W520: Event log ACPI warning-- related to TPFanControl?

I've noticed the following error in the (Windows 7 x64) event log, which always appears in groupings of five times per second:

: The embedded controller (EC) returned data when none was requested. The BIOS might be trying to access the EC without synchronizing with the operating system. This data will be ignored. No further action is necessary; however, you should check with your computer manufacturer for an upgraded BIOS.

From doing some searches, it appears that this issue is likely related to TPFanControl (?) I'm using the version linked here-- is this the latest?-- and I typically have it set to "smart." I'm wondering if this is perhaps a bug in the fan utility and/or if I should change any settings or even discontinue use of the utility altogether? Not sure how concerned I should be about this warning; thanks for any feedback.

 

Why are you using tpfancontrol already?

 

why, is it not a good idea to do so? I've found that it makes a *tremendous* difference when using "smart mode" with respect to fan noise; the fan seems to be on constantly otherwise. the version to which I've linked is specifically for the W520 (apparently)

 

Yes, those messages are caused by TPFC. Though, my fan is usually at 2000 RPM (lowest), which is barely audible. In my opinion, the W520's fan at 3850 RPM isn't even that loud. Are you using the laptop in a literally sound proof room?

 

It is my opinion you should run the machine as is for a period of time to understand what the normal baseline is.

If you actually need tpfancontrol right off the bat, it's defective in my book.

 

@kirayamato26-- ha ha, not using the machine in a soundproof room, although I do a lot of my work at night, when it's oh so quiet; the fan isn't blasting at full-force all the time, it's just nice to have a completely silent laptop; and it's greatly improved when using tpfancontrol. regarding the event log warning, is this something to worry about as far as potentially damaging the system/hardware?

@thors.hammer-- I get your point, and the baseline is by no means intolerable; just trying to fine tune the overall experience. my t60p just seemed to be a lot quieter in general.

 

I'm an engineering student and I've shut myself in my room for hours on end working with just my W520.

I find it that at 2000 RPM, CPU whine becomes prominent which annoys me far more than the whooshing fan noise. I haven't used TPFC for an extended period of time (I don't have it installed, actually), so I can't say for sure if it will damage the system over time. However, I don't think it'll damage anything.

 

I'm a dork. I misread the title of the thread. My mind changed W520 to W530. Sorry about that.

For the W530, it's so new I would really like to hear if the thermals and fan noise are better than the W520. The W520 is a pretty well known entity at this point. The W530 is not.