Is 'Halt cpu when idle' in any distro's kernel?

fedetxf · 01-13-2004, 09:55 AM

Is there any distro's kernel which comes with the option 'halt cpu when idle'? This option reduces the CPU temp a lot in desktop PC that are not very busy processing (in my experience about 5 to 10 degrees celsuis).

If there is not, is there any reason?

Would it be sensible to have it enabled by default?

Caeda · 01-13-2004, 10:36 AM

Halt? Cpu? So, you want your computer to shut off when its not doing anything? Or are yuo trying to refer to cpu clock control, which "slows" the cpu when its idle, which you can compile and configure with your kernel only if your cpu supports it.

yanik · 01-13-2004, 10:49 AM

temperature changes are your cpu worst enemy.

dNX · 01-13-2004, 09:09 PM

I think it's better to upgrade your cooler, if you have problems with overheating.

spyghost · 01-13-2004, 09:29 PM

what's your hardware?

in my system, msi kt3 ultra2, the bios supports cpu halt. my distro accepts it, rh 9 with the stock kernel

fedetxf · 01-14-2004, 08:21 AM

I have a Soyo 7vba mobo, and a P III 1 GHz. On win98 I use CPUIdle and I run at 25º/30º. On linux I run at 35º/40º

I had overheating problems in the past due to a stupid power supply fan. Now it's preety stable, but I thought cpu halting on idle times was a standard procedure.

whansard · 01-14-2004, 09:02 AM

it is standard, but some computers require extra options for it to work.

there is an option for make cpu idle calls when idle under general setup.
you shouldn't need it though. i had to make a script that sets some
chipset registers to the right values to make mine cool off. these are
for a via kt-266. if you just want to be crazy and try them, at least
sync your filesystem first.

cat /usr/local/bin/cool
setpci -H1 -s 0:0.0 70=86
setpci -H1 -s 0:0.0 95=1e