Query regarding possible defective fan in CF-31 Mk3

Hi,

First time poster. Long time lurker to these forums mostly the very informative posts in the Toughbook sections. Having stockpiled my unrivaled favorite type of portable computers from various travels, I currently own a Toughbook CF-19 MK2, Cf-30 MK1 and very recently have acquired a shiny CF-31 MK3.

Admittedly I have dropped in with a specific grump and query in mind over the new CF-31: Related to the possibility of needing repair/RMA over a possibly malfunctioning fan.

Might I ask, does anyone here own a CF31-MK1/2/3 ?.

I've had concerns with a "Soft periodic grinding" or "buzzing" type noise with the cooling fan on mine. This sound is quite distinct from the sound of airflow and is most noticeable when the fan is running in low speed. It is noisy enough to be heard if you are less than one or two feet from the machine. If one places an ear on the left side of the machine (Ie near fan vent above battery bay) the sound is worryingly loud.

Also, the fan seems to run all the time (though it does vary speed fine based on CPU load). I was under the impression the CPU would run cool enough for the fan to cease, where ambient temps are low and CPU is idle. But the fan is always running at some speed, if the machine is on.

My CPU temps do seem a bit high but not outrageously in light of temps common to Ivy Bridge CPU based laptops (I disabled intels "turbo"- which does well at keeping the temps in check under heavy load).

All of these things may well be normal functioning for this model. The noise itself is not overly irritating but from what limited information I can find- it is not normal and the fan should be fairly inaudible at low speeds with no grinding quality to any sounds emitted .

I'd be grateful for any feedback/similar stories/advice, if anyone has any to offer. I am still waiting on a response from Panasonic.

Thanks for your time !.

-SRT

 

Welcome to the Panasonic Toughbook Forum
I don't have a CF-31 but we do have a few members that has the 31 so check back later and my guess some one will be able to help you out.

 

Did you try and pour sand through it like they did in the advert?


mnem
Maybe the tiny monkey's arms are getting sore...

 

No, of course the monkey's arms aren't sore: It's a Panasonic Toughmonkey in there. Still, I'm sure he could use a Banana. I might try stuffing some through the grill.

.

Thanks for the feedback. Still more useful than Panasonic support .

-SRT

 

low running electromotors can have several odd effects, whining can be one of them. Grinding isn't one I have experienced, but this led lamp I've had now for about 10 years orso: Richard Sapper for Lucesco does have a whining noise at the lowest level. Just one tad higher and it runs like clockwork.