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Laptop temperature alarm software

Software which sounds an alarm when the processor temperature approaches a critical temperature.
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Whenever my laptop processor temperature gets too high, it abruptly powers down with no warning and no chance to save data etc. This is necessary to protect the cpu from damage, but it would be better if something could be done before the temperature got that high.

In most cases unblocking the vent would solve the problem IF I were made aware of the problem in time.

Purchasing additional laptop cooling hardware would solve the problem but should not be necessary.

Software exists to display a graph of the processor temperature proving that the necessary information is available. But in most cases the temperature doesn't matter unless it's getting too high, so watching a graph should not be necessary.

The ideal solution would be an audible alarm and a "PROCESSOR OVERHEATING SHUTDOWN IMMINENT!" warning screen which occurs whenever the temperature gets within a specified range of the shutdown temperature.

halfcocked, Nov 14 2008

A hardware version of an alarm http://www.techinst...A9ZYCFRJuxwodxyI__w
[Amos Kito, Nov 14 2008]

A software version of an alarm http://www.intel.co...motherbd/active.htm
This utility may only work on older desktop PCs. I tried to install it on my Win Vista "Intel Centrino" laptop. It refused. [Amos Kito, Nov 14 2008]


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       If it has forewarning of the problem, the OS can shut down (or suspend/hibernate) gracefully. I would however prefer a warning so I can unblock the vent and keep working.   

       I have a feeling such software already exists though.
Srimech, Nov 14 2008
  

       You want an airflow alarm then. Even something simple and mechanical like the stall horn on a plane would work.
phoenix, Nov 14 2008
  

       //unblocking the vent would solve the problem//
What's the purpose of waiting for it to overheat before unblocking the vent?
Amos Kito, Nov 14 2008
  

       In most cases, you just don't notice it's blocked. It's easy to do on an untidy desk.
Srimech, Nov 14 2008
  

       The sugested Intel software doesn't install in my AMD based Gateway laptop. It looks like a good solution for Intel based laptops, though. So far, I haven't found an AMD equivalent.   

       The hardware thermometer alarm solution costs more than the hardware cooling solution I had been thinking about. The hardware coolers effectively move the vent from the bottom to the sides where blocking is much less likely anyway. The bottom vent location is what makes keeping the vent unblocked in a laptop problematic for locations like beds and LAPS.   

       An airflow alarm would also work but would require additional hardware while the hardware to detect the temperature and report it to the software is already there.   

       It would be nice if the OS would perform this basic function.
halfcocked, Nov 14 2008
  

       The alarm must happen when the laptop hasn’t overheated, isn’t preparing to shut off, and still in a safe temperature range. Can you close your programs in time? Do you “unblock”, and hope it cools quickly? Or will the alarm become a nuisance, where you shut down for no reason?   

       I think [phoenix’s] air sensor might be better, if it’s an accessory for the unobservant, not a standard feature.
Amos Kito, Nov 14 2008
  

       Using the mobmeter.exe temperature graphing software and running a high cpu usage program I found out that unblocking the vent (simply by lifting the corner of the laptop into the air) caused the temperature to stop rising within 1/2 second. If the alarm were set 5 degrees below the shutoff temperature, that would allow plenty of time to notice that the vent is blocked and reposition the laptop.   

       I don't consider not being aware at all times of the position of my laptop on my knees within 5 inches while trying to do productive work being "unobservant". And I don't see why anyone would object to a few extra lines of code in an OS which warns folks of much less critical events than an imminent unexpected shutdown.
halfcocked, Nov 14 2008
  

       It might be necessary to write a program designed to elicit CPU overheating, together with a failsafesafe preventing the computer from turning itself off. One could then set the laptop to overload and hurl it down the hall to slow pursuing klingons.
bungston, Nov 14 2008
  


 

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