CPU Software Coolers???

[JokerJKNY]

Hey all,

wanna keep my Athlon MP system nice and cool, but what free software coolers are out there?

 

[Sid03]

don't bother. i haven't seen one thats worth a damn. they always have some problem or another.

 

[Rand]

Your system specs indicate you running WinXP, in which case they are useless to you. Software coolers do nothing more then issue HLT commands to the processor when appropriate, the NT core do this natively and has for years.

To put it in laymans terms WinXP/Win2000/WinNT4.X all natively implement "software cooling".

 

[Jman13]

That's not really true. There's a hack that allows the mobo on KT266A boards to halt the processor when it's idle, and normally, it doesn't do it, even on XP. This will only affect the idle temperature, which usually isn't a problem anyway. I'm running XP Pro, and enabling the HALT instruction on my chip lowered the idle temp from 41C to 33C. However, my processor never idles, so it doesn't matter. I run SETI 24/7.

Jman

 

[JokerJKNY]

where do i find the option to turn the HLT on? or is it already?

 

[Rand]

Originally posted by: JokerJKNY
where do i find the option to turn the HLT on? or is it already?

The OS should issue the HLT command automatically as necessary, Windows Task Manager, under the Processes tab will list "System Idle Time", that's the amount of processor time that's falling under the heading of the HLT command.

 

[Rand]

Originally posted by: Jman13
That's not really true. There's a hack that allows the mobo on KT266A boards to halt the processor when it's idle, and normally, it doesn't do it, even on XP. This will only affect the idle temperature, which usually isn't a problem anyway. I'm running XP Pro, and enabling the HALT instruction on my chip lowered the idle temp from 41C to 33C. However, my processor never idles, so it doesn't matter. I run SETI 24/7.

Jman

As far as I know there was a hack to lower temos on KT266A mobos, but it had nothing to do with the HLT command as used by the OS and software cooling programs.
I've also avoided said hack as VIA's issued a number of cautionary statements regarding it.

 

[Richardito]

The way to do it is by using H.Oda's WPCREdit. Simply do the registry hack and set the following values: 5A-->20, 62-->B7. With this you will get a lot cooler while idling. With less heat produced it will take longer for the CPU to reach its max temps on load. I'm using right now an XP CPU and I've experienced none of the supposed 'problems' that are associated with 266FSB CPUs. On my Epox 8K7A my CPU temp drops 1-2ºC cooler that the case temp while idling, web surfing, etc.