T61 fan on every 1-2 minutes

Hoping someone out there can provide me with some information before I return my T61 that is 9 days old. My fan is constantly coming on approximately every other minute, staying on for no more than a minute, before turning off and the process repeating. The problem is that this happens while the computer sits at my desk, not even being used. I could see it if I was doing something that really taxed the CPU but that is not the case here. All I am doing is Internet, Word, and Excel, which aren't processor intensive like Photoshop, etc.

Lenovo support is no help. They want to replace the fan. So far I have resisted, but should I let them do this? They say the fan is controlled by a chip on the motherboard that turns it on when needed to dissipate heat. The fan itself doesn't sound like a defective fan but I am wondering if maybe the sensor is defective?

I really like my machine but the frequency and level of fan noise is not acceptable and would cause me to return it. If any other T61 user could comment on the frequency of their fan being on under similar circumstances, I'd be greatly appreciative.

 

I have a new T61. Got it weeks ago but have been using it only for a few days. The fan doesnt come on a lot. Am even working in a heated room. I've heard it a few times but its more rare than frequent.

can you help me know? check my post on T61 defects. more physical than mechanical. thanks.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=202226

The thread is above. BTW they wont let you return it w/o taking 15%.

 

cue,

There are great programs that measure the PC temperature in 6-8 locations...cpu, cpu, gpu, etc. One is the Thinkpad Fan Control software which is free.

Download and watch realtime what is happening with the temperature in different parts of the PC.

The BIOS I think triggers the fan based on preset temp levels so watch the temp and listen for the fan......see if something happens out of the ordinary.

 

Also check out the cooling guide. I also recommend buying a laptop cooler as well as undervolting your CPU. But first give us some temperature readings by using RMClock or Notebook Hardware Control.
Tim

 

The guy just bought the BMW of notebooks and you are asking him to run his vehicle on 4 cylinders instead of the normal 6? Also, add a new radiator because the engine temp sensor shows the motor is overheating all the time?

I think try a new BIOS upgrade w/ Lenovo online. If you fry the motherboard doing it alone there is no recourse.

 

LOL well if that is what you call cooling down your laptop...then yes I am telling him to make some tweaks. My laptop runs very cool, 45C right now as I post this. The hotest it gets while gaming is 65C. My fan runs when the temperature is 45C. I don't know how bad his situation is, but if we got some temperature readings it would help a lot more to diagnose his problem (if there is a problem).
Tim

 

My T61 fan also cycled on and off frequently like yours does. I just figured that was the way it was designed to work. Since the fan was really quiet, still noticeable but not overly loud by any means, it didn't really bother me. Some HP's have fans that run almost constantly.
Having said that, run the temp tests. And, if the fan really is loud get it checked out.

 

hehehe, the engine is misfired. causing too much polution, hehehe.

 

Just got my return authorization number from Lenovo. I will be sending this unit back and probably not getting another one. I really like the looks and functionality of it but I can't get past how often the fan comes on. Especially since they billed this as the "coolest, quietest Thinkpad" I used a Dell Latitude that belonged to a relative over Christmas and the fan didn't come on hardly at all.

 

Did you check the power settings, do a BIOS update? Did you try on battery only?

 

I think you are making a mistake by RMAing the machine. Flash the BIO, download the temp sensor. My fan is on now but its faint. This notebook runs cool. Trust me I have had other brands which overheat.

 

The fan turns on and off all the time with both my laptops, it's not a problem as I believe this is how it was designed.

However, I did have a problem long ago when the fan was constantly on. I realized the reason why it was on and a lot faster was because the vents were blocked with dust :s.