8.10-11.04: Ubuntu might ruin fan on Acer TravelMate 6292 notebook

[oss_test_launchpad]

Testing Ubuntu 8.10 Alpha 3 on an Acer TravelMate 6292-602G25MN, I noticed that the fan is accelerating and decelerating about 15 times per minute. It turns to what probably is full speed when you start something like OpenOffice.org as the only program. When you just browse the web (using firefox), it accelerates and decelerates all the time, too. This even happens if you have turned everything on "always run full power" in GNOME's energy saving preferences.

I suppose that the fan won't live long under these conditions.

Why doesn't the fan work at a constant, temperature-safe speed?

[oss_test_launchpad (oss-test-launchpad)]

This is still valid for Alpha 4 with all of today's updates.

[oss_test_launchpad (oss-test-launchpad)]

This is still valid for Ubuntu 8.10 Alpha with all updates.

[mike hancock (javaiscoolmike)]

I am haveing the same issue on a dell xps m1330 with ubuntu 8.10 beta

[oss_test_launchpad (oss-test-launchpad)]

Numerous updates later, this bug is still valid.

[oss_test_launchpad (oss-test-launchpad)]

I suppose the fan won't be able to stand this unexpected mechanical stress much longer unless this bug is fixed.

[oss_test_launchpad (oss-test-launchpad)]

@ mike hancock: Maybe you might confirm this bug so that it receives more attention?

[Jack Deslippe (jdeslip)]

I have the same problem on my Dell inspiron 1420 (that came with ubuntu feisty) on the release candidate. It is super loud!

[Robin Jakobsson (jakobsson-robin)]

I have a similiar problem on my Dell XPS M1330. The fan is running constantly on maximum speed.
This seems quite urgent and important as we are two days from release!

[oss_test_launchpad (oss-test-launchpad)]

It was better between two updates. With the most current kernel, the problem is there again.

[Robin Jakobsson (jakobsson-robin)]

When I shut of restricted drivers NVIDIA 177 it got back to normal.

[Einar (christian-einarsson)]

I have a dell xps m1330 with a nVidia GeForce 8400M GS. After upgrade to 8.10 the fan started running at constant full speed or alternating between fullspeed and slow/stop with 10-15s intervals.
This issue disapered when I deactivated NVIDIA 177(recommended by divers utility) and didn't return upon activating NVIDIA 173.

[François Pernoud (francois-pernoud)]

My Compaq Presario V6012 had similar symptoms, i.e. fan running full speed after upgrade to 8.10, though it happened only after suspend/resume. Looks like it's related to nvidia 177.80 driver version, since reverting back to nvidia 173.14.12 solved the problem.

[Trochee (trochee)]

Like the above users I have a problem with fan acceleration/deceleration on a Dell 1420, which has had regular updating since Gutsy. It started with the Intrepid upgrade though. Have not tried downgrading the nvidia drivers.

[Jack Deslippe (jdeslip)]

Trochee on my 1420, I solved this problem by updating to the latest BIOS. That seems better than sticking with an old nvidia driver forever.

[mattgif (mattgif)]

My 1420 BIOS was up to date before my fresh install of Intrepid. Downgrading to the nVidia 173 from 177 did the trick (and also fixed some other problems). I'm back to virtually no fan noise.

[Harold (harold-v)]

Hello,
Same problem with dell xps m1330 (nVidia GeForce 8400M GS). Happened after upgrading to 8.10.
Fans starts at full speed, stop, restart, stop when I boot the laptop.

After a while they are on at full speed all the time (lots of noise).

Fan on full speed now for example :
CPU : 40 degres
Motherboard : 40 degres
Nvidia : 57 degres
hdd : 36 degres

If you need anything else tell me :)

[Harold (harold-v)]

Forgot to mention downgrading to the nVidia 173 from 177 also works here

[oss_test_launchpad (oss-test-launchpad)]

Anyone care about this problem?

I cannot even try updating the BIOS since Windows would be required for that.

[oss_test_launchpad (oss-test-launchpad)]

Okay, I just noticed that I already have the latest v1.3601 BIOS installed , so the above suggested BIOS update is not possible. However, the update to the 2.6.27-11-generic kernel (as suggested by Ubuntu's update manager) has solved this problem here. The fan now runs smoothly at a constant speed. This goes for use on accumulator power. I haven't tested use with cable power yet. Can anyone confirm that 2.6.27-11-generic fixes this problem on all power modes?

[oss_test_launchpad (oss-test-launchpad)]

Problem has come back with a fresh install of Ubuntu 9.04 64-Bit on the same machine. Kernel in use is now 2.6.28-14-generic.

Maybe someone could at least mark this "Importance: High". I think that if an Ubuntu bug can ruin people's hardware this really should be regarded as a matter of high importance.

[oss_test_launchpad (oss-test-launchpad)]

Problem remains with Ubuntu 10.04 Alpha 2 with all of today's updates (32-Bit).

Maybe someone could at least mark this "Importance: High". I think that if an Ubuntu bug can ruin people's hardware this really should be regarded as a matter of high importance.

[ApuX (azareldp)]

I confirm the vehaibour with inspiron 1420, nividia 173 & 185. Please, ubuntu team, we need to know you are working on it.

[New Shark (iojlxdex)]

I confirm this is a problem with Ubuntu 11.04 I installed some time ago on my brother's machine so he returned to windows in order not to wreck his notebook

I see this bug is three years old. Wow guys, no one cares a shit about it, this is impressive

[New Shark (iojlxdex)]

and as I see it's apparently a kernel bug