Ubuntu
linux package

  1. Bug #1602888
  2. Comment #106

Comment 106 for bug 1602888

Revision history for this message
Occams Beard (d-bob-1) wrote :

I'm also interested in hearing if the fan issue is solved on 17.10. Please keep us updated.

I think I've found the reason the fans turn on, and I believe I found a work-around under Arch Linux.

After a good bit of research, I think the issue is caused by the CPU package not being able to get to lower power states. Under powertop, you'll notice that this laptop never gets below C3. Thereby causing increased CPU heat and poor battery life.

However, I've found the reason for this is the realtek network card driver not enabling Active State Power Management (ASPM). Setting most tunables to GOOD under powertop and replacing r8169 kernel module with this patched one https://github.com/KastB/r8169 allows the CPU package to reach C7 low power state. This -appears- to solve the fan problem. The fan still runs, but much less frequently. The laptop also seems to run cooler and improved battery life (Although still not as good as under Windows).

Arch Linux users can install this patched module from the AUR https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/r8169aspm-dkms/

I'd still be interested to know if this is fixed on Ubuntu.