How to get fans(s) running?

[New2ToMe]

Hi,

4300-CPU and have not yet heard the fans running. I have tried taping over all of the air vents and running continuous movies for several hours and the thing only got to 79C and still no fans.

Getting close to end of warranty so would like to know the fans will work if ever needed.

Any way I can make them come on? Well, short of running a blow torch on the case.

 

[GreyFox7]

You might be unable to hear the frequency of the fan noise.

At idle the SP2 would be around 40c if you use a sound/decibel meter app on a phone or other device and run the mic along the top edge with the fans off it should read a consistent value. then running an intensive app and bringing the temp up to 79c running the mic along the top should detect an increase in noise level.

Otherwise, the device is naturally cool running and should probably be studied by scientists for unnatural phenomena.

 

[New2ToMe]

Thanks GF, are they really that quiet? I have read of many complaints about fan noise and have yet6 to hear it on either of the two SP2 we have.

What temp-range should they turn on at?

Is there any software that will indicate fans running?

 

[GreyFox7]

Thanks GF, are they really that quiet? I have read of many complaints about fan noise and have yet6 to hear it on either of the two SP2 we have.

What temp-range should they turn on at?

Is there any software that will indicate fans running?

Not sure when they come on but as far as I know the fans don't have a sensor or it is not accessible by any utilities that display fan speed or on/off state.

The Fan on the SP3, for all the complaints about it making noise, registers about 35db or between whisper quiet 30db and Quiet Library 40db on my unit. Although scientists say that speaking in a whisper is particularly audible due to specific characteristics.

 

[GoodBytes]

If you want to stress the the system, you can try these free software:
FurMark: http://www.ozone3d.net/benchmarks/fur/
AIDA64 (trial version): http://www.aida64.com/downloads
IntelBurn Test (it is not an Intel software): http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/Benchmarks/IntelBurnTest.shtml

Running one of these for a moment, while being plugged in (very important), will start the fan. Place the device air vent groves next to your ear, you'll hear the fan. Be sure your system is set to Balance power plan.

Ignoring manufacture errors, Microsoft used high-quality, ultra quiet fans, and not the dollar shop fans used on most consumer grade laptops.

 

[GoodBytes]

Not sure when they come on but as far as I know the fans don't have a sensor or it is not accessible by any utilities that display fan speed or on/off state.

The Fan on the SP3, for all the complaints about it making noise, registers about 35db or between whisper quiet 30db and Quiet Library 40db on my unit. Although scientists say that speaking in a whisper is particularly audible due to specific characteristics.

40db?! That is very loud. Fans I use on my desktop computer are rated at ~7-18db (but I like making fairly powerful desktop computer that you don't know if it's on or off by the sound on an ultra quiet room at idle, and barely audible under load). Noctua fans for the win

 

[GreyFox7]

My meter has a chart similar to this one although slightly different as stated above.
https://www.chem.purdue.edu/chemsafety/Training/PPETrain/dblevels.htm

Based on the Preferred Noise Criterion spectrum
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/pnc-preferred-noise-criteria-d_727.html

As modified from the Noise Criterion standard.
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/nc-noise-criterion-d_725.html

Loud?

Not according to acceptable noise levels
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/decibel-dba-levels-d_728.html

40dba is the noise level of a Library, my fan reads 35dba/ wont get you kicked out of the library. while my MBA reads in the 70s.
Note this reading was taken from a point within a millimeter of the top edge loudest point that registered, at normal operational range it would be lower.

 

[New2ToMe]

I have an SPL meter and it doesn't seem to register any increase. Although I can't seem to get it above 79C. I'll wrap it in a blanket for a while and see if that prompts any fan noise.

 

[GreyFox7]

I have an SPL meter and it doesn't seem to register any increase. Although I can't seem to get it above 79C. I'll wrap it in a blanket for a while and see if that prompts any fan noise.

Ugh, I wouldn't wrap it in a blanket. Perhaps your fans run so quiet they cannot be heard above ambient noise. Try the smoke test ... get a punk stick and see if you can detect a noticeable change in airflow between cold and hot.

 

[Alucardi]

Fans when they start spinning will be heard alot!!! Its small delta fans that pushes alot of air. My fans always spins up when i play games on it like Borderlands 2 or something.