is AMD Cool'n'Quiet feature recommended ?

[mehargags]

hi

Can u geeks pls discuss abt AMD Cool'n'Quiet issues. i checked some sites threads where they had probs that CnQ rapidly changes the Voltage for the Processor thus putting sudden abrupt loads on PSU which can result in PS failure.

some other sites i read abt some Software incompatibilities with CnQ also

I wanted 2nd opinion abt these issues from u guyz.

i just switched from a P4 3 ghz to a 3000+ & one of the biggest issues was that i wanted a calm n Quiet Pc when i m not gaming. My comp is always on -- 24/7 (if No load shading is done) since it serves as a server to 50 odd comps on my LAN & constant downloads from interent too. My pentuim used to grunge all the time whether im gaming or its left alone

I guess what CnQ implies is really fascinating. when my comp is simply on for some Downloads & uploads, it sh;d be running at its bare minimum needed, so power is also saved & less of heat is dissipated enhancing life of all the inbound peripherals. But then, it sh;d not be a Pain in the a** also as i dont want any of my functionalities ( hardware or software ) to suffer just because of it. I got very Crucial DATA & other things

since i have limited knowledge abt AMD at the moment i w'd request u to explain abt it

Got an Asus A8N-E by the way running an AMD64 3000+ winchester with 1 gb hynix & 3 x 250gb seagate SATA HDD's

Regards

[azagahl]

I use AMD64 and I leave Cool'N'Quiet on. My CPU temp can drop down to around 38 (depending on ambient temperature), which I think is good.

There are reports of some kind of reproducible crash while installing XP unless you turn CNQ on. I've never seen the bug (I use Win 98 SE), but I mostly turned CNQ on hoping it makes my PC more reliable.

I strongly recommend using SpeedFan which can automatically turn down your fans when your computer gets cooler. This helps alot with the noise. Let me know if you can't get SpeedFan to work for your mobo.

The 64-bit part of AMD64 is useless unless you use a 64-bit OS like an x86_64 build of Linux. slamd64 looks tempting.

Edited June 20, 2005 by azagahl

[Marthax]

I think that you are going for a very good deal. AMD are the best CPUs for gaming and servers. Also, with the CnQ feature, you get less noise and heat when not using your computer. If you want less noise when you're not using your computer, I would strongly recommend the Athlon 64. I've red some guide about the Athlon 64 and they some to like it a lot. The Cool 'n Quiet seems to be a really nice feature, which I would like to have I'd say go for it.

Check this review if you want confirmation.

The 64-bit part of AMD64 is useless unless you use a 64-bit OS like an x86_64 build of Linux. slamd64 looks tempting.

If you don't like linux and want Windows, use Windows 64-bit edition.

Edited June 28, 2005 by Marthax

[azagahl]

Windows 64-bit edition

Try it if you want but I've heard bad things about driver support for it, and I think you have to contact Microsoft and exchange a non-OEM only Windows XP copy for it or some rubbish. Blech... I find I am way more productive on slamd64 and I am so glad I installed it. I don't feel like paying $300 for the right to call up Microsoft and notify them of hardware changes on my PC.

I use AMD64 and I leave Cool'N'Quiet on. My CPU temp can drop down to around 38 (depending on ambient temperature), which I think is good.

On my Athlon64 3400+ (2400 MHz) I use the cpu_freq_scaling governer called "ondemand" and my CPU frequency will drop as low as 1000 MHz. When this happens, the CPU voltage drops from 1.5 to 1.0 V and the temperature drops up to 8 celsius degrees! It's about 32 C right now.

Then fancontrol kicks in and cuts down on the CPU fan RPM. (Linux fancontrol is similar to SmartFan software in Windows).

So it's definitely cool & quiet. I'm not sure how much the Cool'N'Quiet feature is helping here?

Edited June 29, 2005 by azagahl