I am running windows right now, primarily because I can run MBM5 and check the CPU temp. After putting in four case fans, my AMD Athlon XP 2700+ idles at about 40C in windows. From what I gather, this is normal. I want to put linux back on the computer, preferrably SUsE, but I can't figure out the ftp install, so I'm going with gentoo. But, I have heard that linux doesn't have as good fan support (like when to raise the fan speed). To me, this doesn't make any sense because the motherboard controls that stuff. What I am worried is that the computer won't make it through the install without shutting itself down. I think it will be okay, but I don't want to see $200 down the drain. Is it true that linux doesn't have as good fan support as windows? and Will my computer make it through the linux install?

Thanks,
JC

To be on the safe side, you could underclock your CPU or drop the core voltage (in BIOS) until everything is in place/tested.

To need four fans to keep a 2700+ cool must mean you have a truly awful case. I have two optical drives, two hard drives, a Radeon 9800 pro and a 3000+ and two fans (one case, one CPU) is more than adequate. In fact, they run at low speed to keep the noise down. You are aware that most motherboard temp sensors are about as accurate as a weather forcast!

I think it's one of my hard drives that's making all the heat. It's an old 15 gig. When I boot the other one up (20 gig), the temp. is in the low 30s

What would you suggest as a good case? I already put hours into cutting holes in the side and top of mine. It's interesting because when I boot win 2k from my old 15- gig hd, the temp hovers aroud 37C, but when I boot win xp from my 20- gig hd, I get temps as low as 28C. Is a difference in hd's enough to bring the temp up nearly 10C? I'm currently installing gentoo on the 20 gig hd, so I can't check the temp with the cpu at full speed. I've also heard that t-bred core processors run hotter than others, so an idle temp of 40C may be normal for a 2700+. So, should I invest in a new case? Hard drive cooler? What can I do to cool my case short of pumping freon through it?

Thanks,
JC

have u used Gkrellm? it has a hdd temp plug in, maybe it could help

modern linux kernel can controll cpu speed using temp threashholds but like most hardware specific things in Linux it can be a bugger to get working properly

dude amd's get hot as hell and ive neevr had one burn out on me, you should be safe. i cant do the conversion in my head im used to Farenheight but ive run AMD chips around 120 with no probs.

FYI, 120F is approx 49C. That seems rather hot. But AMDs do run a bit hot, and can survive well.

I also read one way really cool the case down (and for troubleshooting cooling problems), is to remove some panels off the case and point a desk fan to it. See if that brings the temp down.

AMD's threshold tends to be either 85 or 90 C, and If I remember right the 2700+ has a threshold of 90C. Also If your worried about temps you should try seti/folding/prime95 or something that stresses the CPU its self, and use MBM to watch the temps.

Just my 2 cents

49c hot. What are you used to running? an old 486 My last five processors have been Athlons (likely to stay that way as well). My 3000+ will run at upto 60c if I've been playing Doom3 etc for an hour. The temperature will vary by almost 10c between winter and summer due to the ambient temp.

My old case had three case fans, one PSU, and one for the CPU (it also had flashing lights and windows in the side. EEK!). My current one has only one additional fan and it runs on average about 2c hotter. That 2c is far outweighed by the lower decibels.

In conclusion, as long as the CPU stays at or below 60c don't worry. But do make sure your mobo monitor is accurate. Abit have had problems where their monitors are upto 10c+/- out. Easily remedied by a BIOS upgrade.

well if u truly are concern about ur temp then maybe consider modifying ur case n fans. But ur gonna have 2 get creative dude cuz 49C is not that hot. Ur gonna have 2 some how get cold air (not 2 cold that it creates "water" inside ur case) into ur case from the bottom (cuz member hot air raises) n have it blown out from the top. I saw, i think it was PC Magazine, where some dude actually connected his AC yep Air Conditioner that pump air into his case. I mean the case looked more like a furnace rather than a pc case lol although he overclocked his pc like 400mhz over n was running like @ 60 or 70C heheheh pretty awsome hehehe just google 2 c what ppl have come up 2 maintain the temp low dude.

Oops! Guess I'm not that knowledgable about CPU temps, but I once heard that Athlons hover in the low-mid 40's. OK, maybe 49's not that hot. Maybe those 'talked about' Athlons were slower ones.

And yes, I do have a 486, not used much. I use either a P2 or P3. Obviously much cooler running.