XPS M170 CPU whine? Can I do anyhting about it?

I've never heard of CPU whine. Just for kicks, try changing the BIOS to reduce hdd noise. I've definitely seen Windows hit the virtual memory during scrolling, so it's possible that's what's happening. Also, double check and put the sound on mute and see if there is any effect. Just a long shot, but I'd try it. To my knowledge, a cpu shouldn't whine, but perhaps the fan could. As a last resort, you might try applying Arctic silver to the cpu and gpu to reduce the fan requirement.

Hello,

This is Richard from the Dell Online Community Outreach group. I have heard about CPU whining, but it was with a different computer and processor type. Send me a PM and maybe we can come up with a way to figure this out and fix it.

Regards,

Richard B
Dell Online Community Outreach

I am unsure it is your CPU or GPU.

I think it is your wireless card that make that noise. Listen real close to the back of your lappie on the underside where the wireless card is.

Would like you to know that this was a common issue back in the days that this place was filled with I9300's and M170's.

http://cpu.rightmark.org/download/rm...0_bin_upd1.exe

download that--->select tab "management" and check "run HLT command when OS is idle"

that should solve the problem

LOL

I just downloaded that file, just to take a peek at what it was and what not.

Silly me, I'm on Linux ATM! LOL

I didn't know you were a linux'er

Just to add to this, I experience the exact same issue with my M90, it's only annoying in a completley quiet enviroment. And I have noticed no lag due to this, but that could just be me.

On the Linux side of things, this was a common issue with some computers (mainly laptops), but it's been a while since I've seen anyone raise this issue.
Usually the culprit tends to be the internal kernel cpu timer interrupt. This issue tend to be fixed if you just adjust the timer from (default in 2.6) 1000hz, down to 250hz or even 100hz. (250hz was the old timer, or before 2.6)
I have not tested this on this spesific box (simply due to lazyness), but on a few other laptops, this fix has worked well. (the Fujitsu Siemens in my sig, amongst others).

I'll see if I can get around doing a recompile when I get my ass home from the office.

Just be aware of the cpu scheduler issues this could raise, few large slices (low hz, 100 or 250) is preferred on workbox/servers. On desktops many small slices could make the box feel more repsonsive. (windows only uses a 100hz timer...) To read more about how to set the timer, and what it does, check out http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Proble...h_pitch_noises. This is mainly related to thinkpads, but the solution should be universal. Read the "Change the timer interrupt frequency" for details.



[ Infected ]

I have the same problem when i'm not scrolling....
But then again it's probaly the leaking liqiud o_0

My XPS Gen 2 has always made little noises when I scroll down web pages or whatever. I'm on my 5th video card (first 2 were 6800 Ultra Go's, the rest 7800 GTX Go's) and they've all made noises that seem to correspond with the current frame rate I'm getting. In the menus of games they all made very strange noises too.

It doesn't seem to indicate anything is malfunctioning, and since the noises are easily drowned out they don't bother me. I don't think there's anything you can do to your laptop that will make it quieter, except make the CPU run at a single speed (instead of switching between 800MHz and 2000MHz).

Hey is it worth upgrading to the 7800 ?

It was worth the $150 I spent after selling my 6800 Ultra Go, that's for sure. At this point, you should definitely save the money for a new system, especially since I haven't heard of anyone getting a 7800 GTX Go that cheap lately.

I bought this used laptop for $399 and it has complete care for 690 days
I'm just waiting for this to break

I do both.

Oh dude, in that amount of time you'll run them dry of 6800 Ultra Go's and they'll be forced to put in the 7800 GTX Go. These things burn out pretty fast on their own.