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I have a Thinkpad T420 (4178-BSG) I use with Windows. The fan (cpu) was always very quiet and I was completely satisfied with it. A few days ago I booted Backtrack Linux from a flashdrive and the fan started to spin at maximum and was very loud. The problem is that this state persists. When I start the Thinkpad and boot Windows as usual the fan start spining at max and never stops. It drives me mad. It looks like somehow the Linux change some settings and I have to suffer. I tried reseting BIOS, updating BIOS, nothing helpes. I even removed the keyboard, looked at the fan but there is no dust.

Update Maybe there is a problem with the integrated Intel GMA 3000 Card. The Power Manager shows it at 100% at all times:

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Igor Kulman
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I think it is likely that the Linux boot and/or the dual boot with Windows 8 somehow changed the motherboard settings for the fan control. I would proceed with:

  • Check the settings for fan control in the ThinkVantage Power Manager (use the Advanced view), see Advance Power settings. Check if the Linux OS changed essential settings for the predefined power agendas. Especially check the settings for what the computer does when idle.
  • Install and use tpfancontrol, see tpfancontrol. Maybe that
    program can help you to regain the control of the fan. I have used it on a number of Thinkpads, not a flashy interface but works very well. Since you have both W7 and W8, you should probably install it on both OS (tpfancontrol W8 - works
  • TP420 is usually sold with three years of warranty & service. Check your warranty - can be done through the ThinkVantage Toolbox.

Also, check out this question and its answer for getting the Linuxversion to work, Problem w t400 fan w linux

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FredrikD
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