[ltp] Thinkpad high pitched noise

[Christopher Sawtell]

On Mon, 14 Feb 2005 03:05, wes schreiner wrote:
> chris wrote:
> >Hi list:
> >
> >I think this issue has been discussed on this list before, but I can't
> > recall what specifically it was about. Just recently, I am getting
> > increasing annoyed at the high pitched noise that my thinkpad R50 emits
> > while the CPU is working over 1Ghz, I googled around and found out it is
> > due to 2.6 kernel which uses 1000Hz so makes capacitors work a lot
> > harder? But I can't bear the noise any more, replacing the thinkpad it's
> > an option nor going back to 2.4 kernel, but changing process.c to 100hz
> > can solve the problem according to some threads, does it slow down the
> > computer or harm the laptop? any one?
>
> The slowdown to 100Hz doesn't harm anything, that's what the earlier
> kernels use. You could easily check if this is your problem by booting
> your laptop off of a Knoppix or similar live CD that uses a 2.4.x
> kernel. If the noise goes away then you can go compile a 2.6.x kernel
> with the Hz value turned down to 100. This doesn't really cause a
> slowdown in overall work done by the computer, but it might have a tiny
> effect on latency in some high load situations. It is worth a try,
> though the noise you hear might instead be related to the ACPI
> subsystem, and if that is the case then changing the Hz value might not
> help at all.

Also consider checking that your BIOS and Embedded Controller programs are up 
to date.