the fan control to "optimize all parameters" that might help a bit.
     
    jkozlow3, Dec 30, 2006
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  7. nyu3

    nyu3 Notebook Geek

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    Yep, tried all possible power profiles.
     
    nyu3, Dec 31, 2006
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  8. dietcokefiend

    dietcokefiend DietGreenTeaFiend

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    Its not a BIOS problem. Both the Z60m (pentium m) and T60 (CD) I had for a while did the exact same thing once they warmed up.
     
    dietcokefiend, Dec 31, 2006
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  9. nyu3

    nyu3 Notebook Geek

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    Maybe not, but something is preventing the T60's minimum fan speed from going below 2900rpm. Hopefully, it can be fixed in software.
     
    nyu3, Dec 31, 2006
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