fanless CPU under Windows 7

[akhnaten4222000]

I am trying to run Windows 7 on a PC with no CPU fan. Windows shuts down shortly after beginning to boot. I see the four dots but they do not get to the point of forming the Windows logo before the machine shuts down. I do not believe heat is an issue. I am using a Celeron e3300 on a MSI G41M-E43 mobo and a big copper/aluminum heatsink. The mobo has a 4 pin CPU connector. I do not see any way in the BIOS to prevent it from communicating the fan status to the OS.

Is there any way to hack the Windows registry to ignore the fan failure status and thus not shutdown the OS? This CPU is cheap enough I do not care if it fries.
Thanks,
Akh

 

[WildW]

Are you completely positive it's not heat related? For instance, have you tried pointing a fan at the CPU heatsink, one not connected to the CPU fan header?

I tried running a PC totally fanless before, using Vista, and it had no trouble booting up. Windows 7 may be a different kettle of fish of course.

 

[akhnaten4222000]

I will try that and post an update.
Thanks for the reply,
Akh

 

[amdhunter]

Are you completely positive it's not heat related? For instance, have you tried pointing a fan at the CPU heatsink, one not connected to the CPU fan header?

I tried running a PC totally fanless before, using Vista, and it had no trouble booting up. Windows 7 may be a different kettle of fish of course.

Haha, I was going to recommend putting a fan on the header and leaving it out of the case to see it boot.

 

[akhnaten4222000]

Haha, I was going to recommend putting a fan on the header and leaving it out of the case to see it boot.

OMG, I'm brain dead today. I have been running it just like this, with a 4-pin fan connected but outside the case (or sitting on top) and it runs great for hours. What was I thinking!?! Anyway, as soon as I remove the fan from the header and try to boot, Windows freaks and won't boot. Also, the PSU fan sits about 3/4 of an inch above the the heatsink and should suck some air through the sink.
Any ideas?
Thanks again,
Akh

 

[billyb0b]

i would argue that it definitely is your cpu overheating

i believe that almost all modern cpu's from amd and intel need cooling on them. i read something years ago stating that cpu's ramp up for over 600 degrees F without a fan and/or heatsink on them. they either fry (amd's actually smoked) or the bios kicks in by shutting off the computer to save itself

check out these vid and judge for yourself

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIsr1R1qy1Y

 

[akhnaten4222000]

i would argue that it definitely is your cpu overheating

i believe that almost all modern cpu's from amd and intel need cooling on them. i read something years ago stating that cpu's ramp up for over 200 degrees F without a fan and/or heatsink on them. they either fry (amd's actually smoked) or the bios kicks in by shutting off the computer to save itself

Perhaps you haven't read post #5?

 

[amdhunter]

OMG, I'm brain dead today. I have been running it just like this, with a 4-pin fan connected but outside the case (or sitting on top) and it runs great for hours. What was I thinking!?! Anyway, as soon as I remove the fan from the header and try to boot, Windows freaks and won't boot. Also, the PSU fan sits about 3/4 of an inch above the the heatsink and should suck some air through the sink.
Any ideas?
Thanks again,
Akh

Maybe try rerouting the PSU fan to the CPU header on the motherboard? This will still keep the PSU cool and trick the motherboard into booting.

 

[akhnaten4222000]

Can someone recommend a CPU temp monitoring program? I would be happy to post a screen cap for the non-believers.
Akh

 

[akhnaten4222000]

Maybe try rerouting the PSU fan to the CPU header on the motherboard? This will still keep the PSU cool and trick the motherboard into booting.

That is the best idea so far. Hopefully the PSU doesn't mind not seeing a fan.
Akh

 

[fffblackmage]

i would argue that it definitely is your cpu overheating

i believe that almost all modern cpu's from amd and intel need cooling on them. i read something years ago stating that cpu's ramp up for over 200 degrees F without a fan and/or heatsink on them. they either fry (amd's actually smoked) or the bios kicks in by shutting off the computer to save itself

Not in this case. Some computers don't like booting without a fan attached to the CPUfan header.

It's not necessary to have a dedicated cpu heatsink though. My rig is an example of that. There's just so much airflow in my case that I left out the fan that came with my Scythe Ninja HS. I think the widely spaced fins on the Ninja contributes to its capability as a "passive" heatsink.

@akhnaten4222000
I would check the cpu temps to make sure it's not running too hot. Let us know how it goes.

BTW, what heatsink are you using?

EDIT: some programs for checking temps...
realtemp
coretemp
speedfan
CPUID hardware monitor

 

[akhnaten4222000]

The heatsink is a Cooler Master GeminII S with Arctic Silver 5 grease. The case is a Silverstone Sugo SG02B-F Black mATX Computer Case. The PSU is a Corsair TX850W. Overkill I know, but Best Buy is clearing them out right now for $90. Anyway the PSU fan is < 3/4 inch right above the top of the heatsink, so I expect that it is drawing some air through the sink. I will try some of the monitoring programs mentioned and try to post a screen cap tonight.
Akh

 

[Zap]

Are you sure it is Windows shutting off the system and not the motherboard BIOS? Some motherboards (check under "Hardware Monitor") will shut down over a certain temperature or if the CPU fan isn't spinning. You may be able to adjust that in the settings.

 

[akhnaten4222000]

Are you sure it is Windows shutting off the system and not the motherboard BIOS? Some motherboards (check under "Hardware Monitor") will shut down over a certain temperature or if the CPU fan isn't spinning. You may be able to adjust that in the settings.

The only thing I am certain of in this regard is that the computer gets well into the OS boot process, and well past the BIOS POST process, before shutting down. I think my BIOS version may be old. I am going to try updating it too.
Akh

 

[bunnyfubbles]

I'd be shocked if a modern C2D based CPU couldn't be run "passive" as long as its not overclocked and has a hefty heatsink.

If it really is a cooling issue you should consider underclocking/undervolting, but I'd imagine an E3300 with a large enough heatpipe based heatsink with a PSU fan drawing at least some air over it should easily be able to run stock.