Fan failsafe mode for MX2xx series?

x^9 · Post by **x^9** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 2:53 pm

Hi,

Since the MX2xx series controls the fans using the host PC, I'd like to know what exactly happens if the computer crashes or worse hangs. This question was brought up in this thread, but there have been no replies there yet. Can anyone shed some light on this?

I'm worried because I generally leave my computer on all the time. BTW, I am aware of the procedure for starting the fans full tilt at boot so that issue is not a problem.

Thanks.

Paradigm · Post by **Paradigm** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 3:43 pm

Well the units do have a default startup fan setting. So you could set it to maximum, and then when your software takes over, it can adjust it.

As for when your PC crashes, your fans will continue to turn at the rate at which they were last told to. For most people this is ok, if not wait for the next revision (No date is set, don't even ask

)

x^9 · Post by **x^9** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 4:53 pm

paradigm wrote:As for when your PC crashes, your fans will continue to turn at the rate at which they were last told to. For most people this is ok, if not wait for the next revision (No date is set, don't even ask )

Thanks for the prompt reply. That feature is pretty important to me.

Besides just periodically checking the forum here for new HW/firmware/whatever? revisions and bugging MO employees

, is there perhaps an automatic way to be notified, like subscribing to an email list or something?

The current revision is 1.4, correct? So I'd be waiting for v1.5 (or higher)?
[EDIT: I think I've confused the PCB revision numbers with the firmware revision numbers. What versions are you referring to, current and the one I'm waiting for?]

Thanks again!

VJ · Post by VJ » Tue Jan 13, 2004 2:03 am

It is a mainboard dependant feature, but if your mainboard supports Watch Dog, it can detect system freezes and act accordingly.

This is from the manual of the Supermicro X5DA8 (my mainboard):

JP37 controls Watch Dog, a system monitor that takes action when a software application freezes the system. Pins 1-2 will have WD reset
the system if a program freezes. Pins 2-3 will generate a non-maskable interrupt for the program that has frozen (requires software
implementation). Watch Dog must also be enabled in BIOS.

Also, most newer CPUs have no problems with slow overheating: they throttle down.
Tomshardware had an article in 2001 where they tested the behaviour of CPUs when the heatsink was removed while in operation

.
http://www20.tomshardware.com/cpu/20010917/index.html
Of course, the temperature-rise caused by a slowed down CPU cooler is much less steep, and should be detectable.

J

Paradigm · Post by **Paradigm** » Tue Jan 13, 2004 9:23 am

I agree with VJ. Unless you have an older AMD Athlon without thermal protection you won't have much of a problem.

As for versions, 1.4 is the current PCB revision and I don't see that changing. The current firmware is 2.1 (for the LK202-24-USB / MX2). So the next one would be 2.2. We don't have email notification for that sort of thing, so just keep your eye on the fourm. But like I said, it's not even scheduled in, so don't hold your breath.